Q. Where can I find cheap textbooks? Or, where can I resell my textbooks?
Textbooks are not cheap but you need them if you want to excel in your classes. Here are a few tips and locations where you may find cheaper versions.
Tips to Try
- Rent instead of buy. (See a list of websites below.)
- Buy used.
- Buy the book from another student who has taken the class before.
- Check with your professor if it’s okay to use an earlier edition.
- Sell your old textbooks to fund your new books.
NOTE: Some textbooks come with a digital access code that you need to access quizzes, tests, and assignments. If your class requires this code, you will need to buy a new textbook.
How to Buy Used Textbooks
If you decide to buy a used textbook, make sure to keep the following in mind:
- Order the right edition of the book.
- Search by ISBN whenever possible. You’re more likely to get the right copy.
- Be careful with foreign editions. They may be cheaper, but the content (particularly assignments and quizzes) can be different.
- Read up on the used copy’s condition - some books are like new, others will include highlighting and notes in the margins
- See where the book ships from - if the book is coming from overseas, it may not arrive in time.
- Consider shipping costs.
- Look at multiple used copy listings before picking one to buy.
You can find used textbooks on the following websites:
- AddAll.com (used section)
- Alibris
- AllBookstores.com
- Amazon**
- Barnes and Noble**
- CampusBooks.com**
- Chegg**
- eBay
- Ecampus.com**
- Half.com
- Paperbackswap.com
- Textbooks.com
(**) You can also rent books from these websites
Don't forget to check out OERs (free textbooks) and Zero Cost Courses (Z-courses) from PGCC Go Open.
Check out the Campus Bookstore for options.