Every year and for every module, most students receive a relevant reading list. In some cases and for whatever reason (usually because the library doesn’t have enough or it will become your Bible for that module) the lecturer will recommend that you buy one or more of the recommended titles. Students do not have a bottomless pit of cash – not to mention the space in their digs – to buy every recommended book. So the question is, do you need to buy every recommended book? It’s highly likely the answer is “no” but deciding which to buy requires a little investigation.
Check the Library Stock
Before you go buying anything, check how many copies are available in the library. If it’s just a handful, then it may be worth buying your own copy. If it’s more than about 6, it’s unlikely they will be out of stock all the time. Also, look at the length of time for which a book can be borrowed. Some of the most popular books can be taken out for a matter of hours rather than days. Also, check the local authority library in case they have copies. It’s unlikely they will have anything too niche, but it’s worth checking. Also, is it available as an electronic copy? This way, multiple students may borrow the book at once.
Check Second Hand Stock First
The internet is full of places to buy books from former students. eBay, Amazon Marketplace, AbeBooks are the traditional marketplaces. There are probably Facebook groups for buying and selling academic books between students. This is the cheaper option for both buying and selling as they don’t take a cut in the same way that online retailers do. Alternatively, try any second-hand bookshops on campus although be advised that they don’t tend to be much cheaper than buying brand new copies. Also, sometimes the library will have sales of older versions of books.
Consider Shared Copies
Are you near or living with students on the same course and reading for the same modules? If so, rather than buying a copy of the recommended books each and being vastly out of picket, agree to pick the most important books and buy one each. That way you can share books in a household and save money. There is no need in this day and age of instant communication for everyone to have their own copies.
A note on editions: Before you buy any second-hand copy, ensure it’s the correct edition. Most reading lists won’t, but if there is an edition specified there will nearly always be a good reason for it. Perhaps a new chapter, updated information, new research and so on.