Avoid buying brand-new books from campus bookstores unless necessary, as they typically have the highest markups.

: Most professors list required vs. optional books on the syllabus or school portal.

To buy school books efficiently, you should start by identifying the exact materials required—using the provided by your professor to ensure the correct edition—and then compare prices across multiple platforms. 1. Identify What You Need

College Textbooks: Tips for saving money in the new school year

: This 13-digit unique identifier is the only way to guarantee you are buying the right version. 2. Where to Shop

: Ask if an older edition is acceptable or if you truly need the digital access codes , which are often sold separately and cannot be reused.