How to Not Sell Your Soul for College Books

10:00 AM

Most, if not all, university students will be starting classes in less than three weeks. THREE weeks. Once upon a time, moving into college was simply a dream. Alas, it's no longer only a dream; it's a reality. And with this reality comes a lot of additional responsibilities, such as learning how to be a functioning, independent person, buying a bunch of dorm stuff, and selling your soul to pay for books. But don't freak out! I know that it sounds pretty terrifying, but I can help you! I have some tips that just might let you sell only a body part or two for books instead. 

1. Compare All of Your Books 

Yes, this is the ultimate piece of advice that you most likely will hear from every Tom, Dick, and Harry, but it's only because it's legit! Do not buy books from your college's bookstore without first checking out competing prices. Not only will you most likely be robbed, but you will also miss out on great deals that might let you spend your money elsewhere (or simply save it for future necessities, if you're a smart cookie).  

But how do I compare my books...?

  • Websites such as slugbooks.com, textsurf.com, chegg.com, and ecampus.com are great websites to compare books. The former two are literal comparison sites, which means that you are able to type in an ISBN (or multiple) and it'll compile all the competing sites into one chart for you. Ecampus allows you to compare manually by typing in the book name, author's name, or ISBN. 
  • When you compare, use the exact ISBN of the textbook that your university gave to you. You do not want to risk getting the wrong book simply because you ordered it elsewhere. There are sometimes multiple editions and various versions. If you do find a cheaper textbook that is a different version but is cheaper than the others, e-mail your professor to see if it is okay.
  • Always pay attention to which price you are looking at - rent, buy, or used. The comparison sites will normally provide all that they can.
  • If a book is required new, you can still buy it elsewhere; HOWEVER, if a code a part of a textbook purchase, I recommend buying it from your university because you do not want to risk purchasing a used textbook and code and the code does not function or does not come all together. (This tip came from my advisor.)

2. Rent

I only rented one of my textbooks this semester, but that was because I did not want to pay over $100 for a book that could be rented for less than $35. (I actually rented it for $26, but with S&H and tax, it ended up around $32.) Nothing is wrong with renting. It is just like checking out a book at the library. It's really simple and can save you a bunch of cash! 

  • Always keep up with the due date. You never want to miss a due date for a rental, just like you would not want to miss your due date at the library. Add the return date to your calendar
  • Most rentals can be kept for a trimester, semester, and sometimes an entire year. When you rent a book, they will always give you the return date (and if not exact, an estimate). Sometimes their semester is not equivalent to your university's semester, though, and if this is the case...
  • Feel free to extend your rental! Sometimes there is a fee, but most times, you are free to do this at no cost. I will have to do this for my rented book because it's return date is the 14th of December, but my semester isn't over until the 16th, and I am not sure when my final is.
  • Some rental places even allow renters to write/highlight in books. Cool, right?

3. Buy Used - It's Really No Big Deal

I am not too sure why some people are so against buying used. Used saves lives and pockets and wallets. I bought the majority of my books used. I mean, what are the odds that you are going to need or want to keep the book after the course ends? Slim to none! Certain books are recommended to keep (major-specific courses, but that's normally towards your third and fourth and sometimes fifth year). 

  • "I need to write in my book, so I have to buy my own." Well, feel free to do that if you absolutely must. I understand that sometimes there is no way around it, like if it is a hands-on textbook; however, here's a little spoiler: some rentals/used books already have highlights and maybe some notes in them. (This is because people sell their books at the end!) Feel free to take your own, but don't be super obnoxious about it (as most people aren't). 
  • "I do not want marks in my book!" Honestly, there will be used books that nobody has ever written in. Not all of them have highlights or notes or doodles. If you happen to receive one that is written in, ask the bookstore or wherever you purchase your textbooks from if they have another one with fewer markings. It can actually work. (Personal experience over here, y'all!)

4. Sell It Back

Once again - the majority of your courses will be a one-time deal and you will not need your textbooks anymore. Sell them back once you are finished! A quick tip is to sell it yourself to someone who may need it because you will almost, guaranteed, get a higher percentage back than if you were to sell it back to the bookstore. A returned $100 book could be bought back from the bookstore for $20, unfortunately. A this is typically non-negotiable.

  • I recommend checking out what the going rate for the book is and price accordingly so that you can be competitive and have a higher rate of selling.
  • Actually talk to future students who may be taking the course. A lot of students are looking for a nice break (which is practically anything cheaper than the given price by universities).

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