Buying Textbooks Now vs. Later

<p>So the book lists came out Monday (as you guys probably already know), and I'm itching to buy the books at the cheap prices they're on right now and have them arrive before we move in! I've heard stories about instructors putting books on the list that they're never going to use, though; some have told me to wait until the first day of class, in which the instructor will tell us exactly which books we need. I'm worried that I'll either have to buy the books at a more expensive price then, or get them at the discounted price but a few weeks late.
Anyone have experience with buying textbooks?</p>

<p>If its a class with one or two main books such as a science, math, language, etc., I would buy it now. If its a class with lots of smaller books, I would wait until the first day or buy as you need them. Also, the library has a lot of the books so if you only need a chapter or section, you can borrow it or photocopy it.</p>

<p>Yeah, I agree with War Chant on this. If it’s a class that only requires 1 or 2 books, you’ll generally need them. So yeah, mainly your high school “core” classes. Not sure for other majors, but for my business classes, I’ve found that you pretty much need all the books they want too (though it generally falls into that 1/2 book rule). Also, you usually will need the course reader (though you get those from the bookstore).</p>

<p>Also, if you’re planning on shipping them to your dorm room, be aware that they NEED to arrive AFTER you’ve checked in.</p>

<p>What if the book arrives before we move-in? Is USPS gonna send them back?</p>