Being prepared for the first day of college sets you on a path for success. But, if the costs of textbooks sets you back a bill, here are a few tips to survive until you are able to purchase your textbooks:
NOTE: These tips should not replace the actual textbook. You will need your textbooks to succeed in your classes.
Check for books on reserve in the Library: Many of your professors understand that you may not be able to have your textbooks on the first day or first week of the semester. If you are in this situation, go to the Library and check if any of your books are on reserve. This means that if your textbook is there, you can borrow it for 1-2 hours at a time. Although it may not seem like much, you can get a lot accomplished in a couple of hours - like reading the required chapters, taking notes, and/or working on an assignment.
Check the lending library in the RISE office: Many students donate their textbooks after the semester has ended to help out fellow students. If your book is available in the RISE office, you can borrow the book for the entire semester. Just make sure to keep the textbooks in good condition; someone else will need the books after you and, trust me, no one wants to see coffee stains in between the pages! The RISE office is located in AJ 7 and is open to all students.
Check online bookstores for bargains: While the SCC Bookstore is the best place to find your books, many students search online for bargain deals. Some companies sell used textbooks for less and/or allow students to rent textbooks for a small fee.
Check campus bulletin boards for books for sale: At the end of the semester, many students sell their books for a bargain price. Take a look at the bulletin boards inside the buildings for fliers. But, before you buy the book, make sure that it is the correct edition. You don’t want to spend $50 on a book that is no longer being used!
Check with off-campus resouces: If you are a participant in programs such as the Department of Rehabilitation or CalWORKs, you may be able to receive assistance with your textbooks. Talk to your caseworker for moreinformation.
