Between the stacks of homework, dozens of papers, and abundance of exams, college offers plenty of challenges. Some students add more stress by trying to constantly borrow their friend’s books. Instead, they can make life a bit easier by buying or renting copies of all the required textbooks for the semester. Best of all, books don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. They can purchase cheap textbooks for college by buying used or renting.

A copy of the course’s textbook makes completing assignments much easier. Many of the readings a professor assigns are located in the book. Examples and further explanations will reinforce concepts learned in class. Having a hard copy of the text makes highlighting or marking important passages simple. Use the book's margins to write any questions that arise while reading. Write down observations in the margins too, and refer to these notes in class. In addition to readings, professors often assign problems out of the book. With the required textbook, helpful examples, as well as explanations and equations, are conveniently located just a page-turn or two away from any challenging or confusing problems.

Bringing the book to class will enhance the learning experience, and some instructors require it. With the textbook in hand, follow along with the professor and make notes in the margin. In literature, use the book to point out specific passages, quotes or plot points in class discussions. Mark the themes or parts of the text that the professor emphasizes. In history, use the book to look up the events or dates mentioned in class. In math, use the text to look up equations when working on problems in class, or when following along as the instructor completes a problem on the board. In a foreign language course, use the textbook to look up unfamiliar words or to review a verb conjugation.

Textbooks make studying for tests and writing papers much easier as well. Review important parts of the text by looking over notes and highlighted sections. Focus on the concepts found in previously assigned reading and problems. Use the problems and questions in the text to practice for the test. Make flashcards for terms in bold. When writing a paper, use the text to get ideas for topics. Delve deeper into something interesting in the reading. Also use the book to double check facts and dates. Some texts also point to additional readings and sources on a topic. Look up these sources, and use them to conduct further research.