<p>Okay so I have a few general questions regarding textbook rental/purchase specific to the classes at UCSB since I have never done this before. Keep in mind I want to spend as little as possible :p</p>
<p>2.) My Physics 20 class (for physics majors) requires this book: "INTRO. TO MECHANICS" by Kleppner. How long will I use this book? I assume only 1 quarter although I could be wrong, so I need confirmation to see how long I need it if I decide to rent it. </p>
<p>3.) Should I wait until class starts to order my books? I am unsure because it seems that each class's syllabus would answer all these questions, although I don't want to NOT have a textbook when homework is assigned and such. So how long typically does the teacher give students to obtain all their required materials before the students actually USE them??</p>
<p>I apologize for being such a burden, but I am new to this and have no idea what to do (my freshman side is showing xD). I also have no idea who to contact for these questions. Thank you for answering these questions and/or giving advice!</p>
<p>1) get the custom edition through craigslist, really cheap
2) idk, but check craigslist
3) i can tell you i wish i had waited to until class started to buy some books. some books i wish i had never bought because i never used. and practically every single book i’ve bought at the UCSB bookstore could have been found cheaper online (amazon…etc)
…i say wait. i doubt you will get assigned any major homework the first week anyways.</p>
<p>Sounds good, I will wait until I receive the syllabus. And good suggestion about craigslist, my custom ed. math book was $30 cheaper! Thanks! One more question though, is it better/more cost effective to buy/sell textbooks each quarter or rent/return them?</p>
<p>i had a friend a who had some success with renting books. but i still find it odd. i guess if it’s a class you know you only take once and the book is kinda expensive, then renting it is an option. </p>
<p>i’ve bought and resold many books especially for general ed classes (math 3c, psych 1, math 5b/c…etc) with no regrets. also, i’ve bought the international version of some books the problem is no one would really buy these from you on craigslist. but they are cheaper, and VERY very similar to the standard edition.</p>
<p>as rule of thumb, check the resale value on craigslist and check the buyback value at the online UCSB bookstore!</p>