<p>Can any IU veterans give me an idea about how much you spend per semester on books? Any tips on where/how to buy to keep costs as low as possible? Thanks.</p>
<p>I spend about $400 a semester on books. Each major is different. My biology/chem roommate spent about $250, my art major roommate spent maybe $100. Research which books you need over the summer and buy them online (much cheaper than the bookstores). Also, IU has a section on onestart called “classifieds” and you can post/respond to ads about textbooks. I use this as my primary method for getting books (takes out IU/TIS bookstore middlemen), and can usually get the books for 50-60% of listed price.</p>
<p>My son has spent about $200 to $800 on books, with $400 being the average for a business major (same as maxcellis’ number). Keep in mind that my son is in the business law major–and a major like that (which requires quite a few law books, or maybe a major like journalism or nursing, where a large number, or very technical books are required) will be more expensive than for someone majoring in something like anthropology or geology where more time is spent in actual field work.</p>
<p>Thanks! We’ll budget about $400 per month and make sure to look at the classified ads for deals.</p>
<p>That’s $400 per semester (not per month)–which I’m sure is what you meant to type.</p>
<p>(I don’t think we could afford another $400 per month on top of the other expenses.)</p>
<p>You’re right, I meant to type $400 per semester. Whew!</p>