<p>What's more recommended getting our textbooks from the school or using chegg.com? And how exactly does chegg work? I know it gives you a specific amount of time to rent it but does it actually last you as long as the class does? Also, when's a good time to get your books, considering school starts in another 2 and a half weeks?</p>
<p>Just wondering, thanks in advance! :)</p>
<p>The most simplest bang-for-buck would be perusing school and craigslist for books that are the same edition and required for your teacher. This may involve you driving out to their home or meeting them up at school / some location but i found this to be the most cost-effective method.</p>
<p>Prices most times are negotiable (depending on how well you can do that YMMV) but chegg is another good option. You get to rent it for a semester / quarter length and they usually let you extend it for a few bucks more if the timing is not correct.</p>
<p>Towards the end of the semester I don’t really utilize the textbook but rely more on the notes made / given out in class and the specific chapters the professor suggests we look over. Again if you really need the textbook feel free to rent it out longer.</p>
<p>You just print out the return shipping label (i believe its paid for) and you put it in the box with the receipt and you’re all set. </p>
<p>The school is pricey because they are brand new / used and they have to flip a large margin. I have kept very few textbooks (primarily only because I actually wanna read them thoroughly) and most of the other ones I’ve tossed or sold.</p>
<p>p.s. Try and find out if your professor requires textbooks or wait till the first day of class and be ready to purchase them asap. I plan on waiting till the first day and hunt for the books via Clist / school bulletins.</p>
<p>I never buy from the university bookstore. The prices are inflated even though it is a convenient place to get all your textbooks. I also don’t like renting books. I like buying my books and selling them at the end of the summer. Not only do I break even, I usually make a profit by reselling them.</p>
<p>I suggest using bigwords.com and dealoz.com. These sites directs buyers to the sites (including Half, Ebay, Amazon, etc.) with the cheapest listed books that one searches for using the ISBNs/titles. These are great sites for price comparisons! If the prices are still too much for the U.S. hardcover editions of these books, you can buy international editions or older editions of your textbooks. They are significantly cheaper. The international editions contain the same exact content as the U.S. editions, but are softcover and contain a different cover. The older editions will have some changes, but usually the changes are limited and contain practically the same content. I play it safe and buy the newest U.S. edition of the books I need, but those are two alternatives. You have to squeeze every penny especially during these times! Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Thanks tons of bunches, both of you. It’s given me some options to think about! :)</p>
<p>I agree with power that buying older editions would be a good choice, you can save 50-90% of your money, just to be clear with others that the only possible drawback is if the teacher tests material directly out of the new edition and it contains material not in the old one. Older editions are commonly not refundable as they are usually used purchases. To be safe contact, your professor early to see if its okay! If you cant get a hold of the professor then your out of luck, you’ll have to wait for the first lecture to see if you can use an older edition, which has many obvious drawbacks of its own.</p>