Should one get their college textbooks before or after the first day of their classes?

Question

Imaginary Bobby hasn't gotten his because he wants to wait until he receives his syllabuses and Imaginary Pete already ordered his and got one and waiting for the others. 

Answer 1

Not sure who, or what Bobby and Pete are, but why not get them after the first day, just to be sure the professor hasn't made any changes.

Answer 2

I always suggest getting the required materials before the first day. While there are some instances of when the materials may change, most often refunds can be obtained, especially from school library/bookstores. You can always email the professor to verify what will be required.

In the cases of the materials not changing, this will give you time to lightly read over the material or skim through the first sections covered in the syllabus. You can take notes and write down any questions that you may have, in case they are not already answered during the course.

I always found it helpful to get sticky tabs and mark off where each syllabus section starts, along with sticky notes within the pages. Often color-coded: important notes, questions, etc. You can also use sheets of paper within the pages..

I would also suggest- if your finances allow and depending on the course and your major- to keep the material. Such as when obtaining my Math degree, I kept all my math course textbooks. I kept the textbooks for other courses that I either found fun or were relevant to my degree to future goals.

Answer 3

Here are some suggestions when purchasing university textbooks:

1. Required Books: Make sure that you know what books are actually required for the course. I was an Education major and one course had 3 books, which changed every year. If you have a professor that changes the book every year or every semester, make sure you get the required text or your money will not be well spent. If the books are the same, you may be able to befriend someone who is willing to sell or give you the book through your department that may not need it that semeseter.
2. Your finances: Ask yourself if you have the current finances to purchase the books required for the course. If yes, purchase in advance once you know the requirements. If not, make friends and see if you can share a book or get a digital copy (if available) to cut costs.
3. Go back to the financial aid office: When I worked in financial aid, aid may have been available later once the school year kicked off due to student transfers or students not attending at all. Check back with financial aid to see if they offer book vouchers or other financial offerings to assist with your books that were not offered before. It never hurts to ask and I saw many students helped just by asking, myself included!
4. Speak to your professor: Ask your professor for suggestions on where to get your books. Your university bookstore may sell your books but the professor may be able to assist you with where else you can purchase the book(s) for a low-cost (i.e a local university's bookstore, Amazon, publisher's website). Talk with your professor and let them know you want to do well in their class and would appreciate assistance on how to purchase the required text. Again, it doesn't hurt to ask.

I hope this helps!

Answer 4

It depends on your finances. If you have the money to buy the books before your first class I would. This will ensure that you actually have a copy before class starts. If you wait too long, you may not be able to get the book and have to wait. This might catch you in a bad place where you find yourself behind in the class.

If money is an issue, wait. This could provide you a chance to see if there are alternatives you can use other then buying/renting the book. If a book is only used for one chapter, why pay when you can check it out in the library?

Good luck!

Answer 5

It depends how committed you are to your enrolled courses - will you for sure stay in these courses, just trying them out, taking for for pass/fail only, or can you also share your textbooks with a peer and/or purchase them used from another student? It's best to consider all of these factors before committing, though of course - being prepared is always best, specially as sometimes the books may run out/be on back order so you may have to wait.

Answer 6

As a current college professor I recommend that you purchase your books ahead of time. However, keep all of your receipts and if the book is wrapped in plastic keep it on. On the first day of class, the professor will discuss the required books and you can ask questions about books needed for the course. Any books that you don't need can be returned as long as you have the receipt and the book is unopened. However, keep in mind that every bookstore has its own policy. Before buying any books, check out the return policy and make sure to adhere to it.

Answer 7

I think it might be beneficial to get them before class so that you don't encounter a situation where they have sold out of the textbook for your class, and you are left without a copy. 

Answer 8

That may depend on the instructor.  Some instructors use the first day of class just to go over the course and expectations, and they do not start teaching until the second day of class.  Others jump right in on the first day, and if you have not already started reading, you may already be a day behind.  There are others who assign homework on the first day of class.  I suggest examining the course syllabus before the start of the term (if it is available), and deciding then if you need the book(s) right away.  If you order the books, you also need to account for delivery time, which could put you further behind.