How to Get Free Textbooks

With the cost of tuition always on the rise, who has the money for textbooks? Depending on the courses you’ve chosen, some textbooks can cost more than $200. Multiply that by the number of courses you’re taking and you’ll quickly find yourself out of cash. If only there were a way to get free textbooks. Wait a minute: There is. In fact, there are several ways to get free textbooks. If you’re tired of paying high prices, check out these easy steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Join a book trading site. Book trading sites are the perfect place to find free textbooks. The only catch is that you have to be willing to part with some of your own books. Chances are you've got a stack of old books scattered throughout your room. Post the books on the site and you’ll quickly get the credits you need to get free textbooks.

2. Search for an online version of the book. Some instructors use older textbooks that can be found online. With a quick search, you may be able to find the entire textbook for free. This is a great tip to follow if you're taking online classes.

3. If you know someone who took the course last semester, ask to borrow their book. Even if the instructor is using a newer edition, chances are the version your friend has is almost exactly the same as the new edition. It’s a win/win for everyone. You’ll get a free textbook, and your friend can get rid of a textbook that no longer has any value.

4. Place a wanted ad on student bulletin boards. If an instructor upgraded to a new edition, place a wanted ad requesting a copy of last semester’s textbook. Some textbooks are updated every year, and the only thing that changes is the page numbers. Don’t waste your hard-earned cash on a new edition.

5. Some instructors keep extra editions of textbooks handy. If you’re having financial trouble, ask your instructor if you can borrow a copy. Most instructors are more than happy to help.

Tips & Warnings

• Book trading sites are a great way to get rid of textbooks that bookstores no longer buy back.
• Always ask your instructor if an older edition is OK to use.
• The only downside to online versions of textbooks is your inability to take the textbook to the classroom.

Resources

• PaperBackSwap book trading site
• Google Books' online textbooks

[seanyoung]

on 9/11/2009 Textbookhuntng.com is pretty good. BorrowMe.com is an good resource for finding stuff like free textbooks - but you can also get pretty much anything you need for life on campus (microwave oven any one?)

check out http://www.borrowme.com/students25. there is a bonus code there for students...

[slickdeals]

on 1/19/2009 Going to local store is old theme, long gone. For books go for online shopping used/new books at Amazon or Ebay.

And more better use price comparison website as your tool to buy books. That is smart move....

I love this simple website: http://www.textbookhunting.com
But there are more site like this..