Smart Shopping: College Books

WSVN -- There are reasons people say college students are always broke. One, the cost of books.

Paige Rivkind, College Student: "This was my first year at college, so I bought my textbooks in the bookstore, and I spent around $1,000."

On average, nationwide, most students spend $900 a year just for books.

Lauren Shor, College Student: "I know, first semester, my books were like over $1,000."

Paige and Lauren are now finding ways to get more for their money.

Paige Rivkind: "Hopefully, all my books I'll be able to purchase on websites next year, and I won't have to use all my expenses."

Smart shopping college students have found websites such as Amazon.com, half.com and textbooks.com can help you save up to 76 percent.

Lauren Shor: "It's probably like a sixth of the price. The school really marks up the books a lot."

Another good idea, shop around. There are websites that will do the comparison shopping for you.

Paige Rivkind: "I know cheapesttextbook.com. They give you the cheapest website to find a book."

Lauren says she likes to shop local, so she shops her friends.

Lauren Shor: "I find upperclassmen that took the class the semester before and buy the books from them."

Or shop at an off-campus textbook store. You will find used books that look brand new at a better price.

Robbin Simmons: "Also, to get the most savings, don't procrastinate. Go shopping as soon as you have a book list to save even more. Try renting your book at websites such as campusbookrentals.com or download individual chapters for a small fee at ebooks.com."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.amazon.com
www.half.com
www.textbooks.com
www.cheapesttextbook.com
www.campusbookrentals.com
www.ebooks.com