College+Life Blog: Student

Showing posts with label Student. Show all posts

Monday, May 2, 2011

Why Buy Textbooks When You Can Rent Textbooks?

Textbook rental companies are one of the fastest growing market segments in the country. The reasons are simple and I will explain them in this blog.

I’ve talked with thousands of college students across this great country of ours. I have a daughter in college; my wife is about to finish her Masters degree and runs the museum (Wrather West Kentucky Museum) on Murray State University’s campus and I work for a company that operates the third largest textbook rental company, College Book Renter. Until the last couple of years, students have had limited options for acquiring their course materials. When it came to books, they had only three choices, buy new, used or try to pass without a book at all. At the end of the semester, the only happy students I met while selling back their books, where the ones that never used them, didn’t go to class and needed the cash to party.

I’ve met some students who got pretty angry when they were trying to sell books back to their bookstore only to find the store was not buying them back for several reasons. Maybe the book has gone “old edition” or the professor had not turned in his adoptions for the coming semester.

When the bookstore is going to need your book for the next semester they will pay around one half of the list price providing it is acceptable condition. If the store doesn’t need your book but it can be used at another school you will receive a lesser price depending on how old it is. This is why the textbook rental market has sky-rocketed. You save up to 85% of the purchase price and eliminate the guess work at the end of the semester. Just return it to the rightful owner.

If you’ve done your due diligence, you will know that sometimes the out of pocket expense can be less by purchasing and selling back if you’re willing to take the risk. If you’re like most students and have other bills to pay, you will most likely want to save on the frontend and not take the gamble of losing all of your investment.

When you factor in everything, all in all, it's almost always better to rent than to buy when it comes to textbooks.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Guest Post from a College Senior

Today's post comes from Sean Barnett a senior college student set for graduation in a few weeks.

Hey gang,

My name is Sean Barnett and I’m about to graduate in May. I really wish I had stumbled upon the college textbook rental scene sooner. It doesn’t matter which vendor you choose, you can save tons of money by renting your textbooks. I feel like this blog really is hitting the nail on the head concerning how students can save money and create a better college experience, so I felt led to guest blog and help tell students about renting textbooks.

Companies like CollegeBookRenter.com allow you to save up to 85% on your textbooks each semester. Since the average student spends at least $350 a semester on books, just think how much money you could save.

Renting your books is also a lot less hassle. You cut out the long search in the bookstore, the wait for the bookstore representative to print off your schedule, the long lines at the bookstore check out, and the hardship of carrying all your books – even the ones you will probably never crack open – to your dorm or car.

In addition to the savings and the hassle you avoid, the student is usually given a little more wiggle room should they decide to return a book for a full refund when renting. I’ve seen 15 to as many as 30 days time to return a book for a full refund!

On the flip side, there are many reasons students are hesitant to rent their textbooks. Some are simply afraid of the concept. They fear that they may get a book that’s in bad shape. Some don’t like the idea of being tied down by a rental period.

There are answers to a few of these issues. For starters, many online rental sites give the option for students to extend their rental period. Often times this is for a small additional fee. Should a student decide they want to keep the book, they can usually buy the book by paying the difference. Many of these textbook rental sites also offer digital rentals, which is another monster I’ll tackle in future blogs.

I just want to conclude by saying that I think renting your textbooks is the way to go in college. I wish I would have known about it sooner.

Happy Renting,

Sean Barnett

Thursday, April 7, 2011

How to Find Free Food

Everyone loves free food, especially college students. And guess what? Free food is looking for you.

For hungry, cash-strapped college students, few things are better than free food. At least that's the reasoning behind Food-bot, an award-winning website that identifies events offering free food on college campuses. Companies and event organizers are willing to feed you to get you to notice their products. Visit the Food-bot website to find free food near you!
Local churches love to have college students of all ages involved with their youth programs and most provide youth group suppers and congregational dinners every week. Churches understand that you are their future, and they want you to share their hospitality through complimentary meals throughout the semester.
Get networked into your campus by attending events and activities. You'll expand your college experience, meet friends and sometimes find snacks.
Watch for gallery openings and new art exhibits on or near your campus. These events are almost always stocked with wine, cheese, and other treats. In addition to complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, you'll have the opportunity to check out some great art!
Sign up for Birthday Clubs at local restaurants. Many fast food and sit-down restaurants offer free or discounted meals to birthday club members during the month of their birthday. Sign-up today and start planning your birthday celebrations!
Offer to babysit or tutor your neighbors' children. Most of these jobs are sure to include a nice, warm meal.