October 18, 2017, by Lucy
Where to get Cheap Books
When it comes to your university course, it is highly likely that you will be required to purchase at least some books. Although you will probably be given a list at containing the names of 10 plus books, it is worth finding out which ones are absolutely necessary since books can be expensive even without the burden of having a student loan looming over your head! Anyway, here are a few ways to pick up all those books without blowing the bank and catapulting you into a life of beans on toast and arctic conditions…
BUY SECOND HAND
Yes, the pages may not be new and crisp. Yes, there may be some highlighted sections. Yes, there may be some irrelevant annotations, I understand. However, when first-hand books can seem to be the same price as a small semi-detached house in Middlesbrough, the sacrifices make when it comes to buying second hand will be worth the feeling of having extra cash in your pocket.
When it comes to buying second hand books, it is probably best to try your searches by looking at Amazon Marketplace or by visiting book sales held by the university, as well as popping into the many charity shops that are in the Nottingham area – I mean, have you ever been to Oxfam in Beeston? It is like the Aladdin’s cave of course material! Not only will you be saving money, but you could also be helping someone else in the world, whether that be a third year who needs the money to buy a bus pass, or a child in Africa who needs clean water. You may as well stock up on books this way and call it your good deed of the day, it won’t cost you more than a fiver, I swear!
CHECK THE LIBRARY
In case you have been living under a rock, or just in complete ignorance (probably for the best), you may have realised that university is not free. For a mere £9,000+, you are paying to attend a prestigious university and receive a first-class education. Having said this, it would be quite silly not to get the most of your £9,000 by say, not going to the library, wouldn’t it? With multiple libraries distributed among all of the university’s campuses, it doesn’t matter where you are, there is an abundance of books on your doorstep!
TIP: check out books before they become required material to minimise the chances of them being unavailable due to popularity.
IS IT AVAILABLE ONLINE?
Along with all the libraries that the university has to offer comes an online database called ‘nusearch’. Here you will be able access all of the books that the university is in possession of and see which ones are available to read online. As a result of this, you are able to read course material for free without having to leave the comfort of your bed. Now, if laziness was an excuse for not doing the reading, then you better be prepared to find a new excuse asap!
SHARE!!!
For when you can’t buy second hand and the full price of a book brings a tear to your eye, turn to your friends and wallow in each other’s self-pity together, it’ll make the pain more bearable. I am kidding, obviously. Rather than crying with your friends pair up with them and split the price of books between you because we all know that sharing is caring.
We have Book Crossing shelves at Hallward Library and James Cameron-Gifford Library. Free reading books!
Also, don’t forget all of our students can join Sconul Access https://www.sconul.ac.uk/page/about-sconul-access-0. Depending on your student status you might be able to borrow books or use for reference at a University/College near home in your holidays…