How to College - A Virtual Book Display for Students: Textbook Hacks

College can be costly, but savvy Cards know how to save without compromising success. Check out these essential hacks to cut costs and make the most of your UofL experience!

Quick Tips

• Search the course catalog for classes labled as low-cost or no-cost materials

• Ask your professor about older editions or online alternatives.

• Rent or buy used textbooks instead of buying new ones.

• Use price comparison tools like BookScouter to find the best deals.

• Swap or share textbooks with friends or previous students.

• Sell your textbooks at the end of the semester for extra cash.
   

The following list includes courses where professors have noted the use of low-cost or zero-cost course materials. Please note that this list is not comprehensive, as many professors may use low-cost options without informing the course schedulers. Additionally, the list may not always be up to date, but it will be periodically updated before open enrollment closes. For the most current list of courses, please follow the instructions for finding courses.

While there isn't an official search option in the catalog for no-cost and low-cost courses, we’ve got a simple hack to help you find them! Follow these steps to locate classes that use affordable materials:

1. Go to UofL’s Schedule of Classes page here  
   • Note: Be sure to use the link above as this method will not work with the newer class search interface or class searches performed in Ulink portal.
2. Select the Term & Subject
   • Choose the term (e.g., Spring 2025) you’re interested in.
   • Select the subject area (such as Humanities, Science, etc.).
3. Use the "Find" shortcut to search for courses
   • Once you’ve opened the schedule, use your keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F (or Command + F for Mac).
   • In the search box that appears, type “This section uses”. This will highlight the sections that mention no-cost or low-cost textbooks and materials (see photo below). 
   • Write down the course subject, number, and section for classes you want to enroll in.
4. Register in Ulink
   • When you are finish finding affordable classes, go to your ulink student portal.
   • Log in and find the classes on your list using "class search." 
      

Step 1: Confirm Your Required Textbooks

Before anything else, confirm the required textbooks for your classes. Once you receive your class schedules and book lists, read your syllabi carefully to see which books are required and which are optional. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to reach out to your professors.

Best Questions to Ask Your Professor:

• How often is this textbook used in class?

• Can I use an older edition? Which edition(s) are acceptable?

• Is this textbook required or recommended?

• Can any of the readings be found online or as free/low-cost PDFs?

These questions can help you make informed decisions on whether you truly need to buy the textbook and which version would work best.

Step 2: Free Textbook Options

There are a few options to access textbooks without breaking the bank:

• UofL Libraries: Check with UofL Libraries to see if the required textbooks are available. While textbooks are not typically purchased for library collections, instructors may place some course materials on Course Reserves for students to borrow. These books are available for short-term use. If the book isn’t available, you can Ask Us for assistance.

• Online Resources: Check if the required readings are available through the library’s digital platforms like EBSCOhost or JSTOR. You may also find free, legal, downloadable textbooks through resources like OpenStax or Project Gutenberg.

• Textbook Sharing and Swapping: If you have a reliable friend or study buddy, consider swapping textbooks. You can also ask students who took the class in previous semesters if they still have the textbook and would be willing to lend or sell it to you for the semester.

Step 3: Buying or Renting Textbooks

If borrowing or sharing textbooks isn’t an option, here are ways to buy them at lower prices:

• Student-to-Student Sales: Ask your friends or check your school’s student portal, Facebook groups, or student organizations to see if anyone is selling their textbooks. Students often sell their books at reasonable prices to avoid the hassle of dealing with book buyback programs.

• Search Facebook Groups: U of L Used Book Exchange 

• Renting Textbooks: Renting textbooks can save you a lot of money if you don’t need the book again after the semester. You can rent textbooks online through websites like Chegg, Amazon, or UofL bookstore.

• Price Comparison Tools: Before buying, use a price comparison tool like BookScouter to compare prices for new, used, or rental textbooks. This can help you find the best deal without visiting multiple websites.

• Used Books at Local Bookstores: Check your local bookstores for used versions of the textbooks. Used textbooks are often significantly cheaper than new ones. Plus, they may already have highlights or notes from previous students!

Step 4: At the End of the Semester

• Return Rented Textbooks: Don’t forget to return rented textbooks on time to avoid late fees! Set a reminder so you don’t miss the return deadline.

• Textbook Buyback Programs: Check buyback prices for your textbooks using BookScouter. This tool allows you to compare buyback prices from multiple bookstores, so you can sell your used textbooks at the best rate. You can use the money to buy books for next semester or treat yourself!