I complain about college textbook prices every semester, and I will continue to until I graduate. It’s a sticky, unavoidable situation and for college students, our only source of relief is expressing our great frustration. Purchasing a book for $300 better have a map to the Fountain of Youth or El Dorado for it to be worth a couple months of rent. If you’re not familiar with the struggle, it goes as follows:
Our professors say we need these books and usually we can’t tell if they’re kidding or not, if we’ll actually use the books, or if we can pass the class without them. I once had a biology teacher say a $300 book was required for the course, but the assignments, readings, and test questions were solely based upon lecture. I waited to find out I didn’t need that particular book because of the hefty price, but in some cases, professors expect the books to be with you on the first day of classes. You never know if the powerpoint on the syllabus will turn into a bookwork assignment on the first day.
Waiting until after classes start to buy books is a gamble for several reasons: in a worst case scenario, you’re enrolled in a class with a snarky professor who hands out a detailed and monstrous reading schedule with the syllabus. In an even worse case scenario: the book you waited to buy is sold out at the bookstore and they’ll get it in the day after the paper on the reading is due. So even if you were prepared to give an arm and a leg for the book, you’re still stuck.
How much do they really cost? To the average four year student at an American state college, students pay $655 a year for books and supplies. That’s almost another $700 on top of tuition, fees, room and board, and transportation costs. These companies claim the prices are due to labor, but they’re robbing us and using clever new ways to do it. Some professors use software that are partners with the university, but they bundle the software with a brand new book- which is exponentially more expensive than a used copy.
I feel taken advantage of at this time every year, but never fear- this upperclassman has some tips! Obviously, buying used textbooks is a cost efficient alternative, but also consider renting. If the option is available, it could be worth it if you turn them in on time and avoid late fees at the end of the semester. Bookstores are notoriously underwhelming about buying back books, so renting will save you the headache of finding the best place to sell the book back to.
When it comes to software bundles, go online and do research to see if the online software is sold separately, and if you can buy the book used. In some cases, it’s cost efficient to buy separately.
For textbooks, I recommend borrowing a study buddy’s book and screenshotting the readings if they’re outlined on the syllabus.
Consider making an Amazon Prime account. New students with an email ending in (.edu) can get a six month free trial with the benefit of free two-day shipping. However, as a word of warning, if you only will use it for a one time purchase, remember to cancel your membership afterwards, or they will additionally charge your credit card.
Biggest tip: research, research, research. Compare prices from your university bookstore, to Amazon, Chegg, even Barnes & Noble (their book prices online are sometimes cheaper than in-store). There are ways to save a few bucks, but be sure to prepare your heart and your wallet for the inevitable.
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