How to Buy Cheap University Textbooks (Without the Stress)

University textbooks can often set you back more than the weekly food shop. But before you max out your overdraft or panic buy books you need, take a breath. There are plenty of easier, smarter ways to access the info you need without draining your budget.

Whether you’re new to life in student halls, or settling into your daily commute, this helpful guide will walk you through the best practical tips for finding cheap university textbooks. Making sure you save valuable money without compromising on the resources you want to read.

Why are University Textbooks so Expensive?

The main reason is publication costs. Publishers often produce new and updated versions of the same textbooks every academic year. This is so that the information inside is up to date, and accessible. The issue this can create is that buying a book from last year could result in you citing obsolete research.

To add to this, bundles with online access codes often inflate the price further. This is especially true when it comes to scientific and business related courses. Here’s the silver lining! Students don’t need to splash out on full price, brand new books.

1. Use Student Friendly Bookshops and Marketplaces

Some of the best deals are found right under your nose.

Try shopping at places such as Blackwell’s for academic texts. They have sites on university campuses across the UK and offer a wide range of student discounts and multi-buy options. Stock is at its highest at the start of term, so make sure to get what you need early.

If you’re struggling try these places:

• Facebook Marketplace or local community groups for listings.
• World of Books or eBay have plenty of second hand editions available at a fraction of the price.
• Amazon Warehouse offers discounted copies with quicker shipping than most traditional retailers.

These platforms often list previous editions, which are usually fine unless your course specifically demands the latest. So, check this before you make the purchase.

2. Rent or Share: Choose What Works

Not every book on your reading list needs to be bought as some are used very little during your course. Renting or sharing them can be a life saver for students that only need a book for a module.

Look out for textbook rentals on:

• Perlego digital library (£12 per month with a free trial).
• Amazon Rentals (good for physical readers).
• Chegg (more focussed on US content, but handy in a pinch).

If in doubt, just split the cost of a new book with your coursemates and share it during your next group study session. The, you can resell it at the end of your course and split the profits.

3. Download Free eBooks Legally

Most universities have an online platform managed by the library that can help you find the books you need. Many also offer a request service that could help you find some of the more obscure texts without any extra work.

If you’re still unable to find what you need, platforms such as Google Books and OpenStax are free services that contain digital versions of academic publications.

Of course, digital versions are easier than carrying around physical copies too. Ideal if you’re studying on the move or in between work shifts.

4. Look for Older Editions (with Caution)

Older editions are almost guaranteed to be cheaper than the newest publication of an academic text. For many, the content changes only minimally each time a new version is published. This being said, it’s always wise to check with your tutor if a certain version contains the information you’ll need to reference in your essays.

Look out for these things too: 

• ISBN numbers (the earlier version usually shares part of the ISBN).
• Chapter titles and page numbers (make sure they match your reading list).
• Online summaries or guides that bridge editions if needed.

5. Use Your Campus and City Resources

Don’t overlook the things you can access right on your doorstep.

• The library should have copies of every book you need, but they can be borrowed very quickly.
• Departments swaps are used when academic research is relevant to multiple courses (think Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs etc.)
• Public library cards are free and can be used at sites around the city.

Studying in the UK next year? Explore our range of student properties across the country. 

6. Donate at the End of Term

If you do end up buying your textbooks, think about giving back to your university community at the end of term (just make sure you 100% won’t need the book again).

• Offer your books to first years by leaving them in the library or shared spaces at your accommodation.
• Keep any books you’ll use for projects down the line such as your dissertation.
• Sell them back to the campus bookshop or trade them in for books you’ll need later.

Recycling university textbooks helps bolster your wallet and benefits the environment (think about how many trees you could save).

Budget Books Without the Hassle

There’s no single right way to buy your university textbooks. The best options can vary depending on your course and where you’re studying. What matters is knowing where to find the best deals and not feeling pressured to but all of them at once.

Take your time to research, compare prices, and always make sure to check if the library has what you need first.

Want more daily student tips and local knowledge? 

Discover more of our blog posts today and become a university whizz.