Should I buy textbooks before class?

Question

I don't have my financial aid money to buy my textbooks, will it be okay for me to attend class the first day without the textbook?

Answer 1

It depends on the instructor and the level of the class.  In grad school it is generally unwritten policy to read the first chapter (or 2) before the first class.   In undergrad the profs tend to generally be more understanding. Although they do think more highly of those who arrive ready to go.

Here are some options on affordable texts:

Try the college library.  Often they keep a copy of the texts.

Try Amazon.com  or Abebooks.com or cheapesttextbooks.com for used texts. Remember always try to  buy used first!

Find a former attendee of that class and borrow or buy the book. Sometimes these are posted on campus bulletin boards.

Some books have the first chapters on the publisher's website.  You can read there while you wait for your money to come in.

Answer 2

I studying undergraduate right now, and what I can tell you is that professors don't really care about whether you have textbooks on your first day of class, mainly because they tell you which textbooks you will need in the semester.

In terms of obtaining textbooks, textbooks in themselves are too expensive and my college's bookstore do not have any discounts on them. So, in my opinion, the first thing you should do ALWAYS:

Find a person who already took the class before. See if you can buy the textbook directly off them or borrow it for a semester. Often you have to ask upperclassmen, but they will be very welcome to sell you textbooks at a negotiable price.

Second, see if there are organizations on campus that organize and sell used books. I have one of campus where you give them used textbooks that you want sold at your price, and they will try to sell it for you for minimal profit.

Third, look online for used books or books with good deals. eBay, Amazon, Barnes & Noble... look at any site that sells a lot of books. You never know which site sells the cheapest version of the wanted textbook.

Answer 3

Of course. It's even a smart idea because instructors often change emphases or delineate which books are most important. If the class uses an expensive book--one of those $135.00 art books--you might be able to split the cost with two other students. Moreover, it's rare that there is an assignment the very first day.

Answer 4

This should not be a terrible problem.  Try ordering them on-line to save money.  Often time the library or department will have a reserve copy you can look at but not take out until your on-line books arrive.

Good luck with your semester.