Student blogs

This blog is about answering your questions about coursebooks: which ones to get, when to get them, and where to get them. Enjoy!

Which coursebooks do I need?

The course page for every course in your programme will list both mandatory and recommended literature. It’s up to you to decide which books you would like to borrow or buy.

In my experience it’s been pretty good to have the books for reference at the very least, even if you don’t actively read them. In some courses, the books have been indispensable.

If you’re unsure, then email your course director or get in touch with a nice upperclassman; they’ll be happy to help!

When should I buy the coursebooks?

While it’s largely a matter of personal preference, do keep some things in mind.

• If you want to read ahead or flip through your books then definitely go ahead and buy them in advance.
• Ask an upperclassman if they used the book and how much they’d recommend it – remember that people have different opinions so try asking a couple of different people.
• The second hand books are cheapest when a group of people have wrapped up their degree (June to September) or a course (throughout the year). Try to keep an eye out!

Where do I get coursebooks?

You can get coursebooks for your courses from lots of different sources. Here are the 6 main ones:

1. KI Library aka KI Biblioteket: Free, easily accessible, and almost guaranteed to have the coursebooks required. However, some coursebooks may be unavailable due to popularity or have restricted borrowing times.

2. Libraries in Stockholm: Free and easily accessible, but may not have subject specific books. However, you can always request these books ahead of time. Just search “libraries in Stockholm” and get an extensive list. The most popular ones are Stockholm Stadsbiblioteket (the city library) and Kungliga Biblioteket (The National Library of Sweden).

3. Second-hand from other students: A pretty cheap option, and you may even get some advice on how much it was used in the course. However, they may come with markings and highlighting, or be an older edition

4. Second-hand from Facebook groups: Lots of variety in coursebooks, and you might spot some really good deals if you check the groups often. However, the books come and go quickly and out of sync with your courses ending and starting, so it’s good to know which books you want.

5. Online: There are lots of shops online, lots of options, and you’re almost guaranteed good quality and the possibility to return books if you’re displeased. However, they’re often more expensive than borrowing or buying second hand.

6. Book shops: Both the MF Bookshop on campus and other bookshops in town are really good options if you like flipping through books before buying them. MF bookshop also has the latest editions of the course literature and sell books at discounted prices. However, overall they’re often more expensive than the above options.

Final thoughts

There are tonnes of sources for course books and literature themselves, as well as copious amount of advice should you want it! I hope this blog made navigating these a little bit easier for you. Get in touch if you have any questions!

Cheers,

Inika <3