I see this question asked a lot by people new to higher education. Most people advise not to buy any books but instead make use of the resources available at university.
University Library
Borrow books, read in peace. Your university library will offer an extensive collection of books and journals that will be essential for your studies. Libraries are a great place to get away from distractions and focus on your studies, revision, and assignments.
Online Resources
University provides access to thousands of online books, journals and reports. Each book usually comes with an allowance to copy parts or print pages or chapters.
Printed Books
Brand new text books can be very expensive. However, many learners prefer a printed book over a digital edition. There is also the added bonus of being able to bookmark pages and sometimes it’s just easier to have a printed book on your desk as you work. Amazon is a great source for thousands of text books and you can often save money by purchasing an earlier edition.
Buy Second Hand Books
Buying second hand books can be a great way to save money. High street charity shops are a good source of second hand text books. There are many Facebook pages for student nurses where people who are recently qualified will sell their unwanted books for a discount.
Share Printed Books
If your friends are up for it – you can all buy one printed book each on various topics and share. Make copies of relevant parts. This is a really good way to save money but have access to all the material you need.
Digital Books
Pros:
- Convenient – read on any device connected to the same account.
- Lightweight – you don’t need to carry heavy books with you.
- Make digital notes and highlight text.
Cons:
- Not everyone likes to read a lot of material on a screen
- Can be difficult to read on a phone.
Employer Library
Many NHS employers have their own physical libraries with access to computers, books, journals. They also provide access to online sources and many trusts also have library staff who can provide guidance and education on searching for reading material.
