Although I am in denial about college starting again in a few short weeks (as I'm sure most of us are) there are certain things we need to check off our "To-Do" lists. The most painful thing about going back to school is buying all the books.
On average students take about 5 classes per semester.
There will be 1-2 books "required" per class.
Equaling about 5-10 books needed for a single semester.
Bookstores usually have ridiculously high prices for books only used maybe twice a semester. All these numbers basically mean a large amount of money will be spent on books.
Many science and math based courses require textbooks that are actually quite useful but there are smarter ways to spend money on textbooks then blindly buying from the bookstore.
The first thing to do is this... WAIT. Wait until professors specifically say you need the books. Some professors use old syllabi or have the books on the syllabus as "strongly recommended". Be smart. Talk with students who have had that course with that teacher before. Ask them what they recommend.
If books are required, talk with friends to split the books. Set up a schedule where you can switch the book every few days. It'll be cheaper and less stressful on both of you. Also look into renting the book rather than buying. If the book is directly relevant to you future career, maybe buying is a better idea to be used as a reference. If it is not a textbook that has useful future information, rent it.
The bookstore makes it very convenient to buy all your textbooks there. They come in nice "bundles" that usually come with extra study materials. These are way more expensive and have books and CDs you will never use. Most bookstores will have all the books you need without having to think to much about it, but you will definitely drop a nice chunk of change while you're there.
Do some internet research because there are so many 'book exchange' websites that sell books for a quarter of the price. Some of my favorites are http://www.amazon.com, http://www.chegg.com and http://www.bookrenter.com. These websites have been a life saver the last 3 years and have cut my book costs in half.
So before this semester begins and the stress of emailed syllabi come out; take a deep breath and be smart about where you're buying your books. Goodluck.
xo
