Where do most college students purchase textbooks?

So I'm thinking ahead to college and trying to budget. I realized I have no idea where most college students buy their textbooks. Is there like a specific online or physical store most people go to? Or do they borrow them from the library? Any advice would be great.

Finding textbooks for courses can sometimes feel tricky, but luckily there are many ways to obtain the required materials. Your college/university bookstore is the most traditional route and this might be a useful option if you're looking for convenience, or want access to exclusive editions specific to your college.

However, buying from your college bookstore often isn't the cheapest route. Websites like Amazon, Chegg, and Barnes & Noble often sell the same textbooks at a discounted price. These platforms offer both physical copies and e-books, and some even offer rental options which can end up saving you quite a bit of expense.

There are also several websites where you can buy or rent used textbooks such as ThriftBooks and AbeBooks. These help you save by offering used copies, which are often cheaper than new.

Don't overlook campus Facebook groups, where upperclassman might be selling their old textbooks.

Regarding libraries, while many do provide textbooks, popular ones might have large wait lists, or might only allow short-term use (cannot be taken out of the library or only borrowed for a few hours). It's worth checking the policies of your institution's library.

One key tip: Wait until you have your syllabus and have attended the first class before purchasing anything. Professors often provide clarity on which books are mandatory and which are optional. Additionally, some lectures provide sufficient materials that the textbook may not be necessary.

Finally, an increasing number of courses provide free, open-source textbooks, so check if this option is available in your courses! It provides a huge savings opportunity.

To sum up, textbooks can be sourced from a variety of places, both online and off, depending on what suits your budget and learning style best. Be sure to explore several options before making a purchase.