How to save money on Uni textbooks
University textbooks can set you back hundreds of pounds if you buy them brand new. In this guide, we’ll explain six top tips for saving money on university textbooks, making further education that bit more accessible.
Check Your University Library
The first place to look for textbooks is your university library. Most universities in the UK have extensive collections of textbooks used on their courses that you can borrow for free.
While these may not always be the latest editions, they often contain the core information you need for your courses.
There are restrictions on loan periods when borrowing textbooks from your university library, though. Some university textbooks will be available for short loan (for a few hours) and this is great if you just need to get a particular piece of work done or use one particular chapter. Others will be available for a few weeks or even months at a time.
Top tip: Make sure you’re regularly checking whether books have been returned on your library’s online hub. Some are in higher demand than others and will be picked up quickly after they’ve been returned. You can also reserve textbooks if this is the case.
2. Explore Online Resources
In the digital age, there's a wealth of online resources available for students. Websites like Project Gutenberg, Google Books, Library Genesis and OpenStax offer free access to a wide range of textbooks and educational materials.
Some lecturers will also provide digital copies of course materials through university portals, saving you the expense of buying a physical book.To help students save money on university textbooks, they’ll give them a pre-paid for log-in to access these sites.
This is great because you can access the resources as frequently as you like, from home, and free of charge.
3. Buy used textbooks from former students
Students tend to only use a university textbook for a year before their modules change and it becomes redundant. This means that there will be students just as keen to get rid of their textbooks as you are to find one. They’re usually happy to sell them for a reasonable price, too.
There are a few ways to buy used textbooks from former students in the UK.
You can find affordable options on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or textbook resale websites such as Student2Student and TextbookRush.
Universities often host textbook sales where students buy and sell textbooks in the first few weeks of the new academic year.
You can look in local charity shops to see if students from previous years have donated their textbooks.
Top tip: Don't forget to compare prices across different sellers to ensure you get the best deal.
4. Rent your textbooks instead
If you don't plan to keep your textbooks after the term ends, consider renting them instead of buying them.
Several websites and bookstores in the UK offer textbook rental services, allowing you to pay a fraction of the cost for a temporary copy.
Just be sure to return the books on time to avoid late fees.
5. Share Textbooks
Another way to save money on university textbooks is to share them with a classmate. This way, you both benefit from the resource without breaking the bank. Just set up a schedule that works for both of you.
6. Look for Student Discounts
Don't forget to take advantage of student discounts whenever possible. Some bookstores and online retailers offer special discounts for students. Certain student unions will also provide exclusive deals on textbooks.
Blackwells is a popular store for university textbooks and certain stores offer students a 15% discount at certain times of the year, often during freshers.
Waterstones also offer a rewards program where you can earn a stamp for every £10 you spend, with a £10 reward to spend in store or online when you collect ten stamps. This is available alongside a 5% discount exclusively for students.
However, if you really want to save money on university textbooks, this should be a last resort as it often works out more expensive than the other options we’ve discussed.
Want more tips and advice on how to thrive as a student? Check out our blog.
