<p>I haven't gotten my textbooks yet, because I heard from a sometimes unreliable source that it's better to wait until the class starts, but now I'm hearing otherwise. I was planning on buying them for cheap on the web, but if we need them the first day of class (tuesday) then I might just have to suck it up and buy used from the bookstore so I don't have to wait while they ship. Think I can get away with waiting, or should I buy now? Thanks!</p>
<p>also, when testudo lists a textbook as recommended, should I get it? will it help that much with the class?</p>
<p>I haven't gotten books yet and I'm worreid about the same thing lol</p>
<p>Your source is correct. 95% of the time, you don't need a textbook the first day of class (and if you do, you definitely won't be the only one without!). On the first day your professor will tell you what books you need and also give a better idea of how necessary the recommended books are. I honestly think they call them "recommended" because if it said "optional" nobody would spend the money. Occasionally you'll find one useful but you should be able to figure out on the first day if it's worth it to buy.</p>
<p>Also, you can sometimes get away with using an older edition of a book, which is much cheaper. If that's the case, professors will typically announce this during the first class as well.</p>
<p>One thing about buying online-- some classes have a heavy load of reading assignments. If this is the case in one or two of your classes, be prepared to pay a little extra for rush shipping. (Remember, you're already saving money by buying online!)</p>
<p>Finally, if you do get your books ahead of time, don't unwrap them!! If they come shrinkwrapped and you take it off, you can no longer return the book. Wait until after the first class when you're 100% sure you need it.</p>