{"id":152,"date":"2017-08-23T23:57:49","date_gmt":"2017-08-24T06:57:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/flexiblelearning\/?p=152"},"modified":"2020-08-29T02:40:56","modified_gmt":"2020-08-29T09:40:56","slug":"cheaptextbooks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/flexiblelearning\/nisha\/cheaptextbooks\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to buy cheaper textbooks?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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\u2013200 on a textbook for a course to be used only for a\u00a0semester?<\/p>\n

No, it\u2019s 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\u2019t worry\u2014head for the exit and explore other options. There are many sources for cheaper textbooks.<\/p>\n

Cheaper second-hand and discounted textbooks <\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Look for second-hand bookstores near your college or university\u2014you might find stores dealing exclusively in second-hand textbooks. For students going to UBC, I recommend visiting Discount Textbooks<\/a>\u2014they offer a discount on new as well as second-hand textbooks.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

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  1. https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/ubc.textbook.4.sale\/<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/ubcbuyandsellitems\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Online Stores like Amazon<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Amazon is a great source for new and used textbooks, and offers discounts for students with \u201cstudent prime<\/a>\u201d accounts. Also, it\u2019s quite easy to trade back your used textbook. You may ask: \u201cBut isn\u2019t there a yearly fee for Prime membership?\u201d Amazon frequently offers a free six-month trial\u2014check to see if it works for you. Your parents\/guardians or elder siblings might have an account.\u00a0 You might even find that it\u2019s cheaper to purchase a brand-new textbook on Amazon.<\/p>\n

    Check before you purchase e-text<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    E-texts are an option, and if money is not a concern, then e-texts are fantastic. However,\u00a0this 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.<\/p>\n

    Before you purchase an e-text make sure it\u2019s a version that can be read on your computer or tablet.<\/p>\n