<p>Hi all, I noticed you can order your text books online from the USC bookstore but comparing prices, most of them are significantly less money through Amazon- even the rental option. So several questions about buying books:
- Do people typically use the book store or outside sources? (Amazon)</p>
<ul>
<li><p>I've heard some say to wait until you go to class but then you're stuck paying a higher cost, buying them from the bookstore to get them quickly, so what is normally done here?</p></li>
<li><p>How effective are the ebook options? - (Kindle or Nook versions instead of actual book)</p></li>
<li><p>One of the required science courses for Nursing- CHEM 102, actually has 2 text books indicated as required but they seem very similar ("General, Organic, and Biochemistry" and "Organic and Biochemistry") - literally the same cover but slightly different titles, both > $100. Does anyone know about this course and which book is typically used? or are both?</p></li>
</ul>
<p>We’ve done a mix. Sometimes there is a course pack for class that you can only get at bookstore (kind of a rip off). Usually I take the ISBN numbers from bookstore website and use those to search for cheaper books. I just stick to Amazon but I know there are some other sites people use. Students can sign up for 6 mo. free amazon student which gets free 2 day shipping which helps if you want to wait to go to class first and need the book quickly. We’ve never tried ebooks - like having info in hand to read. There is also the option to rent. I guess the benefit there is that you don’t have to depend on selling book back keep costs in line. I will say that I do look at used books on Amazon, but only ones guaranteed delivery through amazon - if from 2nd parties then there is shipping which sometimes chips away at difference. If I can get used book from USC for within a few bucks of Amazon price I get it there since it is easy to return it if you don’t need it. You can also look on facebook - people always have books for sell. Just be sure to check ISBN number to be sure it’s the same book used for your specific section.</p>
<p>My daughter always had good luck at Addams Bookstore on Assembly Street. Buying and selling.</p>
<p>The SC Bookstore (on Main Street- not the Barnes and Noble one in Russel House) is a popular option that’s slightly cheaper.</p>
<p>I know waiting until class starts seems like a crazy idea, but it honestly isn’t that much of a hassle. Students have the first week to switch their schedules and most professors won’t expect students to have their textbooks until the second or third class, which could be a week. On top of that, a lot of required textbooks give you the option to “try” the E-version for free for seven days and that can tide you over.</p>
<p>I’ve used a mixture of things. I’ve done the bookstore route with odd publications, gone through other students for really popular classes, bought from Amazon when Barnes and Noble was just ridiculous, and I’ve bought the course packets from the paper store on Main.</p>