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Is there any alternative to buying textbooks?

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Because the reading that will take place in your college classes is not only crucial for your learning but also for your grade, you are usually at the mercy of the professor as to how many books he or she assigns. There are a few other options that you have if you find that you really cannot afford to buy all of your textbooks.

The first option that you have is to share with someone else that is in the class. Many people find that this works for them, especially if that person is in the same class at a different time. However, it takes much more effort with this method to coordinate schedules – who will read when, etc.

The second option is to borrow a book. If you know someone that took the class in a former semester, they may be willing to let you borrow the book until you’re done with the class. Just make sure that you keep it in exactly the same condition that they gave it to you in. You can also try explaining the situation to your professor and asking if he has another copy that you could borrow for the class or until you have enough money to purchase a book. This often works at smaller schools where professors know the students well and trust them to be responsible with the textbook.

The third option that some students have is to use the school library or inter-library system to check out the book. The obvious disadvantage to this method is, of course, that the book will be due before the semester is done. If by the time that the books comes due, you will have finished that particular book in class or have saved up enough money to purchase your own copy, the library method may work for you.

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