Buying Textbooks at UTEP

With ever rising tuition, fees, housing costs, parking stickers, the last thing you need rising costs on is text books. Unfortunately very often text books prices are rising, not only that, but new editions and revisions are constantly being produced, limiting students from purchasing the favored used copies of books which the majority of the time will only be utilized for the one semester you're taking the course. These are the available text book stores and their benefits and drawbacks when purchasing your books for UTEP.

The most convenient book store to access quickly is the University Bookstore, located on campus in the Union, the entertainment and food hub for UTEP. With plenty of staff at the beginning and end of each semester, you'll be able to quickly enter and exit with a minimum of fuss. The staff is also knowledgeable about books you may need for a specific course, in case you lost the syllabus. Unfortunately discounts are lacking severely, and the University Bookstore may be the priciest. They also offer a minimum of cash for any buybacks.

If price over convenience is what you're looking for, there are a few alternative options for textbooks. The closest alternative is the aptly named Campus Bookstore Alternative. Located at 4100 N. Mesa, the Campus Bookstore Alternative is just up the street from UTEP. The distance might attract you; unfortunately standing in a lengthy line may detour. You'll probably be able to find nearly any textbook that may be required from a UTEP course, as the store stays in close contact with professors and departments from UTEP and their textbook "want lists."

El Paso Textbook Express, located at 7428 Gateway East, is the best alternative for the University Bookstore. They usually have any given textbook you may need. They occasionally lack novels that are required, especially newer novels. If you're an English major, you may wish to avoid. Older classic novels are usually in high demand and you'll be able to find many used copies of textbooks and novels that remain in circulation for courses at UTEP. El Paso Textbook Express hires a hearty staff at the beginning and end of each semester, providing for a fairly smooth and swift line to the cashier. They offer the best and most amounts for any buybacks just make sure you sell them back during finals week for the best cash back offer.

The most convenient and cheapest is quickly becoming the internet, whether it is Amazon.com or EBay. Unfortunately, you must keep in mind that occasionally a textbook may be listed on the syllabus or at the bookstore under the course number, and never be used. If using the internet, you may have just bought a book you'll never crack open.