College & University Information

An Education in Saving on Textbooks


Every year students flock to the college bookstore to purchase the various textbooks that they require for their classes. Little do these students realize that, in doing so, they are throwing good money away. As unbelievable as it may seem textbooks, in some cases, actually cost as much, if not more, than tuition.

On the surface the college bookstore may seem like a convenient source for textbooks. Titles are usually in-stock and students may purchase new textbooks or opt for the cheaper alternative of used books. In truth the money saved by purchasing used textbooks from the college bookstore is only a fraction of the amount that students could be saving if they shopped online.

More and more online booksellers have begun selling textbooks at a considerable discount off of the cover price. In fact, many major booksellers now have special areas of their web sites that are devoted to selling nothing but textbooks. Online used bookstores are another source for college books as they stock a large number of textbooks, which means sizable savings for students. There are also web-based retailers whose inventory is entirely devoted to college books.

Students should avoid purchasing their textbooks at the first store that they browse. Instead, they should investigate the alternatives offered by other online booksellers. Price isn't the only factor to consider when making an online purchase. Students should also factor in shipping costs and delivery time when making their buying decision.

Online auctions are another option for students seeking a bargain. This option, however, has its pros and cons. A plus is that students can get incredible bargains when obtaining books via online auctions. One downside is that established retailers have channels in place to ensure that you receive your order within a reasonable amount of time. With an auction purchase, however, you are at the mercy of the auction seller's timetable.

One way that students can really save is by obtaining books for free. Project Gutenberg is one resource that English majors will find invaluable. At this site students can peruse a vast collection of classics that have entered the public domain. In the past students seeking assistance with their studies had to pay for the privilege of that help by purchasing study guides. Today that is no longer the case. Cash-strapped students can now visit Spark Notes for free downloadable study guides as well as free downloadable classics.

Students who elect to buy online will no longer be able to resell their books to the college bookstore at the end of class, but that doesn't mean that they are stuck with the textbooks. Many web sites that sell textbooks also offer students the option of selling their books to fellow bargain-seekers. This allows students to easily recouping a portion of their money.

Textbooks normally consume a major portion of a student's budget, but that doesn't have to be the case, because while the cost of tuition may be set in stone the price of textbooks isn't. By taking the time to do a little research on the best textbook values available college students can save money now rather than acquiring debt to be paid back later.

Copyright © 2004 Heather Wallace

Heather Wallace is founder of http://www.BargainMartian.com Visit to take advantage of the out of this world bargains from leading merchants found in this comprehensive directory of deals, rebates, bargains, coupons, and money-saving offers.


MORE RESOURCES:

Cancelling college, university semester in Quebec could repeat Ontario's woes
Montreal Gazette
MONTREAL – For a picture of what could occur if the semester is cancelled for Quebec's 115000 students still on strike against proposed tuition increases, Ontario provides a sobering portrait. In 2003, high schools in Ontario graduated their Grade 12 ...



Medical college, University of Scranton need more time for affiliation, they say
Scranton Times-Tribune
SCRANTON - The Commonwealth Medical College and the University of Scranton are continuing discussions about a possible affiliation. A deadline to announce a decision was originally in March, and the second deadline was Friday.

and more »


Taliban seek support 'in Rushdie's name'
Asia Times Online
The letters have spread fear across the local University of Peshawar, the University of Engineering and Technology, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University and Islamia College University. The campuses include 20 hostels with 55000 students, ...

and more »


Campus Awards & Achievers
Springfield News-Leader
Alliance members are Bolivar Technical College, Columbia College, Cox College, Drury University, Evangel University, Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College, University of Phoenix, Webster University and William Woods University.



College, university commencements in Claremont begin May 12
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
The Claremont Colleges and related institutions in Claremont will conduct their annual commencement activities beginning May 12. -- 9 am, Claremont Graduate University will hold its 85th commencement at the Mudd Quadrangle, north of Honnold-Mudd ...



State honors 29 public college, university graduates
Boston.com
An aspiring physician who designed and opened a free medical clinic for African immigrants in Worcester. Five veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And the first female African American firefighter in the city of Holyoke's history.

and more »


Pa. AG amends Sandusky charges, doesn't add counts
Yorkdispatch.com
The changes made to the documents included identifying locations of alleged sexual abuse, including the Sandusky home in State College, university facilities and hotels. In several cases, time frames were changed. Chief Deputy Attorney General Frank ...

and more »


High school, college, university partners benefit students
Superior Telegram
As is well known among educators, partnerships between colleges and universities can have substantial benefits for high school students. By: By Patrick C. Dorin, Ph.D., Superior Telegram As is well known among educators, partnerships between colleges ...



Pa. attorney general amends Sandusky charges, doesn't add counts
Pocono Record
The changes made to the documents included identifying locations of alleged sexual abuse, including the Sandusky home in State College, university facilities and hotels. In several cases, time frames were changed. Chief Deputy Attorney General Frank ...

and more »


NJ.com

Bayonne student wins scholarship award at Boston College
NJ.com
By The Jersey Journal Suzi Camarata photoBoston College University President William P. Leahy, SJ, left, greets Romero Scholarship winner Rui Soares, and his mother, Miriam, of Bayonne, at the award ceremony last month. Bayonne resident Rui Soares, ...


Google News

Mommy Home Jobs | Mommy Matters | index | site map
Copyright © MommyHomeJobs.com