The average college student’s budget can only stretch so much. Some students need to work double jobs on the side just to meet both ends. Food and lodging in a state far from home could cause a big dent on a college student’s wallet. Book expenses aggravate matters.
A single course could require at least two books. For the freshman with a full load of courses, college expenses could be overwhelming. The key to college survival is in finding used textbook dealers. Purchasing a used
textbook instead of a new one is encouraged by the faculty. Up to four generations of freshmen could use the same textbook edition. Sometimes all you need to do is look at the campus bulletin board to spot a senior itching to get rid of a used textbook. Your used textbook purchase could also help that senior replenish his or her allowance.
What you should consider in buying used textbook
Buying a used textbook is the same as purchasing a second hand novel from a book sale. Since textbooks are revised once every few years, you need to make sure that you’re purchasing the right used textbook version. The condition of the used textbook will also determine its price.
Notes on your used textbook could either be helpful or annoying. If the upperclassman you’re dealing with is an avid note taker, his or her pencil marks could actually help you get familiar with the college’s most feared professors. There’s also a certain homey feel to a textbook that’s been warmed by someone’s hands before. Used textbook notes could act as study guides for you.
What you wouldn’t want are scribbles of little nothings. There’s nothing more annoying that reading through panels of heart-enclosed initials that mean nothing to you. Little stick people on the side panels of your pre-owned textbook is very distracting. Hopefully, if your pre-owned textbook needs to have any scribbles at all, they would be in light pencil marks. It would be tedious but possible for you to rub the scribbles off.
Examine the goods before making a used textbook purchase
The last thing you want is to be bullied into making a poor used textbook purchase. Always keep in mind that there are a lot of upper classmen’s used textbook collections to choose from. Do not settle for the first dealer you happen to chance upon. Examine the quality of your used textbook before making the purchase.
