How to get cheap textbooks and school supplies

The average student spends more than $500 per semester in books. In some cases it is a lot more than $500 per semester. It doesn't have to cost nearly that though.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Time (to get items shipped)
• Book List

1. There are a variety of ways that you can get cheap books. One of the best I have ever found is eBay. You can get such a great deal on there. It takes time to look however. The best time to look is soon after the end of a semester, as everyone is unloading their books. You can get a deal like $2.25 for a book that is $250.00 in the book store. (Also an older edition, see below for elaboration).
2. Go for the edition earlier. One of the best ways to get a huge discount is if the teacher says you need the 5th edition for the class, get the 4th. In almost every case they are exactly the same. If you are worried ask the teacher, he may be able to tell you that will be acceptable. In the many semesters I have put in, I almost always get an older edition. I have never once had a problem. Generally the only difference I notice is a different cover and sometimes a difference preface. For a savings of often over $100 a book? I'm ok with it.
3. Amazon.com. They sell used books. If you need a rarer book, that isn't on eBay, check here.
4. University specific editions, are not so specific. Generally the only thing specific about it is that the front cover says the name of the school. So the Arizona state and the Ohio State editions are identical, just a different cover.
5. Try on campus. Put up ads with the books you have for sale, and the ones you need. Suggest a trade if they need one you are selling and have one you need. It work's more often then you would think.
6. Ask around campus. As shady as it sounds, every campus has a guy who can sell you all the books you need for $20. It's one of those don't ask how he got them situations.
7. If none of these work and you are still desperate, try the library. Sometimes you can get the book, check it out as many times as you can before returning it. When you have no more renewing options left, request a copy of the book. This way as soon as you return it, another one is waiting for you.
8. For other supplies also look on eBay. Dissection kits, can run far over $100 in the book store. On eBay, some go for less than $5.00. This goes for almost all supplies that you need. Shop around.
9. Notebooks, pens, pencils with your school name might look cute, but are completely pointless. They are usually marked up about 15%. Stick with the cheap off brand.
10. Buy in bulk. Bulk stores, online office supplies stores will sell you packs of notebooks in large numbers. You will always need it. If you get 50 notebooks your first year, I guarantee you will use them all by graduation, and save a bundle.
11. Go in on it with a buddy. This works for supplies and books. As far as supplies, buy in bulk, split the cost and the goods. Discounted materials for all!
    
    Sharing books is a great way to reduce the cost. Find a buddy in the class. You need to take all the same classes, plan on taking the same schedule so you can share textbooks. This works best if you live nearby to share for studying.
12. Photocopy. If a book costs $200, and a photocopy version of that book is only $40 worth of paper at kinkos, well then go for it! Of course this takes a lot of time, and you also need a hole punch and a few folders with the three prongs. Organize with a folder for each chapter.
13. Never, ever, ever shop at the bookstore unless you have exhausted every other option. You will over spend drastically. If you are forced to, buy a used copy.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop around!
• Make sure you leave enough time to look around for the best price and to have it shipped to you.
• Get the book list. This is obtained by either emailing the next semesters professors or calling the book store. Note: Often the bookstore won't release the book list much before the start of classes so that you are forced to get the books through them)
• Every so often teachers are offended that you are trying to get the books cheaper, and "ripping off" the school. Try not to take it to heart if they say rude comments. It is the book store ripping off students with far to expensive materials.