Buying books can be very stressful if you don’t know where to look. How long should you wait to buy them? Which places offer the best prices? It can be a very overwhelming process.
Director of Social Sciences, Dr. Ralph Becker explains that many students are unprepared for the first two weeks of school.

Becker also insists on students having online access rather than a hard copy textbook.

“My first session yesterday I would say two-thirds [of the students] didn’t have their textbook. In the other class they don’t have a textbook so that’s easier. They have the text already on blackboard, which is a better way because they can always have access to it, and they don’t need to buy anything,” said Becker. 

Once the semester begins, it’s important to find out from your professor if the book is necessary.
Elias Pepito (senior, Business) recalls buying textbooks before the semester started and never picking them up.

“Usually I rent from amazon to save money, unless there’s an access code. I have bought books from the bookstore but it’s not my go-to,” said Pepito.

As the lines in the bookstore begin to increase, students can save the headache by receiving their textbook’s right at their front door.

Students have options other than buying books just from the Stan State bookstore. For example, renting cheaper textbooks from online websites such as Chegg.com.

Chegg.com offers the option of renting or buying cheaper textbooks. 

“I’ll google my book name and try to find a pdf of it, or I’ll find a used copy to rent,” said Maggijo Erickson (senior, Psychology).

In addition to Chegg, Amazon offers a cheaper alternative to the bookstore. With Amazon Prime for students, members receive six months of free two-day shipping as well as a discount until you graduate.

These alternative solutions can help make buying textbooks less of a hassle and put money back into your pockets.