Textbook Strategies for Students

Textbooks can be expensive. Here are some strategies for acquiring textbooks required for your courses. 

• Meet with faculty and bookstore managers to identify opportunities for reducing textbook costs. Consider programs such as book exchanges or textbook rental programs.
• Consider options such as used textbooks and e-textbooks.  If practical, share books with other students.
• Obtain the list of required books in advance of the start of the course to allow time to locate the required textbooks at the best prices. Comparison shop online.
• Understand the return policy before buying, especially the deadline for refunds. Save sales receipts. Keep new books in pristine condition.
• Be certain that a textbook purchased online is an acceptable version for class, and be aware of the online store's return policy.
• Sell back books at the end of the term, by the designated deadline.
• Check the campus or public library for copies of books, especially supplemental books that are not textbooks.