Before you stress about buying this year’s textbooks here are the 5 most important things you need to know!
1.) How do I avoid overpaying for textbooks?
The easiest way to save on textbooks is to skip the bookstore. This is nothing against you and your school spirit! The simple fact is: they’re the most expensive books. We highly recommend you use our app to search for books because we have thousands of free books, plus, all others are at great prices. However, you do have hundreds of online sellers to chose from—just be sure they are trustworthy!
2.) Do we need books the first day?
No, unless your professor has explicitly said so already. Your first day of class, or “syllabus day” is a good day to figure out which books you’re going to need. Most intro classes have test questions that come from the book, but going to class the first day often clears up whether you need the book or not.
3.) Rent or Buy?
There are pros and cons to both. A book rental means you’re limited on how much you highlight and write in the book. Obviously, this is the cheaper option up front, but watch out for expensive late fees and charges for unreturned or damaged books. Buying books will cost more than a rental. Especially, new books. However, you do have the option to sell back at the end of the semester. If you know you need a book for two semesters, it typically makes more sense to buy. If there are only new editions available (ie. $$$ book cost) and it’s a one-and-done course, renting is the way to go.
4.) What about shipping?
This depends on whom you buy from. Most books online (even Amazon) take between 5-10 days to arrive which could be too late for your first pop quiz. Often, it’s worth the extra $5 for faster shipping to know your books will be there in time for your 2nd week of class. FreeTextbooks is rolling out 1-hour book delivery at Auburn and Baylor this semester to help people get the cheapest books, super fast. We’re planning to roll this out at our best schools in the next 12 months. Because, sometimes you just can’t wait.
5.) Access codes, clickers, oh my!
When looking at your required items you might see more than just textbooks—there could be supplemental materials that are also required, often bundled with the textbook by the school to charge more $$$. Even worse, many can be single-use and often times must be bought new. We’d (again) wait until after the first day, as you’ll have a better idea if they are necessary or optional. Often, you can find out which items are inside the bundle and buy them separately to really save some dough.
Buying textbooks is about as appealing as going to the dentist. But, we’re setting out to keep students and families from getting ripped off, and making the process quick and painless. Don’t be overwhelmed! If something is confusing just text our customer support team at 205-636-8121! It doesn’t matter where you’re buying, where you’re looking, or what the question is. We know textbooks!
Cheers to a great semester ahead!