Tips For Textbook Sharing

By Ashley Paskill on October 17, 2019

Anyone that has been in college for any amount of time knows that college textbooks are one of the biggest expenses when it comes to getting a degree. While some professors understand this and use other resources, other professors still opt to use the textbook. One of the best ways to help relieve the cost burden is to share the book. However, before diving into this commitment, there are a few things to know.

Make sure you need the book

Before you even decide that you want to share the book, make sure you will need the book for the class. That way, you will not waste your time finding someone to share it if you end up not using it. Wait for the first class to make your decision. Also, if you know you are taking classes that utilize the same book, it may be better to have your own copy in case the person you are sharing with does not take the same class or decides not to move forward with your major.

Share your book with someone reliable

It is crucial that you share the book with someone you can trust. There is nothing worse than not having the book when it is your turn or not having the other person show up for study sessions when they say they will. While it may be tempting to use this as a chance to meet someone new, it is best to share the book with someone you already know if possible. If you do not know anyone in your class, use the introductions as a chance to see who you might want to share with. You can also share it with the person next to you. Just make sure that the person you are sharing with is intending to stay in the class.

Create a schedule

When sharing a textbook, it is important to create a schedule for who gets the book and when. At the beginning of the semester, look at the syllabus and take your activities schedule into account. Meet with the person you want to share the textbook with to compare schedules and figure out when each of you will have the textbook. If you have similar schedules, you may even opt to study together and use the textbook for the session. Be consistent with the schedule and do not cancel too many study sessions. Be sure to give plenty of notice if you need extra time with the book, and try to keep this to a minimum.

Eliott Reyna via https://unsplash.com/photos/kcT-7cirBEw

You may still need your own access code

Many professors do not use the online portion of the textbook, but if they do, you will need to get your own code, especially if they assign homework exercises on the online portal or if they check to see if you use it. Even if it is not required, it is good so you can get extra practice and get extra resources if you are struggling in the class. That way, even if it is not your day to have the book, you can still work on stuff for the class and be prepared for the future.

Consider getting the electronic version of the book

While you may want the physical copy, it may be easier to have the electronic copy of the book to share. The electronic access makes it easier to share, especially if you want to share it with multiple people. Not only is it easier to share, but the electronic version is also usually less expensive than the physical version, so you will be saving money in two ways. Just make sure getting the e-book is okay with everyone and that you will actually be able to share it.

Figure out how you will share the cost

Deciding how you will split the cost is the most important part of the process. After all, you are likely sharing a textbook to help you save money. Decide who will buy the book and how you will split it. It is likely that you will split it evenly. If you are buying the book, make sure the person you are sharing with pays you for their share, and if the other person is buying the book, make sure you give your share of the money in a timely manner.

Make the most of the time with the book

When you do have the book, it is likely that you will not have a lot of time to spend with it. Therefore, it is essential that you make the most of the time you do have. Take notes in a notebook, outlining the chapter you are working on. Write out the main points and the key terms, and answer any questions or problems that are at the end of the chapter. Make flashcards out of possible exam questions. Once you have all of the necessary information written out, make visuals so that you can remember the information. This way, you will have all of the information you need. Make sure you use your time wisely and be wise about what you focus on based on previous exams.

Textbooks are undoubtedly one of the most expensive parts of college, but sharing a textbook can help save some money. Doing so wisely can help the experience go smoothly to make the semester the best it can be.

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