Buying the textbooks for a university course can rapidly become an expensive pastime. Here are our top tips for making your money go as far as possible.
Visit libraries and bookshops
Almost all the books you need to read will be available in the University Library or the local public library. If we don't have something you need in stock, we can often get a copy for you. Please don't be shy - ask for anything you need. We try to buy anything recommended for you to read as an ebook. Save your money for the very few specialised core textbooks you might be expected to buy for your course.
Be selective
Reading lists usually list several alternative recommended textbooks. Before you buy one, start reading the Library copy or an online preview of each to make sure you enjoy the way it is written before you part with your hard earned money.
Shop around
Second hand online booksellers often sell books in great condition for less. No one bookseller will always be the cheapest for everything, so shop around and consider using a price comparison site to make the most of your money.
Share and share alike
Share the cost by planning book purchases with friends – buying a different book each and then taking turns with each book can save you all a lot of money compared to each buying a copy of every book. You could even form a study group in person or online to enhance your learning by each reading something different and sharing your understanding, discuss issues, and exchange hints and tips on what you found useful. Students in the year above you might also be looking to sell their old textbooks second hand at a steep discount. Just check you are buying a sufficiently recent edition for your course if your subject develops very rapidly.