How much does student literature cost?
Are you one of those who start studying for the first time in the fall and are wondering how to make ends meet? The cost of course literature varies greatly depending on what you are studying, but it is common for students at colleges and universities in Sweden to spend a few thousand kronor per semester on course books.
Before the start of the course, you must obtain the course literature specified by the department in the reading list. The course literature is usually an important part of the course content and is examined during the semester. Lectures give an indication of what the course coordinators consider important, but it is in the literature that you immerse yourself in the various theories and topics that the course touches.
Popular courses in 2022
Different programs differ in different ways, for example, it is common for university programs to have a longer list of compulsory course literature than a program at a university of applied sciences. Some programs have more practical exercises, while others have a heavier focus on the theoretical parts. Either way, it is common that a number of books are needed each semester.
If you are anxiously awaiting the admission letter that will determine what your study fall will look like, it is highly likely that you have applied for one of the following programs, which were the most applied for the fall semester 2021:
- Law program
- Medical program / Medicine
- Psychology program
- Socionom program
- Criminology program
- Econome program
The programs vary in length between 3 and 5 years and each semester contains between 2 and 4 courses, so there will be a lot of books to read. However, many of them are recurring and can be found second-hand here on Tradera. If you are looking for used course literature for your komvux program, Tradera is the right place for you too.
Advantages of second-hand course literature
There are many benefits to buying course literature second-hand. As well as doing a good deed for the environment and contributing to circular consumption, it is also kinder to the wallet. Course literature generally costs more than fiction and if the reading list is long, it quickly becomes a major expense item, especially if you are living on student loans for the first time and already have limited finances.
Many used books have been used very little and it is common to find copies in new condition. Remember to double check that it is the correct edition, especially for areas that are updated regularly, it can make a big difference to have the latest version.
Five tips to save money on course books
1. Be out in good time
Some books sell out quickly when courses start. If you are well in advance, it is easier to borrow books from the library or buy them before they sell out. Contact your university or college before the start of the semester and ask which books are included in the curriculum.
2. Check which books are necessary
Often, books are listed that will not be the basis for the exams, but are there to delve into if you have a personal interest in learning more. If you know that you will not choose to spend evenings and weekends on these types of in-depth books, it may be worthwhile to focus only on the main books.
3. Buy used student literature
If the course you are taking is not brand new, or relies on the latest edition of every book, it is often possible to find used course books. Many schools have notice boards where former students advertise books for sale. Another trick is to ask acquaintances who have read the same thing the year or semester before. If you have no such contacts, it may be easier to buy used textbooks online.
4. Take care of the books
It is unlikely that you will want to reread the books at the end of the course, so it may be worth your while to take care of the books so that they retain their resale value. Avoid leaving dog-eared pages or scribbling on them with ink or highlighter. Instead, use pencil and make marks in the margins if necessary.
5. Sell it on
If you don’t plan to re-read the course literature, or want to keep it on your bookshelf as a decorative item, it’s worth the time to put them up for sale again at the end of the course. Make sure you have passed the exams before you sell them though! The right time to put it up for sale depends on when the course ended. It might be worth checking when it will run again and putting the book up just before the course starts, to maximize demand. When the time comes, it’s easy to create an ad and sell your book on Tradera.
