Before buying textbooks, check which edition your course requires and how long you will need each book. Compare library borrowing, used copies and e-books course by course rather than buying every title new.
Start with the syllabus and your library
- Confirm the title, author and edition. Ask your instructor whether an older edition will work. A cheaper used copy may not match the material covered in class.
- Search your university library. Check availability and the return date, especially if you need the book during exams.
- Look for electronic resources and course materials. Seoul National University Library provides menus for e-books, academic databases, course reserves, course-material PDFs and purchase requests. This is one university's example, not a promise that your own institution offers the same resources or access.
Compare condition and delivery costs
Check Aladin's online used-book section or your department's noticeboard. Ask about the edition, annotations and damaged pages. Compare the price including delivery with a new copy or an e-book. Availability and prices vary by title; there is no fixed discount to rely on.
Plan shared use before exams
If you obtain a book from a senior student or share a physical copy with a study group, agree on access during exam preparation and who will keep it. If the library does not have the book, ask whether you can submit a purchase request. Approval and arrival during the semester are not guaranteed. For electronic materials, check the access route and usage conditions provided by your institution or the publisher.
Before you buy: confirm the edition, check library and electronic access, compare used-book condition and total cost, then consider how long you need the book. Borrowing limits, copying conditions and prices must be checked for the specific institution or resource.
Read the original textbook-saving guide on the WeBring blog (Korean) →
Sources: WeBring blog · Seoul National University Library · Aladin online used books
Last verified: 2026-11-04