<p>I have to change my entire schedule so I don't know what classes I will be taking. I want 15-16 credits, though. I want to make sure I have enough money in my bank account to buy books when I get to campus. Also, if I find them online for cheap will it be okay to go a week without books until they arrive? Do profs usually give a lot of homework out of the books?</p>
<p>I’d say $300 is average for my semester book spending (sometimes more, sometimes less depending on what classes I take…language, science, math and economics books tend to cost a lot more than other books). I buy almost all of my books online on half.com, ebay or amazon (whichever is cheaper). I also end up getting international editions for most of my larger textbooks (way way cheaper) or use older editions of certain books (as long as its professor-approved). Its definitely ok to wait for the book to be mailed to you in 99% of classes. Professors will normally email you beforehand if they require the book to be used the first day/week of classes. Science, language and math classes often give some homework out of the books but most of the time they also give you worksheets with the problems on them. It’s not crazy necessary that you have the books right away (I’d actually recommend you not to buy books until you get the teacher’s official syllabi), but definitely do your best to befriend someone in your class who you could potentially borrow a book from if you need to.</p>
<p>It really depends on your major and such. I am an RCAH/anthro major with usually 5-6 classes each semester and I spend less than $200 a semester on books (I heavily shop around starting a few weeks before classes start). </p>
<p>fa-la has really good advice. I’d also suggest craigslist. I’ve found a few really good deals on there from local students. Do NOT buy your textbooks at the local stores if you can help it. It’s a huge rip off.</p>
<p>I have 4 classes this fall, and have 3 books all set. I got them all on Amazon and the 3 books cost me around ~$100 total. I’m thinking the 4th book will be a little pricey since I may have to get it at the bookstore, but I at least got 3/4 of my books taken care of at a decent rate.</p>
<p>Good thing for the ISBN’s being listed on the “schedule builder” site of MSU STUINFO, and it does provide what text and materials you need.</p>
<p>My son’s first year books were about $500.</p>