6 free textbook websites students absolutely love

Going to university is an adventure full of new experiences, responsibilities — and no shortage of heavy, big and expensive textbooks. 

Professors often use specific textbooks that align with the curriculum, ensuring you have the necessary resources to understand the subject matter. 

However, securing these textbooks isn’t always easy or cheap. 

In the US, the average college student spends US$1,212 annually for books and supplies as of the 2022-2023 academic year, according to the Education Data Initiative. Worse yet, one out of five students failed their college courses due to the cost of textbooks and class materials

Unfortunately, you can’t always use the textbooks passed down to you by your parents or family members as new editions of textbooks are frequently released.

These revisions are to include new information — and they also mean that last year’s edition might not align perfectly with the current course requirements.

So, securing the latest edition is essential for you to keep up in class — but the importance of purchasing textbooks goes beyond just this.

You need them as a reference for assignments too, as they provide in-depth explanations and examples that can help you get the grade you want.

Some exams are open book which means you not only need to remember information but have the books with you to show you understand how to find information and can apply and analyse them as well.

Not having the latest textbooks complicates an already stressful time as you’ll need to always be aware if you have the most current information and are making the correct references.

While we all want to get As and pass exams, some textbooks can make big blow on your already-small student budget.

If this is you, here’s what you can do.

Utilise your university library 

The most obvious way to get around saving on books is to make full use of your university library.

If you’re already searching for extra materials in the library, you’re bound to come across the necessary books required of your programme. From there, it’s a matter of borrowing it and using it for your studies.

The downside of this method is that you’ll have to return the book to the library eventually so that other students can use it too.

However, you could turn this disadvantage to your advantage too by taking your own notes on a separate medium — be it on your laptop or in a physical notebook, though preferably the latter.

A 2024 study published in the Frontiers in Psychology by Audrey van der Meer and Ruud van der Weel at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology monitored brain activity in students taking notes and found that those writing by hand had higher levels of electrical activity across a wide range of interconnected brain regions responsible for movement, vision, sensory processing and memory.

The study was built on earlier research conducted in 2014 by Pam Mueller and Daniel Oppenheimer. There, Mueller and Oppenheimer proved that those who wrote out their notes by hand had a stronger conceptual understanding and were more successful in applying and integrating the material than those who used took notes with their laptops.

So, not only will taking notes help you achieve better academic results, borrowing from the library makes sure that you’re using every bit of money you’re already paying for the university’s services — which, in 2019, an article on The Atlantic reported that Yale University saw a 64% decline in the number of books checked out by undergraduates from Bass Library over the past decade.

Rent textbooks to save money

If you just can’t get your hands on the textbooks you need from your university library, many online platforms offer textbook rental services, allowing you to access the required books for a specific duration, usually a semester. 

Choosing to rent also saves you space as you don’t have to worry about storing it after your semester ends.

Platforms like Chegg, Amazon Textbook Rental, and even campus bookstores often provide textbook rental options. Besides that, you can also explore secondhand bookstores, either online or locally.

These stores often carry used textbooks at discounted prices, providing an affordable alternative to purchasing new editions. 

Many students sell their used textbooks after completing a course so that you can buy them and save some money. Again, it’s important to remember to check if it’s the correct edition.

6 best free textbook websites for students

Saylor Academy 

Saylor Academy is a trusted online resource that caters to university students looking for textbooks and courses. 

And it is completely free. 

With over 100 courses available, covering subjects such as accounting, business, marketing and leadership, it is an excellent tool for you. 

The website is more commonly known for offering free courses that you can take online. There are more than 100 for you to choose from and you can even get tuition-free college credit for some. 

Bookboon 

Hit pause on your search for the best free textbook websites because Bookboon is exactly what you are looking for. 

Though free, Bookboon doesn’t stinge on quality, ensuring you get the best. While there are plenty of options to download textbooks across many subject areas, the website is most useful for downloading STEM and business-related textbooks. 

What sets Bookboon apart is its additional features, including audio learning resources, e-books and talks, making it a great platform for professional development. 

Trusted by popular brands and businesses, utilising Bookboon can enhance your academic journey by giving you the extra edge when it comes to securing employment. 

Open Textbook Library 

Open Textbook Library was designed to reduce the financial burden of textbook expenses, making it a go-to for university students. 

With 1,053 free textbooks available for download and supported by the Open Education Network, it is one of the best free textbook websites available. 

Beyond course materials, it has a range of books available for self-help and student success — giving you many resources to improve your performance without breaking the bank.

Project Gutenberg 

If you are looking for free textbook websites, Project Gutenberg is one you do not want to miss out on. 

How could you when it is the oldest digital library and offers over 60,000 free e-books? 

Project Gutenberg focuses on providing texts of old literature with expired copyrights. This means you can easily download texts without any fee or the hassle of downloading an app. 

Whether you’re seeking textbooks or exploring classic literature, Project Gutenberg is a great resource, with the top 100 most downloaded books readily accessible on the site.

Library Genesis 

Library Genesis, also known as LibGen, is one of the best free textbook websites. It offers free access to a huge collection of books, articles and magazines. 

Say goodbye to worrying about paying for textbooks when you use LibGen, which lets you download the PDF format of every free college textbook you need. 

It is easy to navigate, and the best part is that you can explore its resources without creating an account. 

You can search the LibGen Library using keywords, ISBN, year of publication, authors, extensions, etc. 

Perlego 

While not free, Perlego deserves an honorary mention. 

Imagine having a Netflix-like platform for your textbooks. That’s exactly what Perlego is. 

Best known for its unparalleled offering of unrestricted access to millions of books, it is the go-to website for all your textbook needs. 

The platform boasts an online library with academic resources and tools. For less than the price of a single book, you get unlimited access to over 950 topics and subtopics in English, Italian, Spanish, French and German. 

The platform houses over 700,000 textbook PDFs that are cost-effective and convenient for all students around the world. 

Where to sell your used textbooks

If you do end up buying textbooks, don’t just chuck them once you are done with them. You could always sell your used textbooks in exchange for some extra cash. 

There are several ways to sell your textbooks, but remember that when you sell them back, you won’t get as much as you initially paid. 

Here are some options for where you could sell your textbooks:

1. Your college bookstore: This is the easiest route if you bought your books on campus. You can get cash immediately, but be wary of potential lower resale values, especially if a newer edition of your book is available.
2. Websites: Online platforms like Amazon, GoTextbooks, BookScouter, and Bookbyte are some websites to check out. Remember that demand often peaks around the start of the school year.
3. Sell to classmates at a lower price: Not only will this help you earn back some money, you’ll also be very much appreciated by those who are scrambling together their finances to afford their own books. 
4. Auction-based sites: eBay and local platforms such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace also offer options for selling your textbooks online in exchange for cash. 

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on January 16, 2025.