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2nd Hand Books And ResourcesAutumn Layton – Marketing Intern
College can be expensive and the best way to save money is by buying books that are used or by renting them. After that specific class you will probably never need the textbook again, so it’s best to rent them unless you generally like the book. Here are some alternative places to buy books and other school supplies to lower the cost.
1. Amazon
The first option I would consider is Amazon as a way to rent or buy new/used books. They offer Student Prime accounts that help with fast shipping and it’s roughly $5.99 a month depending on when you create your student account. They have many college textbooks for cheap prices and renting them is even cheaper. I previously had a regular Amazon account, then I switched over to the Student Prime account to save money and receive my books sooner. It was a huge help, and I typically opt for purchasing used books over renting. All of the used books I’ve acquired have arrived in good condition. If you are an avid Amazon customer then this option will be perfect for you during your college journey.
2. Chegg
The second option would be Chegg. I haven’t visited their website until more recently and have noticed a few changes. They have recently expanded their website and the services that they provide. Now they have career resources, study resources, and book options. The difference between Amazon and Chegg is that there are always rentals available on Chegg, Amazon can be a hit or miss. The rentals are for a 5 month period and then you ship them back. The prices are relatively the same but still a good option for renting, buying, or selling books. You can also explore the other resources that are available on the website.
3. Facebook Groups
The last, and most overlooked option are Facebook groups. If you are like me and you have a Facebook account to connect with family members, then your best bet is to also use it for buying and selling school supplies. You can join groups that are for your college campus and you will find plenty of people selling old books and other equipment. I have seen people selling furniture, school supplies, baby clothes, graduation gear and much more. There are roommate opportunities and different housing options there as well. The first two weeks of school, I would go and search the CSUB Buying and Selling group for text books and other supplies. I would advise that if you decide to meet somewhere public, ensure your safety by having someone go with you and be cautious of scams.
There are plenty of other options for school supplies, but these three have helped me save a penny or two in college. I compare all three platforms at the beginning of the semester to see what best fits my budget. If I don’t need to use the book again, I’ll donate or sell it to another college student. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. As a past college student sharing resources is important and helps build a sense of community.