How to Save Money on Textbooks

Looking for ways to cut the costs on study material? Find tips on How to Save Money on Textbooks here. We give you options like second hand resources, renting and even free resources.

Whether you’re paying for college yourself or have funding, furthering your studies can be an expensive task. Cut the costs and find out how to save money on textbooks right here.  

8 Tips to Save Money on Textbooks

If you’ve just signed up for college, you’ll soon realise that your running costs are adding up quickly. You have to budget for your course fees, textbooks and other additional expenses. So, let’s help you out with some of these tips

Avoid the Bookstore 

Your natural instinct may be to purchase your textbooks at a bookstore. But, if you’re trying to save money, this should be your last option. Bookstores generally charge more as they hold the newest editions. 

Buy Used

Instead of going to the bookstore, try to buy secondhand books. Search online or create a post on Facebook. Also check the notice boards at your college or university. Students who have already used these books will usually try and sell them. 

Check the Library

Check out your local or college library for your required textbooks. Some libraries will allow you to take them out on loan for a period of time. If you mention that you’re a student they could also give you an extension on your loan. 

Share 

Why not get by with a little help from your friends? Get together with a group of students and share your books. You could all contribute financially to purchase your study materials and rotate these weekly or bi-weekly. 

E-Books

Thank goodness for technology! Thanks to the internet, there are a variety of online resources where you can purchase E-books. They are generally cheaper than the physical book and are good for our environment too. 

Use the Older Version

Some study resources get updated often. However, most of the course outcomes will remain the same. It will be worth it to look into purchasing the older version of the textbooks as they will be less expensive. 

Double Check Your Financial Aid

Some schools make it possible to bill your textbook purchases to your financial aid. Especially if there is some remaining money left. If you are having trouble purchasing your resources, you could chat to your financial aid officer to apply for more. 

Use Scholarships or Grant Money 

You will have to check the terms of your scholarship or grant, but some will allow the purchase of textbooks in their agreement. It will be useful to get this information before you even apply for the scholarship. 

Is it Better to Rent or Buy Textbooks?

If you’re looking for ways on how to save money on textbooks, then renting your study materials might just be a good idea. Renting is much cheaper than buying your textbooks. Most bookstores and online services offer these services for students. Keep in mind, you’ll have to return the books by a specific date. 

A student looking for her textbooks in a store. Finds ways on How to Save Money on Textbooks.

Is it Better to Rent or Buy Textbooks?

If you’re looking for ways on how to save money on textbooks, then renting your study materials might just be a good idea. Renting is much cheaper than buying your textbooks. Most bookstores and online services offer these services for students. Keep in mind, you’ll have to return the books by a specific date. 

How can I not Pay for Textbooks? 

Finding textbooks for free is a little bit of a difficult task. However, there are some ways you can get your study materials at no extra cost. 

Free Online Sources

Some online sites will have free pdf versions of textbooks available. But, you must first check if these are trusted resources and whether they are providing this service legally. This could be a little risky so make sure to do enough research. 

Distance Learning Colleges

At Skills Academy our study material is provided to you at no extra cost. The only thing you need to cover are your course fees. Once you enrol, your textbooks are delivered to you for free. 

Other than saving money on textbooks, we also offer other financial perks. You get free access to an online student support platform, tons of opportunities for discounts and more. These are just a few of the ways we prioritise affordable education for all. 

Save BIG With Skills Academy

Ready to enrol? Speak to one of our course consultants to guide you through our easy process. Contact us on:

  • Call us on 0800 39 00 27 – it’s free
  • Or fill out a contact form for a call back 
Last Updated: 7 June 2022

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