5 Ways to Get Your College Course Books (Without Breaking the Bank)
Getting the required books for each of your college classes can be dauntingly expensive, especially if you need textbooks, anthologies, or the newest edition of anything. In addition, you should be wary of purchasing new books from your campus bookstore, as these may come with a convenience markup. Fortunately, there are several strategies for acquiring all the books you need — without breaking the bank. Here’s how.
1. Buy Used Textbooks
One of the oldest cost-effective methods for getting affordable books is purchasing used books. You can likely find these in your campus bookstore, community bookstore, or on a variety of book retailer websites. If you’re buying online, you can use filters to find books in “like new,” “excellent,” “good,” or “fair” conditions at corresponding price points. Some online platforms provide a marketplace for students to buy and sell used books directly.
2. Opt for E-Books
If you have a tablet or laptop, e-books can make for great cheap college textbooks (and, unlike traditional books, will never weigh down your bag or fill up your living space). You can purchase these at many online book retailers for a fraction of the price of physical books.
You can also access free college textbooks in digital form by borrowing them. Many college and city libraries now offer a selection of e-books, and digital lending works much like traditional lending. It’s best to look for these as early as possible, as many of your classmates will have the same idea. And although you won’t have to “return” them, these books will disappear from your mobile reading device on their due date if you don’t renew them, so mark your calendar.
3. Check Your Library Borrowing Options
Many college libraries have a reserve collection where hard copies of textbooks for specific courses are kept for short-term use. If yours doesn’t have a particular book, check availability at your city library. If you strike out there too, consider using interlibrary loan (ILL) services. ILL allows you to borrow books from other libraries within a university or city library network. With this option, it’s best to plan ahead, as it may take days or weeks for these loans to arrive.
4. Borrow From Classmates or Friends
If you have a roommate, classmate, or friend who’s already taken the same or similar course, you might be able to borrow books from them. Alternatively, social media groups or campus forums can be useful for connecting with peers who might have the books you need.
5. Seek Assistance From Education-Related Nonprofits
For students facing significant financial challenges, higher education-related nonprofits, like On Point for College, can be an incredibly valuable resource. These organizations often have programs to assist with textbooks and other educational materials. They may be able to offer you grants, donations, or lending programs, so it is important to speak to your advisors about your situation.
Get Assistance for College Expenses With On Point for College
On Point for College helps traditional and non-traditional students in the Central New York region overcome the barriers to higher education and careers. We support our students from application through graduation and beyond, empowering them to fulfill their dreams and achieve their potential, which ultimately benefits both individuals and our community.
Our Education Services team provides a range of services designed to help On Point students and graduates find career opportunities and employment that align with their skills and education. Join us to get comprehensive assistance with your college experience, including help with getting course books.
Ready to become a part of On Point for College? Fill out our new student interest form here.