Short answer: List your subjects, mark which books are essential, check what you can borrow or reuse, and set a limit before you open any shopping page.
List your subjects and requirements
Write down each subject with the book your teacher recommends. Note whether the book is essential or only suggested. Many suggested books are never needed in full.
Ask seniors or your teacher what was actually used in class. This often cuts the list.
Check what you already have
Look at books from earlier years, borrowed copies and library options. For some subjects an older edition is acceptable if the syllabus has not changed.
Subtract these from your list, so that only the real gaps remain.
Set a limit and compare
Decide a total for the semester. Then compare the options for each remaining book: new, second hand or shared. Remember that delivery is paid on top by the buyer, so include it in your comparison.
You can check prices on second hand books and new books.
Mistakes to avoid
Buying everything in the first week is the most common mistake. Wait until your teachers confirm the list. Another is buying new for every subject without checking cheaper options.
Also avoid keeping books that you have finished. Unused books lose value as editions change, so decide early what to keep and what to pass on.
Quick checklist
Confirm the list, subtract what you have, compare new and used for the rest, add delivery, set a limit and plan the resale. Six steps keep the spending under control.
Keep a small note of what you spent. It helps you plan the next semester and shows how much you got back from resale.
Plan the resale
At the end of the semester, books in good condition can be listed through sell books, which brings some money back to the next budget. Keeping the book clean helps.
For more on which books hold value, read which study books keep their resale value.
If your budget is tight, talk to your teacher about which books can be shared in a group and which must be personal. Group sharing for reference books and personal copies for workbooks is a pattern many students find workable.
It also helps to keep a small buffer for a book you discover you need later in the term. A planned buffer is better than an unplanned purchase made in a hurry just before a test, when choices are limited. Treat it as part of the budget, not as an extra.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which books are essential?
Ask your teacher or seniors which books were used in class and for exams.
Should I include delivery in my budget?
Yes. The buyer pays delivery on top of the book price, so add it when you compare options.
Can I sell books after the semester?
Yes, if they are in good condition and still in demand. Check the edition before listing.