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Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
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#2
(Original post by hemdinho)
Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
Depends how much you like new books and how much money you have.
If the book is in decent condition and you can get it for a good price 50-60%, then I would take the second hand copy. You can also sell that on at the end of your year assuming its still in edition.
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#3
(Original post by hemdinho)
Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
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#4
There are copies of the recommended textbooks in the university library so it's possible to read what you need for free tbh. Its pretty unusual for a student to buy all the recommended textbooks. The module leader typically produces quite an extensive list but only a small number are essential for the whole module, some of them might have a chapter that's maybe relevant to one lecture.
I'd say be aware that books change between editions... but often large parts can stay exactly the same. buying an old edition and being careful (i.e. checking the important bits against the latest edition in the library when it's essay time) could be a strategy if you're short of money.
I'd say be aware that books change between editions... but often large parts can stay exactly the same. buying an old edition and being careful (i.e. checking the important bits against the latest edition in the library when it's essay time) could be a strategy if you're short of money.
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#6
(Original post by 999tigger)
Make sure you get the correct edition.
Depends how much you like new books and how much money you have.
If the book is in decent condition and you can get it for a good price 50-60%, then I would take the second hand copy. You can also sell that on at the end of your year assuming its still in edition.
Make sure you get the correct edition.
Depends how much you like new books and how much money you have.
If the book is in decent condition and you can get it for a good price 50-60%, then I would take the second hand copy. You can also sell that on at the end of your year assuming its still in edition.
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#7
(Original post by hemdinho)
Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
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#8
(Original post by hemdinho)
Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
In my first year I bought one textbook through the university as they offered a 15% discount through their partnered book seller. However, for the rest of my textbooks I have hired them from the uni or bought them second hand from ebay where they have been a lot cheaper! Make sure you check on your university's online library first to see if they have an online e-copy of the textbook you're interested in to save yourself money. I always have found the recommended core textbooks suggested for each module to apply and be very useful.
Sam- Official Student Rep
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#9
(Original post by hemdinho)
Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
It mainly depends on if they are still useable and don't have too many notes etc on them but also I would try and made sure that you get the right edition (as someone else did also point out) just because if lecturers are referencing pages it is easier if you have the right edition.
I know Blackwells sells used books and you can go in and have a look at them before you buy which might be useful. They also do a price match on Amazon, Waterstones and WHSmith, which I have found useful if I need to book immediately.
I hope this helps and do let us know if you have any other questions!
From,
Amina 😊
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#10
(Original post by UniofReading)
Hey hemdinho,
It mainly depends on if they are still useable and don't have too many notes etc on them but also I would try and made sure that you get the right edition (as someone else did also point out) just because if lecturers are referencing pages it is easier if you have the right edition.
I know Blackwells sells used books and you can go in and have a look at them before you buy which might be useful. They also do a price match on Amazon, Waterstones and WHSmith, which I have found useful if I need to book immediately.
I hope this helps and do let us know if you have any other questions!
From,
Amina 😊
Hey hemdinho,
It mainly depends on if they are still useable and don't have too many notes etc on them but also I would try and made sure that you get the right edition (as someone else did also point out) just because if lecturers are referencing pages it is easier if you have the right edition.
I know Blackwells sells used books and you can go in and have a look at them before you buy which might be useful. They also do a price match on Amazon, Waterstones and WHSmith, which I have found useful if I need to book immediately.
I hope this helps and do let us know if you have any other questions!
From,
Amina 😊
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#11
Hi hemdinho
The first thing I would suggest doing is having a look at your university library ! At my uni (Lancaster) we have lots of resources both physical copies and digital copies which are available for us to use ! Sometimes I found that I would need to read something only once so it was easier to borrow / access resources available. During my first year I did buy a lot of books which was expensive especially as someone of them I barely used ! My uni also currently has a local bookstore on campus which is helpful. So I would reckoned consulting your uni library and maybe even asking lecturers if you need physical copies of everything ! Sometimes used books can be helpful to read other notes (as long as they are right) but if it’s books for exams you might need clean copies ! So see what your uni suggests doing.
Good look finding your books !
Lancaster university student ambassador Holly
The first thing I would suggest doing is having a look at your university library ! At my uni (Lancaster) we have lots of resources both physical copies and digital copies which are available for us to use ! Sometimes I found that I would need to read something only once so it was easier to borrow / access resources available. During my first year I did buy a lot of books which was expensive especially as someone of them I barely used ! My uni also currently has a local bookstore on campus which is helpful. So I would reckoned consulting your uni library and maybe even asking lecturers if you need physical copies of everything ! Sometimes used books can be helpful to read other notes (as long as they are right) but if it’s books for exams you might need clean copies ! So see what your uni suggests doing.
Good look finding your books !
Lancaster university student ambassador Holly
Last edited by Lancaster Student Ambassador; 1 month ago
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#12
(Original post by hemdinho)
Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
Which one is the better option I am an international relations student and I textbooks urgently but used textbooks are significantly cheaper but are they worth it for university
In first year I got all new textbooks which were quite expensive. So, in second and third year I decided to first see if the books/editions I needed were available second hand. I also checked if some books were available online or in the library. This saved me a lot of money. And I was also able to resell some of the books.
Zaira
Last edited by hallamstudents; 1 month ago
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