Budget reading for students: how to reduce the pounds per page

When I look into the windows of bookshops, I eye up the shiny novels, poetry collections, and recipe books. I see a treasure chest of goodness. How I long to take every copy away with me and spend hour after hour slowly flipping through the pages, getting to know the characters. The fact is, I like books. A lot. If I could buy the entire contents of a bookshop I would, and then more. I’d probably even live in one, but unfortunately, I don’t have the budget for that.

The fact is sometimes we need ways to read as much as we’d like, but on a budget…

Sadly, the truth for me, and many others is that buying one book after the next adds up. When you read a lot, you may soon start to see your bank account plummet. I would be lying if I said I walked away happily with a bag of ten new books every time I went shopping. As much as I’d like to, the fact is sometimes we need ways to read as much as we’d like, but on a budget. Here are some handy ways to keep your love for books alight, but without spending much, or having to break into an author’s home.

Libraries

Probably one of the world’s greatest inventions, because what could be better than an abundance of free stuff? Usually, you can pick up eight to ten books per visit, and there are no limitations to how many times you go back. It’s worth showing a little love to them occasionally. They often have free wifi too, so it’s a win-win.

Charity shops

Okay, so you still have to spend a bit of money, but nowhere near as much as buying a brand-new copy. Besides the fact that most of them have a crumpled copy of War and Peace lurking behind the shelves, there will be a hint of excitement because who knows what you will find? A hidden gem, or an old forgotten favourite? Or even a new, unexpected genre? Plus, the money goes to a good cause, and you get a cheap book. Pretty good if you ask me.

Book sharing

If you have friends who like reading as much as you do, then why not try book sharing? Just trade your books once you’ve finished reading them. Then, you can share your mutual love of the book over a coffee.

Websites

Obviously, sites such as Amazon or eBay often have second-hand books at low prices. Countless times I have ordered online, and it’s only cost me a couple of pounds. Wonderful.

Kindle Unlimited

Kindle is an absolute lifesaver. If an endless plethora of books sounds like your thing, this is what you need. For £7.99 a month, you have access to an unlimited selection of books of your choosing. It also includes things like magazines and comic books, and a lot of them also come with a narrated audible audiobook, saving you a whole lot of money. There’s also a thirty-day free trial if you’re unsure, so you can’t go wrong here.

Prime Reading

However, if you don’t want to spend that £7.99 a month, but you do have Amazon Prime, then it might be worth checking out Prime Reading. It’s the same as Kindle Unlimited, but with a more limited number of books. Still, it has a hefty selection and allows you to switch between the audiobook and print. Gold.

Start a book blog

This one is for you super eager book lovers out there. Admittedly, it does require more time commitment and dedication than the others. However, if you already run a blog reviewing books, or want to start one, then get in touch with some publishing houses. They may send you a proof copy of their latest book for you to review. You never know. Additionally, websites, such as netgalley.co.uk help you out with this a lot too, as long as you write honest reviews for them! Although you don’t necessarily get to choose which books you receive, if you’re an avid reader, this one might be for you.