By: Katrina Bruno/ Staff Writer
Although the semester has just begun, I am already filled with dread at the thought of what comes next: purchasing textbooks. Fortunately, I have recently learned that there are options to help keep my wallet full and my stress levels down this year. The University is helping students overcome their textbook woes by offering the option of renting, rather than purchasing, textbooks at a reduced price.
At the start of the semester, cries and pleas from students, new and old, trickle down my Facebook Wall begging for cheap or free books. Bulletin boards around campus are flooded with flyers from student entrepreneurs offering textbooks for cash, always promising the best deal.
The long lines at the bookstore, the high cost of books and the strategically placed binders and pens I want, but do not need, haunt me all the way to the checkout counter. It seems as if all of the money I worked for this summer will go straight from my bank account to books and supplies.
Last Spring, I spent almost $800 and last Fall I spent almost $1,000 on textbooks. There have been semesters where I have chosen to forego purchasing books for certain courses simply because of the cost. According to the College Board, students at a four-year public college during the 2011-2012 school year should expect to spend up to $1,137 on textbooks and other supplies.
However, renting textbooks can save students up to 50 percent on a single textbook. It is easy to do and may help maintain a progressive educational environment. There is a text message system that will remind students of a book’s due date.
Renting is a cheaper alternative, because returning books that were purchased new back to the bookstore at the end of the semester does not always promise a fair return. I witnessed a friend get offered 30 cents once for a used textbook. The value of books decreases quickly because they are always being updated and newer editions are printed.
When I rent, I am able to order books online, which means I can avoid the long line, or even pick them up at the University bookstore. The best parts are that I am still able to highlight and write within the rented textbook and I do not need to worry about returning the rental book until after finals.
So, before you become overwhelmed by the price of textbooks, take a look at the other options offered. The benefits of renting highly outweigh the benefits of purchasing new. Not only will cheaper textbooks hopefully inspire professors to keep assigning them as part of the classroom curriculum, but it will also save students a lot of money.
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