With a tree as our (unofficial) mascot, it’s almost a requirement that we do our best to save our dear representative. This means going green when it comes to textbooks, which, fortunately for us keeps some green in our wallets. Renting textbooks helps you get around the publishing industry’s vicious cycle of frequently reprinting new editions. Don’t worry – renting textbooks is simple. Many companies even provide free delivery and free return shipping. There are some great options out there for all subjects – whether it’s a50 pound chemistry textbook or an English novel. Rentals normally span a semester or a quarter – so make sure that you are selecting the time period to ensure that you will have the book through finals.
Here are my top picks for rentals:
The Bookstore
The Stanford Bookstore has begun a limited rental service through eFollet.com. This is by far the easiest service to use because you can pick up and return your book on campus. Visit the Stanford bookstore website to search for your classes. When your necessary textbooks are available to rent, it will be listed here. I would advise renting ASAP before the stock of rentals disappears – the bookstore will hold the book until you pick it up.
www.swoopthat.com
Talk about a breathtaking website! All you have to do is find your university, add your courses, and it searches THE ENTIRE WEB for the cheapest prices on all of your books. The results range from rentals to purchasing, but regardless, you will save money.
www.chegg.com
Chegg is probably my favorite rental site because beyond cheap prices, they plant a tree for every book you rent. What’s not to love? Other sites like www.bookrenter.com sport equally easy rental services that fit in any student’s budget. You can find other rental sites by searching “college textbook rentals” on the web – just make sure the site has good reviews and you may want to check it out on the Better Business Bureau website if you are having second thoughts.
eReaders
While not rentals, many textbooks are now available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble on their e-readers. Not a bad way to save a tree if I may say so.
The Library
As an English major, my go-to place for renting is the library because it’s absolutely free. Even if you can’t rent the book you need, many professors will but a book on hold for students to use for a 3 hour time period within the library. This strategy saved me beaucoup dollars on a Stats 60 textbook I would have wanted to burn at the end of the quarter. Don’t be afraid to see if your textbook is in the library – unless it’s one you’re going to be using a lot.
Buy used
So even if a girl can’t go completely green, used books are plentiful in most subjects. Check out your mailing lists, the bookstore (if you get there early enough), amazon.com, betterworldbooks.com, and every other site that sells used.
With all these options, there’s no reason no to save a tree or two when you go to buy textbooks this fall. Your wallet and our friend the Tree will surely thank you.