Here are some ways for international students to save money on buying books:
Buy second-hand books
Check school bookstores : Many school bookstores have a section dedicated to second-hand textbooks. These books are usually in good condition and are sold at a lower price than new ones.
Use online platforms : Websites like Amazon, eBay, and AbeBooks have a large selection of second-hand books. You can often find textbooks at a significant discount, and some sellers even offer free shipping.
Join student groups : Look for local student groups on Facebook or other social media platforms. Students often sell their used books to each other at a lower price.
Rent books
Rent from the bookstore : Some campus bookstores offer textbook rental services. This can be a great option if you only need the book for a short period.
Use online rental services : There are many online companies that specialize in textbook rentals, such as Chegg and BookRenter. They offer a wide range of textbooks at affordable rental prices.
Borrow books
Use the school library : Your school library is a valuable resource. It may have multiple copies of the textbooks you need, which you can borrow for free.
Borrow from classmates : If you know someone who has taken the same course before, ask if you can borrow their book. You can also consider sharing the cost of a book with a classmate and taking turns using it.
Look for e-books
Check with your school : Some schools have agreements with e-book providers, allowing students to access textbooks online for free or at a reduced cost.
Use e-book platforms : Platforms like Google Books and Ebrary offer a wide selection of e-books. You can often preview a certain number of pages for free, and some e-books are available for purchase at a lower price than printed books.
Wait for sales
Holiday sales : Keep an eye on major holidays and special events, as many online bookstores offer significant discounts during these times. For example, Amazon often has big sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Membership discounts : Consider becoming a member of some bookstores. They usually offer members-only discounts and promotions, which can help you save money in the long run.