A Guide to Finding Cheap Textbooks at Portland State University

One of the biggest student banes is buying textbooks. One would think that a starving collegiate aspiring to light the world on fire (but can only afford a lighter) would have a plethora of bargains to search for those three-figure mandated books, but unfortunately the system seems to cater to the bottom line for the publisher. Why should they care about the student who is required to purchase their books?

Portland State University recently implemented a great Club with their Bookstore that enables students to get rewards and discounts off of their purchases. But, as with all post-secondary institutions, they are still enslaved by the capitalistic system. Publishers still want to get their maximum profit return regardless of the financial hardship that students must bear. So skip the bookstore (unless you want that 10% discount off of your art supplies), and check out some of these alternatives:

1) Amazon.com

This one is a no-brainer. Amazon has been a savior to many students since Jeff Bezos started the company in his basement in Seattle, Washington in 1994. Offering great discounts on new books as well as a variety of used books from private buyers, the site has become a staple in collegiate circles.

The shipping from private buyers is inexpensive and those who become members of Amazon Prime can get free shipping on select orders of new items. You can also sell your used textbooks (and other goodies) on this site, with a small percentage taken from Amazon. It's a great way to get rid of those 200-dollar science books for a better deal (in your pocket) than reselling them to the University bookstore.

2) AbeBooks.com

Abe Books started in Victoria Canada in 1995, and launched their website in 1996. With over 100 million books on sale, this company rivals the more popular Amazon.com, and often beats their prices as well. Many rare and out-of-print titles can be found here for a bargain.

3) Powell's Books (Powells.com)

Claiming to be the world's largest independent new and used bookstore in the world, this city block-sized book behemoth based out of Portland, Oregon is more than just a great place to spend a lazy rainy afternoon in Stumptown. Walter Powell founded the bookstore in 1971, and the website was launched before Amazon's in 1994.

This is not only a Mecca for students and readers to find discounted books and coffee, but also a venue to catch the latest and greatest writers. Powell's hosts a plethora of readings and live events that cater to the linguistic community and add to the artsy atmosphere of Portland.