1. Beat the crowds 

Before the semester begins, your student should be able to access course syllabi where professors usually list required reading. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase textbooks as soon as they get this list. The Iowa Hawk Shop, the university’s official bookstore, is conveniently located on the ground floor of the Iowa Memorial Union and offers the most complete assortment of course materials. You can reserve your textbooks now at hawkshop.com/textbookreservation.

 2. Consider your options

Students have several options when it comes to textbooks:

• Rentals: This option can save you up to 60 percent and is offered on books in the store and online.
• Used books: The Hawk Shop offers a number of previously used textbooks. These cheaper options go quickly, however, so act fast.
• E-books: Electronic textbooks are growing in popularity. Students can save up to 40 percent by opting for digital over print.

 3. Shop around

The Hawk Shop website, hawkshop.com, hosts a price comparison tool for students to compare new, used, and rental textbook prices to make sure they’re getting the best price, whether from the Hawk Shop, Amazon, half.com, or a number of other online retailers. After comparing options, you’ll be able to order directly from the source. The Hawk Shop offers free delivery to the residence halls for all orders placed on its website.

 4. Keep your receipt

Although the Hawk Shop guarantees the correct course materials, books purchased come with a 14-day return policy for full reimbursement. This service is especially handy if a student decides to drop a class or the professor decides not to use a certain book once the course has begun.

 5. Sell your books

At the close of each semester, students have the opportunity to sell their books back to the Hawk Shop during buyback. Depending on the condition of the book and whether it will be used for classes in the coming semester, students can get back more than half of the original cost.