Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan: Saving Money on Textbooks

Few college students can afford the high costs of education without the help of student loans, scholarships, or help from family and friends. Yet college bookstores can get away with charging prices as high as a couple hundred dollars for a single textbook. One reason for this is that students are willing to pay these high prices to college bookstores. It is my assumption then that few students are aware that other options are available. This guide serves to make these other options known to Grand Valley State University (GVSU) students in Allendale and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Brian's Books

If you are tired of donating what little funds you have to the college bookstore (called UBS at GVSU) but feel more comfortable purchasing from an actual store, consider Brian's Books. Brian's Books sells both new and used textbooks at lower prices than UBS and has locations at both the Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses.

Half.com & Other Internet Sources

If you are willing to purchase directly from other students, consider using internet sources. At sites such as half.com, craigslist.org, and on the marketplace at facebook.com, sellers set their own prices on used textbooks. These prices may be more or less than average selling prices at places such as UBS, but are usually significantly less. By purchasing several days or weeks before the semester, you can save a significant amount of money. While half.com is probably the best internet source for GVSU and other students, buyers are usually expected to pay shipping costs according to the seller's terms. Shipping costs are typically very low, however, and even considering this you will likely save a significant amount of money. Sites such as craigslist.org and facebook.com are less organized in respect to textbook sales, but they are worth looking into.

Other Considerations & Selling

At the beginning of every course, your instructors will demand that you purchase several textbooks. Depending on time and the progress of the class, you may only use some of these books. By looking at the syllabus or by asking the professor, you may be able to get an idea of the order the texts will be used. It may be in your best interest to hold off on purchasing textbooks that are used near the end of the semester. Some professors may list "suggested textbooks" and "required textbooks." If you are considering purchasing a suggested textbook, consider meeting with your professor to discuss the books relevancy to the course and your ability to understand the material.

While there are many options available to the buyer, it is recommended to avoid UBS in the interest of saving money. At the end of the semester, you will be able to sell your textbooks back to these sources. Half.com is probably the best source for selling your used textbooks, because as stated before, the buyer pays shipping and you can set your own price. If you need to sell your books back immediately, head to Brian's Books to sell for less money at pre-set prices. By following these tips, you can save up to hundreds of dollars throughout your college career.