 "Photo: ALEXANDRA NELSON/THE VISTA")
Fall semester's kick off is fast approaching and students everywhere are preparing for the excitement, and the stress, of the new school year. Dorms need to be moved into, classrooms need to be found and, of course, a slew of textbooks need to be purchased.
Many students opt to pre-order their books from the USD bookstore in order to evade lines, while others wait until the last minute. For a growing majority, however, keeping the cost down is the most important aspect when determining where to purchase textbooks. In response to this demand, a variety of websites have begun to offer text book buying alternatives.
The site textbooks.com provides digital versions of books where most titles, but not all, can be downloaded. The benefits of digital books are multifold. The download includes a search option to find particular words or phrases in the text, the ability to print any part of it from the computer, bookmarking, highlighting and digital note-taking just like a hard copy - all at nearly half the price.
For example, one textbook required for the Introduction to Psychology courses, entitled "Psychology," is listed new at the USD Bookstore for $130.70. The digital copy, also available at the bookstore, is listed at just $62.50.
Another option students may consider is textbook renting. Although book renting in college is almost unheard of, it is actually a simple and viable option. The USD Bookstore now offers rentals, and a number of websites will ship rentals to your home or dorm. "I go to chegg.com. The book rentals are really cheap there and it saves me quite a bit of cash," said senior Rachael Smith.
Typically, rentals last for a single semester, or 125 days. When the semester is over, you print out a free shipping label, box up the books and ship them via UPS by the due date. The same psychology text (mentioned above) can be rented for the whole semester at just $53.01. That's a savings of almost $78.
For those who wish to purchase books the traditional way, discounts are still available. Used bookstores, like Pennywise Books in Pacific Beach, are great places to find novels for English courses priced at as little as $1.
Amazon.com, eBay.com and biblio.com are other great sites to track down cheap hard copies. Once again, that same "Psychology" text can be found on eBay starting at $9.99. A word to the wise when ordering online, be wary of shipping costs, the condition of the book and that it's the right edition. Using the ISBN number is a great way to make sure you have the correct version.
"A great place I used to buy books is The Better Bookstore at the bottom of the hill," suggested senior Austin Smythe. "They've got fun ways to save money, like throwing darts for discounts." This is just one example of how retailers are trying to meet the needs of thrifty students. In the current hard economic times, cost-conscious students can find great deals on books. All it requires is a little extra searching for great deals, a knowing eye and a bit of time to plan ahead.
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