Textbooks on a Budget: How to save money this fall

 Here are some suggestions to help you make budget-friendly choices this term.

1. Wait until after the first class
   It’s tempting to get a head start, but most experienced students will tell you: wait until after your first classes to buy your textbooks. Professors often clarify which materials are essential, and you might find that some books are optional or not needed at all.
    
2. Digital is usually cheaper
   Digital textbooks are often less expensive than print versions, sometimes significantly so. They may also be available for rental instead of purchase, saving you more assuming you don’t want to keep access to it after the course is over.
    
3. Campus Store tips
   The Campus Store offers several ways to cut costs:
   • Buy used: When available, used books are cheaper than new ones.
   • Rent: Renting, especially digital, can be a better deal.
   • Price match: Found a better deal elsewhere? The Campus Store may match it. Check the policy.
      
4. Shop around
   The convenience of shopping in one place is great, but it can also cost more. Consider these alternatives:
   • Used book marketplaces:
     • UoSwap, a mobile application designed to facilitate the seamless, cost-effective purchase and sale of textbooks by fellow students.
     • Ottawa U Textbook Exchange Facebook Group
     • Kijiji
   • Purchasing your books directly from publishers.
   • Other retailers:
     • Les libraires
     • Renaud-Bray
     • Archambault
     • Indigo
     • Amazon
   • Platforms:
     • VitalSource
     • Perlego
   • Previous editions: you may be able to find a previous edition of a textbook at a more affordable price.  Ask your professor if a previous edition would be acceptable.
      
5. Use the Library
   The University of Ottawa Library works with professors to provide students with free access to course materials like e-books and journal articles through the catalogue, course reserves, and Virtual Campus (Brightspace).  
   
   If your textbook isn’t available through the Library, ask your professor if a print copy can be placed on reserve.
    
6. Share the cost
   Team up with a classmate and split the cost of a textbook. Just make sure your schedules and study habits align.
    
7. Explore free Open Educational Resources (OER)
   If you can’t afford a commercial textbook, you may still have access to high-quality, free materials. OER are created by educators and free from most copyright restrictions. Start exploring.
    
8. Give feedback
   Course evaluations are your chance to speak up about textbook costs and accessibility. For Fall 2025, evaluations run from November 17 to 28. Don’t miss the opportunity to share your thoughts!

For professors: Make your course more affordable
If you're a professor, you can help reduce student costs by integrating free or low-cost materials into your course. The Library offers support to help you find and adopt OER, library-licensed content, and other affordable alternatives. Learn more.

Please note: Listing a service or platform in this post does not represent endorsement by the University of Ottawa Library.