Summer is just around the corner, that magical time for sunbathing, music festivals, and getting ready for your first year of college! A lot of you are probably super excited about buying all kinds of cool stuff to make your dorm room like it came straight from Pinterest, but don’t forget about the most exciting purchases of all: textbooks!
I know, I know. That word makes me (and my wallet) groan too. It’s important to know how to be savvy about textbook purchases, because they can run up a serious bill if you’re none the wiser. So I’m here to lay out all the options you have for purchasing textbooks, from our own campus bookstore to the Facebook Textbook Exchange, so that you can make the best choices for you and your wallet.
Our very own on campus bookstore. While this is not an actual physical place on campus, it is arguably one of the fastest ways to get your textbooks. It also is super easy–you can select your term, course number, and section and it will take you straight to the book needed for the class. You can rent or buy textbooks from the Viking Bookstore, and sell back the ones you buy, for at least part of the cost you paid originally. You can also get the online version of a textbook from the Viking Bookstore.
2. Amazon
Amazon is another great place to do some textbook shopping. You have to be more careful about getting the right editions/volumes of textbooks, and sometimes you really have to poke around for a good deal. Amazon will also usually have the online version of a text available. However, Amazon also offers some great deals, like a free Student Prime trial, which lasts about 6 months. Prime works on more than just textbooks and gives students free two-day shipping. You can also rent books from Amazon, and shipping them back is free!
3. Chegg
I have never used Chegg but I know a lot of people who like it! You can buy or rent textbooks, and sell back used textbooks. Chegg also has the eBook option for many texts. They will often offer free shipping on orders over a certain price.
4. The Lawrence Textbook Exchange
Lawrence University’s very own textbook black market. Just kidding, it’s totally legal. A great resource if you are looking to get something fast and for a deal! This is one of the best places to get Freshman Studies books on the cheap, and you don’t have to pay for shipping. Students are also generally willing to negotiate on prices, especially for larger textbooks. The only downside is the limited supply (sometimes there will be only one person selling a certain text). Lawrence also has a bustling Closet Exchange page, if you’re looking to do some shopping for fun while looking for those textbooks!
5. Others
There are probably a few other places to get textbooks–eBay, which I didn’t mention for the reason that it sketches me out and the selection is limited. It might be worth it to check out buying used textbooks if you have a local college or university. The bottom line is to find a system that works for you. I personally like to rent textbooks, but if you are a highlighting fiend or worried about damaging a book, it might be worth it for you to buy. I would also recommend waiting until you arrive on campus to purchase textbooks. You might change your classes after talking with you advisor, and sometimes the professor will want you to have a different edition of the textbook than is listed in Voyager.
I hope this has helped clear up the textbook shopping process for you, and best of luck. Bottom line: don’t be afraid to spend some time looking for a deal before you buy!