Textbooks are a necessary evil and an expensive one at that. The prices of textbooks are rising at an insane rate. Their cost has risen about 815% in the last three decades, which is higher than the increase in tuition over the same period (source). So, what to do?

Well, we are definitely not suggesting you crib notes from the guy who sits in the back of class and can't seem to stay awake through a thirty minute lecture. Seriously, don't do that.

Here's a better alternative: rent your books or buy them second-hand. There's a robust second-hand market for textbooks. Your school store probably has a used section and you should check out online vendors as well. (Obvi). While you might have to contend with over-zealous highlighting from previous owners, the cash you save will be worth it.