As a college student, I've had to hand over a hefty amount of money over the most dreaded thing known to college other than fees: textbooks. Have you ever been in those classes where the professor spends about 20 minutes lecturing you on how important it is that you get the textbook? They tell you all types of things: if you don't get it, you won't do well, you invested your money in an education and the book is part of that education.
Then you buy the book and you find out you haven't opened the cover. Yes, I've been there. Frustrating right? Absolutely maddening! Why did I just spend $50, $80, $100, $200?!!! This was me as a freshman. Since then, I've definitely learned a lot of skills and tips when it comes to textbooks.
Here is a rundown of some quick information:
- For the most part, the information between editions are the same!
- Custom editions for your school is no different than the regular textbook!
- International editions are the same.
- Professors don't always know the difference between one edition of the textbook to the new one. They got sold by some advertiser.
- Your school's bookstore raises the prices of those books to get a cut from it.
- Textbooks that come with CDs or access codes cost more. If you're not going to use them, don't buy the book that comes with it.
- AVOID BUYING AT YOUR SCHOOL'S STORE!!
- Always buy used.
- Buy international!
- Comparison shop!
- Wait until the first day of classes to get the syllabus. Gauge from the calender and use your instincts to determine whether you really need it.
- Check out your school's library. Often, they'll have a copy of your textbook or book lying around somewhere.
- Share a textbook with a classmate. BEWARE: This might be difficult come exam time.
- Access codes that are required for you to do online homework often come with the e-book already included.
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