Ahh, college. Known distinctly for being one of the happiest, freeest, and quite possibly the drunkest period of our lives, college years are becoming increasingly important in an ever-changing and fast-paced society that determines your living standard based on your education and accreditation. Yet, the last decade of American education has been marked by increasing alarm over exponentially increasing costs. Tuition is on the rise, housing costs are growing exponentially, and following this popular trend, textbook publishers and textbook retail companies are updating textbooks, forcing students to purchase new editions of books that command a shiny cover and high price, but differ in only a few words and pictures from the previous edition.

So, how can a student save enough money buying textbooks the smart way, with enough left over to treat his roomates to some pizza and beer? Here are five simple tips toward saving a huge chunk of money on your college textbooks. As a college student myself, I've saved hundreds of dollars following these tips from friends and other college students, so give it a try and see for yourself!

1. Always wait until you've had the first class before buying the textbook.

The first and most basic rule of shopping smart for a textbook: wait until after the first class to buy a textbook. At many colleges and unversities, the professor will use the first day as an introductory orientation, explaining the scope of the course, the syllabus, and the grading and attendance policies. In addition, the professor will also talk about the required reference material for the course, which includes textbooks. There are many instances where the professor will not require the students to buy the textbook, citing it only as reference material. This usually happens if it is school policy for the professor to declare a mandatory textbook as a matter of protocol. Many college professors understand that rising book prices and costs of attendance make it difficult for students (especially underprivileged or financially needy students) to purchase all their required textbooks, and they will sometimes cut their students some slack. So listen carefully...the professor will tell you what the required materials are on the very first day!

2. Talk to your professor ABOUT the textbook.

It may sound silly, but even if you haven't met your professor yet, don't just sit on your haunches complaining about the expensive textbook that costs a fortune because the publishers just came out with a new edition. Take the initiative! Go and introduce yourself to your designated professor, and ask about the course requirements and material. More specifically, ask the professor if it is acceptable to use a previous edition of the current textbook. Most professors usually keep up with different editions of the same textbook and will be able to tell you if the differences are minimal enough to allow you to use the previous edition. First of all, this will earn you cookie points, because there's nothing a professor likes better than a student who shows interest and enthusiasm in the course (except perhaps a stiff drink). Second of all, making an inquiry about the textbook may give you a surprise. Many professors will require a textbook for discussion of material, but will be perfectly happy to allow you to use an older edition that has almost the same content. This way, everyone's happy...the professor will have a practical, interested student...and the student won't have to shell out nearly so much money on a brand-new, current edition of the textbook!

3. The college bookstore may not be the best place to get your textbook.

And that's just a nice way of saying it's the fastest and easiest way to empty your pockets and break your back. As a college student myself, I went through all the phases that most college student go through...you love your campus bookstore at first...the shiny new books, the little t-shirts and teddy bears and mugs that have your school name and seal emblazoned on them....until you take a look at the price of your books, buy them, and haul them back to your dorm room or apartment in your backpack. It's only with the painful experience of smarting lower back muscles and empty pockets that can't buy you a piece of pizza that you realize that you just got seriously ripped off. While most college bookstores stock copies of an older edition textbook, they are limited in number, usually in very shabby, sorry shape, and cost very close to what you would have to pay to get a new textbook anyway. What makes it even worse is this: while you paid nearly the same price as a new textbook for that older edition, the bookstore that bought that older edition back from a student only paid them a pitiful 25% to 50% of the original sale price.

4. Look around, ask around, buy around.

Thanks to the internet, buying your textbooks for less has never been cheaper and better. There are many websites out there that will allow you to purchase your textbook for less. The first and foremost of these, and quite possibly the best, is eBay, including its subsidiaries Half.com and eBay Express. Oftentimes, you will be able to find a current or older edition of the textbook for a fraction of the price. Just keep three things in mind when bidding on or buying a textbook: 1) look up the number by ISBN number to make sure you'll find the right textbook, 2) remember to consider the cost of shipping in addition to the selling price of the textbook, and 3) don't ever be afraid to ask the seller a question if you have any doubts or concerns. Sometimes, you'll find what's know as the "international edition" of a textbook up for auction. In most cases, it's exactly the same as the most current edition, except that it has a paperback cover and is usually more compact in size and shape. In addition to the eBay websites, take a look around your campus: students who have already taken the class are usually willing to sell their textbooks and will either send e-mails or post signs with a list of available books and contact information, and it can be another great way to solve your textbook problem. It'll also give you a chance to get to know some more experienced students who can give you valuable advice and information about the campus, the classes, and the professors in general. Finally, it never hurts to ask a good friend or roomate if you can borrow their textbook. Some students, particularly engineering students, are loathe to part with their textbooks by selling them. However, they are willing to lend their used textbooks out under certain conditions. If you ever do borrow a textbook, make sure you take good care of it, and always remember to return it at the end of the semester. And just as a common courtesy: always thank the person lending you the textbook, and offer them the same favor in return.

5. There's always the library.

So you've looked around...tried all the websites, contacted all the students offering to sell, asked to borrow from a good friend or roomate...and you still can't get your hands on that textbook...yeah...you could buy it from the bookstore...but nothing is sadder than a college student without a little extra pizza and beer money. If you've done everything you can, don't despair. Here's a great little tip: most colleges and universities keep a few copies of the most recent editions of required textbooks in stock in the campus library. In fact, it's required by most state and federal laws that the school have reference copies available for students unable to acquire the book through other means.More often than not, you can't take these textbooks ot of the library. They're reference books that have to stay in the library, and are tagged with all sorts of kinky electronic devices to keep you from wandering off with them. But the library staff will be more than happy to let you use it for a few hours while you do the required reading and write up some homework problems. As an added bonus: any college or university library is one of the best places to study or do homework: they're quiet, filled with other studying students, give you a certain modicum of privacy, and are a much more learning-conducive atmosphere than the dorm room where your roomate is throwing a wild party.

As a college student myself, I've learned the tried and true way to purchase my textbooks...I've had my fair share of sore back muscles and empty pockets, and have been grateful for every single tip I've mentioned here. I'm sure that the ones I've mentioned here aren't the only ones out there. After all, the world's a big place, and you never know what might turn up at the click of a mouse. Enjoy your college years, study hard and party hard, and happy eBaying!