Things You'll Need:
- Class syllabus
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Step 1
Get a syllabus from each of your professors. Books for your class are usually listed on the syllabus, which is passed out on the first day of class or is posted to the class Web page online, so that you can plan ahead.
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Step 2
Make note of specific textbook editions prior to purchasing to make sure you don't buy the incorrect version. If no edition is specified on the syllabus, ask your professor or teacher's aid if a specific edition is needed.
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Step 3
Go to your campus bookstore. Professors order textbooks via the campus bookstore, which arranges books by class. The campus bookstore also includes textbook lists for each class at each class section. This is a convenient way to make sure you have purchased all the books needed for each class.
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Step 4
Buy used textbooks, if possible. Most campus bookstores offer used textbooks in addition to new ones. You can save a great deal by purchasing used. Moreover, buying used textbooks helps the environment by recycling a previously used item.
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Step 5
Buy your textbooks online. With some effort, you can save a lot of money by purchasing your books online. Though campus bookstores sell used books, they are sometimes more expensive than books sold online. Use your class syllabus to find textbooks at websites such as Half.com or Amazon.com. These websites allow you to enter the ISBN (a number that identifies a book by edition) for your textbook so that you can make sure you've purchased the correct edition. ISBNs are sometimes included in your class syllabus. If not, you can copy down the ISBNs on the back of your class textbooks at your campus bookstore.
