<p>I was hoping that some experienced students might clue us in to the best and cheapest way to acquire text books. I was wondering if there are any discount book stores or used book services at UT. I know the coop offers a 10% discount, but that is still high. I have read in the Wall Street Journal that Discount stores are all over different campuses. Can any one turn us on to the local cheap ways.</p>
<p>As always, your help is appreciated.</p>
<p>We have gotten a lot of my daughter’s books from half.com</p>
<p>She bought one from her roommate</p>
<p>Sometimes you just have to go to the bookstore</p>
<p>Other places could be Amazon but I guess it’s too late to get the cheaper ones since they take forever to ship.</p>
<p>From other students would prob be the next cheapest.</p>
<p>I wouldnt buy any expensive textbooks yet unless its like an english class and you need novels or something or the prof has sent out an email and told you what books to get.</p>
<p>I have heard that some school have book rental deals. They deliver used books and pick up at end of semester. Does this exist at UT? I also realize that it is too early, as lists are not up. Just wanted to be proactive.<br>
Thank you for answers.</p>
<p>Yes, there is a book rental deal with West Campus Books. Check their website.</p>
<p>[West</a> Campus Books](<a href=“http://westcampusbooks.com/]West”>http://westcampusbooks.com/)</p>
<p>I haven’t dealt with them so I have no idea of the quality of service.</p>
<p>Thanks for the west campus books referral. I looked at the sight. It seems like a good deal. Can anyone out there attest to the reliability? Any other suggestions? Thank you</p>
<p>I just by used from the Co-op for convenience.</p>
<p>Lone Ranger,
What do you think you are spending per semster on used books? Do you have a problem finding used ones, and are you forced into buying new ones. I am trying to get a handle on anticipated costs.
Thanks</p>
<p>I estimate that we have spent on average around $300.00 per semester on books. Some were bought online using ISBN numbers - there are many sites with discounted/used books, some he’s had to buy at the coop because they were unavailable online.</p>
<p>$300 per semester on books ag54?? Wow that is a deal… I’ve been spending $500-600 a semester so far…</p>
<p>What’s your major? And, how many hours have you taken each semester? That’s probably the difference.</p>
<p>Also, I really shop around on the internet. I will get those ISBN numbers and have around 8 or 9 sites going at a time to get the best deals! (I’ve had 2 in college the last 2 years, so bargains have been a MUST!!)</p>
<p>Ag54… I like that you have been thrifty. Any sites that stood out for god deals. What do you mean by you put in isbn numbers. Can you explain for me. I am an idiot.</p>
<p>As always… appreciate all the help you all provide.</p>
<p>ISBN numbers are the identifying numbers by the editors. You can punch the numbers in barnes noble , amazon, even google and find multiple sources both for used and new books. Used are obviously cheaper. Make sure that the edition number is okay to use if you are buying used. A prof can tell you if an older edition will work. Sometimes you need to make sure you are getting the correct accompanying material like cd’s and workbooks.</p>
<p>You can save quite a bit of money, but you have to make sure you are buying the right thing.</p>
<p>The Co-op will bundle used copies of your books just like they were new. I probably average around $500 a semester on books, but then you probably get $100 a semester in buybacks and $100 a year in rebates so you end up spending an average of around $350 a semester.</p>
<p>Anyone know which textbook to get for CH 301? I think they changed it from the one used last year…</p>
<p>If you click on the unique number in the listing in the course catalog, there is a link which says find textbooks for this class. I tried one at random (not sure if it varies by class) and found this.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.universitycoop.com/ePOS?form=schedule.html&store=108&design=registrar&associateid=UTRegistrarLink&term=20099&department.0=CH&course.0=301§ion.0=53120&constant_section_number.0=109668[/url]”>http://www.universitycoop.com/ePOS?form=schedule.html&store=108&design=registrar&associateid=UTRegistrarLink&term=20099&department.0=CH&course.0=301§ion.0=53120&constant_section_number.0=109668</a></p>
<p>how do you know which books to get??</p>
<p>under the ISBN number, it should say “Required”, “Optional”, or “Alternate”. just buy the required ones and decide later if you want to buy the others.</p>
<p>are these books subject to change for courses or are they set, and can we purchase them?</p>
<p>the books should be set, i think the professors wouldn’t release a book list unless they’re completely sure that’s the book they want to use. i think you can purchase them from the co-op right now and have them ship it to you or pick it up later. but they sell them at a high price, even with the 10% resell, so find other sellers.</p>