<p>Sorry guys 2 questions; I am an incoming Freshman in the School of Engineering and was wondering about textbooks.
-Do you recommend that we wait until we meet with our professors on the first day or just buy what RU bookstore recommends?
-Should we buy everything that RU bookstore recommends, and what are package deal components? Should we buy those in addition to the required/recommended materials?
Thanks in advance for any information.</p>
<p>I am not an engineer but I can give you general advice. </p>
<p>The bookstore notes “required” and “suggested”. Required is what you technically need for the class. I say technically because sometimes the professor will make good use of the book and sometimes you will barely open it. Look on the FB ‘class of’ pages for people buying and selling books and what they have to say about them. “Suggested” is what the bookstore would like you to buy. Usually it is a study guide or a calculator. My son has never purchased the “suggested” items, only the required.</p>
<p>I would go to the Rutgers bookstore website and print out your list of required materials. Using the ISBN numbers, see what you can find on FB, Amazon, and at the publisher’s own website. Sometimes there is not much of a difference, often there is.</p>
<p>When materials are “bundled” into packages you have to determine exactly what is in the package so you can price all the components. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to buy an expensive used book if you then have to purchase a web access code from the publisher. You have to check. Always go by the ISBN numbers when making your purchases from amazon or from other people. </p>
<p>Usually my son will buy the books early if he can get them used for cheap. Otherwise, you may want to go to class and hear what the instructor says about purchasing the materials. Some will let you use older editions and some won’t. It varies.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot</p>