I see that the website that is linked to the Ozone account has several options - new or used, buy vs. rent. Any thoughts on what is the best way to go? At first “rent” seemed like a no-brainer but then it occurred to me that they might want to keep some of their books if involved in their major. Also, I assume it’s OK to search for these books on Amazon or other sites and buy them there if we can find them cheaper? Honestly I can use any advice you’ve got for book purchases! Thanks.
We are renting. Look at Chegg and Half-Price Books, too.
I found every single one of my 2015 daughter’s Seminar/Honors College books at Half-Price, for a grand total of about $40. (I bought rather than rent those, since she is very interested in the particular subject.)
WOW! That’s amazing. I should have already been looking but honestly I didn’t even realize that there was a link to the books you needed to buy until I read one of your other posts! I really feel like I’m missing things. It’s scary!
Definitely use other sites other than the book store and order them in advance of possible. Pros of renting: cheaper price, ample time to use it. Cons: don’t get to keep it for later reference, can be more expensive than reselling. Pros of buying: more flexibility because it is yours, can keep as long as you want, can sell to future users and earn money back. Cons: more complicated to resell, might not find potential buyer, new edition may replace book
Kids can buy/charge their Fall 2015 books at the Bookstore as early as one week prior to class starting. Bookstore Dude said not to wait, because they sell out of some books quite fast. And, if the student finds out the purchase was not needed, the Bookstore will grant a refund (with Bookstore receipt) up to one week after classes begin.
@MansfieldTxMom don’t feel bad! I’m an obsessed weirdo, so I’ve been working the angles all summer long. You’ve probably had a more fun and normal summer!
@HeliMom74 if you’re an obsessed weirdo than I’m a double one 'cause my DD is a year behind yours! I was just wondering how far in advance I can make hotel reservations for move in weekend 2016!
Just to make sure I understand you @Helimom74 - when you say they can charge their Fall books as early as one week prior. Do you mean from the link on the Ozone website? Or at the bookstore directly? It sort of looks like we could buy them right now on the link on the Ozone website?
Thanks @shawnspencer - that’s very very helpful.
Never buy through the bookstore unless there is some sort of an access code. If there is an access code, then the bookstore might be needed. Some textbooks have companion materials online that you need a code for that only comes with an unused version of the book.
My eldest finds all of her books and her siblings online and averages about 10 to $20 per semester. If there is a question on a used edition, she emails the professor to ask about the text. Generally the professors are good about saying what’s new with the latest edition. Sometimes they offer to copy off any new information.
@MansfieldTxMom One week prior to school starting at the Bookstore, is my understanding. I looked at the online option, and I think that can be done whenever. We didn’t go that route because her spendy textbook purchases will be paid for with scholarship money. The website-ordering is, I think, private-pay.
We got most of S1’s books this year off of Amazon. Most used, some new. Much cheaper than bookstore.
Another really good option is to get to know people and buy the books directly from previous semester’s students.
http://www.bigwords.com/ is your friend.
I spent about $180 on my books this year, mainly due to being in a hyper specialized class, and being required by the professor to buy an electronic textbook which goes for about $50 and can’t be torrented. The other books I got were rentals which greatly reduced the cost.