How To Save On Textbooks

With the beginning of each semester, a concern grows in the mind of most students: very expensive textbooks and access codes. Textbooks in Canada can be very costly, and the options offered at the college's bookstore are often very inaccessible to students who are in a tight budget, as well as buying textbooks directly from the publishers' website. Here, we compiled a list of alternatives that can help you save some money at the start of each new semester:

1) Craigslist, eBay, Kijiji, etc.

These websites often have offers of used textbooks for half of the price of a brand new textbook, and are worth checking before running to your college's bookstore straight after receiving the booklist for the semester. Beware of the conditions of the books and the reputation of the users selling them, they may not be as advertised.

2) Amazon.ca, Amazon.com

Amazon.ca also has a selection of textbooks that are slightly cheaper than the general prices from publishers, especially on the Marketplace section of the website. Additionally, the website offers digital versions of textbooks for more accessible prices than their print counterparts. Amazon.com can also be a good option, if your course does not require the Canadian version of the text.

3) Facebook student groups

Students of your college probably have an online group on Facebook dedicated to sell used textbooks after they finish their courses. Might be a good idea to check it out and see it any of your required textbooks and access codes can be purchased for cheap from other students.

4) Textbooks.com, AbeBooks, BookMob, etc.

Some websites are dedicated to offer textbooks to students in prices they can actually afford. Textbooks.com and BookMob offer a great selection of textbook for sale or rental that can help your savings when starting a new course.

5) eBooks

If you have an eReader or a tablet, you may consider getting the digital version of the text. These are usually available for a reduced price even when offered directly from the publisher or from your college's bookstore and might be a good fit for you, if you do not mind not having a physical book with you.

We hope that these suggestions help you to save money on textbooks at the beginning of the next semester! Until next time..