How to Save the MOST Money on Textbooks - College Info Geek

TL;DR

Learn how to save money on textbooks by getting the book list early, emailing professors, utilizing the library, sharing books with classmates, and comparing prices online.

Transcript

Hey, what's up guys? So, today we are gonna talk about textbooks. And I wanna bring to bear all the knowledge that I've gained, both as a recent college graduate and also as a quite adept user of Google, if I do say so myself, to help you pay as little money as possible for these things. And before we get into the thick of it, I just wann... Read More

Key Insights

• 👻 It's beneficial to get the book list early to allow time for finding bargains and contacting professors.
• 🥶 Emailing professors can provide information on book usage and the possibility of using older editions.
• 📚 Utilizing the library's reserve copies and sharing books with classmates can help save money.
• 👋 Comparing prices online across different websites can help find the best deals.
• 👋 Traditional textbook sites like Amazon, Chegg, and TextbookRush are commonly used but may not always offer the best prices.
• 🤑 Considering alternative formats like digital rentals or international editions can save money.
• 🤝 Checking brick-and-mortar stores or campus bookstores for used editions might yield better deals.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can emailing professors help in saving money on textbooks?

Email professors to ask about the frequency of book usage and if it's possible to buy an old edition. This way, you can potentially avoid buying unnecessary expensive editions.

Q: What are the alternatives to buying textbooks?

One alternative is to use the library's reserve copies, which can be used in the building. Another option is to share books with classmates, either by finding a group to share with or using Facebook groups to connect with students taking the same class.

Q: Are there any websites that offer free textbooks?

While not directly related to textbooks, websites like Boundless provide open-source online textbooks that can be a useful resource if you don't need a specific textbook but still require general information.

Q: What are some online platforms to compare textbook prices?

Websites like Amazon, Chegg, and TextbookRush offer textbook-selling services. Additionally, price comparison tools like StudentRate Textbooks, SlugBooks, and BigWords can help compare prices across different sites.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Start early: Get the book list in advance to have time to hunt for bargains and email professors.

• Email professors: Ask how often the book will be used and if it's okay to buy an old edition.

• Utilize the library: Look for reserve copies that can be used in the library.

• Share books with classmates: Find a group or partner to share books with.

• Compare prices online: Use websites like Amazon, Chegg, and TextbookRush to find the best deals.