The first day of classes, and you have your syllabi for the four courses you take this semester. At the university bookstore, you collect your package. Wait! You are expected to spend $100–200 on a textbook for a course to be used only for a semester?

No, it’s not a mistake. There are a few courses for which the cost of textbooks have skyrocketed in the past decade – I have seen this happen for economics. Yes, this is absurd. More so, as the latest, updated, expensive versions of the same textbooks might only have 2% of new content. Don’t worry—head for the exit and explore other options. There are many sources for cheaper textbooks.

Cheaper second-hand and discounted textbooks

If you don’t mind slightly worn out substitutes, acquire a second-hand textbook. There is a history in those folds, a guided hand in those marks or underlines, and a warmth in the knowledge that this book already has made the journey that you now begin.

Look for second-hand bookstores near your college or university—you might find stores dealing exclusively in second-hand textbooks. For students going to UBC, I recommend visiting Discount Textbooks—they offer a discount on new as well as second-hand textbooks.

You can also check with outgoing students and do away with the middle person- purchase second hand directly from your seniors. You might, in the process, get valuable advice and guidance from them. Use social media to connect to others who are selling used textbooks. You will find many groups on Facebook. Here are two for UBC:

1. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ubc.textbook.4.sale/
2. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ubcbuyandsellitems/

Online Stores like Amazon

Amazon is a great source for new and used textbooks, and offers discounts for students with “student prime” accounts. Also, it’s quite easy to trade back your used textbook. You may ask: “But isn’t there a yearly fee for Prime membership?” Amazon frequently offers a free six-month trial—check to see if it works for you. Your parents/guardians or elder siblings might have an account.  You might even find that it’s cheaper to purchase a brand-new textbook on Amazon.

Check before you purchase e-text

E-texts are an option, and if money is not a concern, then e-texts are fantastic. However, this might not always be a cheaper option. If you are deciding to purchase an e-textbook, check carefully, as some publishers only offer six-month access. In that case, you should think of this as the cost of renting a textbook for six months with no resale.

Before you purchase an e-text make sure it’s a version that can be read on your computer or tablet.

• iBooks
• Google play
• Openstax
• Kindle e-textbooks
• BNED-Barnes & Noble
• Chegg
• Vitalsource

When should you sell your textbooks

If the textbook is for an introductory course that is a prerequisite for other classes, I would advise keeping the textbook for review. It makes sense to have permanent access to your textbook, or at least until you graduate. Don’t be in a rush to sell your textbooks.

Here is an insightful article by Eric Griffith in PCmag answering some of the questions on – cheap textbooks – where and how? https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2423061,00.asp