Five Ways to Avoid the Texbook Rush

5 Ways to Avoid The Textbook Rush

We all know the anxiety associated with buying and selling textbooks. It is a stressful task, one I do not suggest for the faint of heart. Students and bookstores transform into hawkers and hustlers, all trying to turn a profit while simultaneously trying to score a bargain. From my years of procrastinatory tendancies I’ve learnt at least 5 valid textbook lessons that every student should know.

{C}1. Try to plan ahead for the upcoming year.

Know which courses you are planning to take and try and get the textbooks before the semester begins.

{C}2. Look for pdf versions online.

This saves you time, money and bag space!

{C}3. If push comes to shove, try and get your hands on some pre-owned textbooks as soon as possible.

Those sell faster than strips and chips.

{C}4. Re-sell your previous books fast.

There are multiple students selling the exact same product as you- try and beat the prices, while still keeping in mind earning a decent profit. Remember, the earlier you sell it the better your profit making chances are.

{C}5. Avoid selling to the on-campus second hand bookstores (including Van Schaik and Protea Books).

They are a helpful and easy solution, but you are cheated out of most of the profit. It is better to rather sell your pre-owned textbooks personally to prospective students, as you then get all of the earnings as opposed to half.

These 5 steps are my guideline when it comes to each new semester. Think of it as the 12 steps adapted to help you (if you are like me) overcome your procrastination addictions. I hope these pointers were of help to all of my fellow students and all the best for the next edition of ‘The Textbook Games’.

Saara Mowlana