Students

Textbooks are one of the largest expenses for students, after tuition, rent and food.

In fact, textbooks account for 17.7% of the average student's educational costs. Considering the costs of textbooks are increasing at a rapid rate in excess of inflation, this percentage is likely to increase even more and place even more financial pressure on already over-burdened students.

How Can I Help?

We need engaged students to help with the campaign by discussing this issue one-on-one with instructors and by getting the message out to other students. We are trying to make this issue front and center everywhere on campus, and we can't do it without you!

If you would like to be a key part of this campus-wide movement, and gain valuable experience in running an advocacy campaign, we would love to see you at one of our training sessions!

Please send an email to bebooksmart@munsu.ca or sign up with our volunteers around campus.

How Can I Save Money Now?

There are several ways to save money on your textbook purchases. You might try the tips below:

• Buy used books. It's the obvious answer, but is always effective.
• Try older editions. Ask your instructor if an older edition is close enough to the current one. In some cases, this will help you find used books.
• Shop around. Try the Bookstore, The Attic / Copy Centre, Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, and any other bookstore you can think of. These all sell used books as well, and many prices can be found online or through Bearscat.
• Search the used book registry on my.mun.ca
• Check public notice boards. They're often littered with bulletins advertising used books in various subjects.
• Ask friends. Borrow or buy books from friends who have taken the same class.
• Get creative. Look for eBook options of the text or try to find international editions without the glossy, full-colour pages.
• Don't buy at all. Look for reserve copies in the library to sign out.

For additional information regarding textbook costs or the Be Booksmart campaign, check out our Resources page.