Buying used is the best way to go for two reasons:
- First is the cost factor. You can easily spend $250-$300 per semester for books alone.
- The second reason to buy used, is hopefully your predecessor was a good student. Books that have been highlighted in and/or have notes written in the margin, will give you a good indication of what is important.
You can find used books in two places:
- Bookstore – some bookstores offer used books. They buy them back from the students at the end of the semester at a discounted rate, and resell them to you. Make sure you know the new price for the book before making your purchase. This will help you know if you are getting a good deal. In addition, it is imperative you know which edition of the book is currently being used. You don’t want to buy an outdated edition. To ensure that you are buying the proper edition, find out the ( International Standard Book Number) .
- Bulletin Boards & Upper Classmen – Many students will post books for sale on a bulletin board. Again, make sure you know the proper edition to purchase (know your ) , as well as the new price. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the seller. Chances are, you can sell the book next year for what you bought it for, if you buy right.
If you choose to buy new, you may want to buy on-line:
- If you know the book title and edition, you can look on-line . Many on-line companies will offer free shipping on purchases over $50.
- If you have order textbooks and they have not arrived by the start of the semester, head over to the college library. The library will have a copy of all textbooks for in-library use. You can use their copy to keep caught up until your copy arrives.
- Many of the popular on-line sites are listed below:
