Now that you are finally settled in and practically done picking classes, it is time to start thinking about your handy little (or sometimes quite big) friends, better known as text books! For many, this can be an overwhelming burden to your bank account. However, Savvy Student has found alternative options for getting the books and information you need leaving you with cash to spare.
1. Rent!
Renting books and textbooks had become one of the best ways to save money. Not only can you rent your textbooks for half the price, but you also will also forgo the hassle of selling them back at the end of the semester, if you are not interested in keeping them. Renting textbooks is now available through the Brandeis Bookstore, as well as online retailers such as amazon.com and half.com.
2. Purchase E-books
Do you own a laptop, Ipad, Kindle, Nook or eReader? If so, you may now use these devices to study with. Many companies are now offering their textbooks in an electronic format which tends to be far less expensive than a physical textbook and a lot lighter too. Even better, you may have access to ebooks on your smart phone!
3. Compare Options and Buy Used
While new books are always an option, the bill can add up very quickly. If you want to guarantee your books are not worn out and highlighted by previous owners, buying brand new books is your best option to guarantee that. If you don’t mind a little wear and tear, buying used books is the optimal way to save money this semester. While it may take some research in order to find the best deal, you can save hundreds of dollars. The first place to look is the Brandeis bookstore, which has a limited supply of used books, but you would not need to worry about waiting for your books to arrive or the shipping costs involved.
If the book is not available used at the bookstore, your next best options are amazon.com or half.com. The benefits to these two online retailers is that they compile a ton of sellers and their listing prices for a particular book, so that you can find the optimal choice for the best price.
4. Buy Books Cheap and make the world a better place
There is one other great resource that sells used and new book and tries to help others at the same time. Better World Books is an online retailer that uses the power of business to change the world. They collect and sell books online to donate books and fund literacy initiatives worldwide. With more than 8 million new and used titles in stock, they are a self-sustaining company that creates social, economic and environmental value for their stakeholders. Want to know more good news? BWB also provides free shipping worldwide! Make sure to check out this great company for your books at http://www.betterworldbooks.com/.
There you have it- now it’s time to hit those books and start off your semester being financially savvy! Doing your research and finding the best price for books will only pay off in the future when you are looking for some extra cash for the weekend.
Happy Shopping!
-Savvy Student
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