That’s Swell

I recently switched from being an art/graphic design major to Human Services. I knew I’d have to start buying books again (before that I used some charcoal/newsprint and a computer, not much buying required), but I was not prepared for the price difference! This semester (granted I’m taking 18 credits) would’ve cost me about $700-$800 – no joke (some classes had 3-4 books!). And because we we’re a) frugal and b)on a tight budget – I had to come up with some alternatives. And I know, had we had a credit card, I wouldn’t have tried so hard to get my books in ‘alternative’ ways. Here’s how I did it.

1. Check the School Library – Most people don’t realize that most college libraries carry a copy of each textbook. I decided to look into it (I’ve never done it before). I was able to find 3 books (though some were an edition behind) to use. Granted, they’re due in a month – and if no one requests them I can renew them for another month – and then after that I might have to return them then check them right back out again – but it’s worth it. And the late fees (if I did need if, and it had to be returned) are cheaper then buying them! Savings – $75!

2. Check the public library – Not thinking it would really work, on a whim I tried our public library for books – and I got one! A savings of $75!

3. Go to class first - One of my classes had listed 4 books, but when we got to class the teacher only required 1. He didn’t even know the others were listed as “required” in the bookstore. Check with the teacher first, could save you lots of money! Savings – $125!

4. Ask the teacher - Another class I was having problems getting the book (ie money and running out of time to order online) so I actually just asked the teacher if he had an extra copy I could borrow – and it worked! He said I can use it the whole semester as needed. Saved my $100!

5. Borrow – One of my friends took some of the same classes a few years ago and had his books. So he let me look through them to find anything I needed. Savings on one book – $160!

6. Split the Books – For another class I was able to split the books with a classmate – the teacher recommended we do it since the books were so expensive. Savings – $75.

7. In-Store Credit - I had a gift card from Barnes & Noble with a $20 credit. I still had one book left to get – so I went into B&N and they were able to order the book, have it delivered to my apt. and I was able to use my in-store credit. Savings – $20.

In the end I only bought one book from the bookstore at full price – a geology lab manual, and you couldn’t get a used one – so I had to buy it there. But other than that, I was able to save a TON of money!

Some other great ways to save money on textbooks are to check online, the usual Amazon, Abebooks, even Facebook has a marketplace now to buy from other students (I did check there, just none of the books I needed).

photo via Stock.Xchng