by a NIU alum/graduate student

College Textbooks are notoriously expensive, but you don’t have to break the bank as badly if you plan ahead.

The University Bookstore will post class textbook lists for the fall semester on August 1, according to the NIU Web site. However, classes don’t start until August 24.

New books are usually the same price all over because of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. However, if you shop around you may be able to save a few dollars.

The easiest way to save money on your textbooks is to buy used copies, but how and where to buy used copies is up to the buyer.

Students usually rely on the brick and mortar locations on campus -- the Village Commons Bookstore and the University Bookstore -- and online retailers -- Amazon.com and Half.com -- for textbooks. Each approach has its share of advantages.


Brick and Mortar Stores:


Both the VCB and University Bookstore provide several conveniences the online stores don’t carry. The product you’re buying from a physical store is immediately available to you and you can be sure you’re getting the correct edition of the book. Additionally, both stores usually have competitive used book prices with the online vendors.

However, the bookstores have a finite amount of used books so the sooner you get to the bookstore the more likely you are able to find a used copy.

Also, both bookstores offer hassle-free return polices during the first week of class that can prevent you from getting stuck with an expensive book you don’t need. Sometimes classes get canceled, you decide a class isn’t for you and instructors change what books are needed for the class.

One strategy is to wait until after a class starts to see if any of the books will be optional: however, if you do this you will have a harder time finding a used version of a book. You can take advantage of the return policies by buying all your books early and returning any books you end up not needing.


Online Stores:


A textbook search engine like DirectTextbook.com is a great place to start when looking for books online. The service will search through several dozen online retailers to compare textbook prices.

However, when using a service like DirectTextbook.com, it’s a good idea to check out the vendor to see if anyone has complained about their service before you purchase. Amazon.com and Half.com usually offer very competitive prices and have reliable systems for rating independent vendors, but sometimes the other stores have offers too good to refuse.

Also, watch out for “rental” services. The rental services usually offer minimal savings and you can’t make any money back off the book at the end of the semester.

On the plus side, buying online involves more competition which often leads to lower prices. Additionally, the pool of used textbooks is nation wide instead of just what the local bookstore has.

However, if one of your classes is canceled at the last minute, you’re probably out of luck for returning books. Also, different vendors are not able to ship at the same speed. You could get the book within 48 hours or three weeks.

On occasion you’ll find a particularly expensive book for a fraction of the cost online; though it’s up to you if the substantial savings outweigh the risks.


Extra Tip:


Sometimes you can find books for your classes at a trade book store like a Barnes and Noble or Borders. If you have a member discount at either store you might be able to find some of your books at a low price.

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