Nearly every, if not all, college students face the same problem during their time in school – excess college expenses. And it’s a known fact that one major source of these expenses is procuring college textbooks. Students tend to spend anywhere between $400 and $1000 on textbooks. But why is it so? One huge reason for the continuous spending on textbooks is the emergence of new editions every year. As a freshman, you’re tasked with procuring multiple textbooks slightly different from what your predecessors used.
However, there’s a way around that involving textbook rental. Renting textbooks is a method of getting textbooks you need without emptying your piggy bank. So to help you out, why don’t we look at 3 BookScouter textbook rental tips for all freshmen out there?
1. Search For Textbook Rentals Using Your Course Outline And ISBN
The first step to getting a required textbook is to search for it. And the best way to search for a textbook is through its ISBN. One rookie mistake freshmen make is that they search using titles and authors only.
While you may find what you need occasionally, what happens when there are multiple editions of the same textbook? Remember that publishers are constantly revising their textbooks. And at the same time, these revised editions tend to rearrange and edit the necessary information in the text. Searching through a book rental database using the ISBN helps you find the required textbook edition with minimum fuss.
2. Ensure You Use Those Rented Textbooks With Care
Now that you’ve found your book, time to freestyle its use, right? Well, no. You see, you’re only renting those textbooks, so you will have to return them after you’re done. So, be careful when using these textbooks to avoid incurring fines after your usage period.
Therefore, keep the highlighting and jotting to a minimum, avoid dog-earring the textbook, store them properly when not in use, and avoid accidental spills. Keep in mind that other students will need those textbooks as well.
3. Don’t Be Afraid To Extend Your Textbook Rental
When renting textbooks, you have the option to rent for 30, 60, 90, or above 100 days. But things don’t always go to plan. You might need those textbooks for your final exams. Or maybe the next semester also requires you to have such textbooks.
Whatever the reason, don’t hesitate to have your textbook rental period renewed or extended. Luckily for you, textbook rental databases provide the option for extension. All you have to do is pay the fee involved. And here’s a quick tip, always extend your textbook rental before it expires.
Wrapping Up
As a freshman, there’ll always be a list of essential items for optimal study. One item that always makes this list is your textbook. Sometimes, you’ll need to purchase the latest edition due to specifications from your syllabi.
On the other hand, when buying a new textbook isn’t necessary, renting one provides a cheaper alternative. Simply follow the tips above to ensure you properly search, rent, and use those textbooks.
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