<p>Where and how much are they in general? And how often do u buy them? When do we know what books to buy? I'm an incoming freshman and i was wondering because each quarter we take different classes, do u generally buy new books every quarter? How does it work? If a current student could tell me how often they but text books it'd be great. Also I read somewhere u can rent textbooks? What's up with that? Thanks!!</p>
<p>I’m an engineering (Mechanical currently) major btw :)</p>
<p>Once you enroll classes, you will see a link to textbook in your study list on myUCLA.</p>
<p>Book prices vary widely. They can range from $15 (smaller reading books) to up to $200 (large textbooks). There are typically new books each quarter, unless you are taking a class in series (e.g. Math 30 series, Chem 20 series). Classes in series tend to use the same books. </p>
<p>You can purchase them new or used at places like the UCLA store (on campus or online), Amazon, half.com (Ebay owned), and Barnes and Noble (online). You can also purchase it from other students (check your Class’ Facebook page for postings). </p>
<p>I would recommend to purchase them used since they are cheaper. There were some quarters where I didn’t have to buy any books because my upperclassmen friends let me borrow theirs. So, get to know older classmates since many are willing to sell it to you cheaper/borrow it for free.</p>
<p>In regards to renting, I’ve never done it before. One site I know of is chegg.com.</p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>
<p>^runninkeys has it down. There are also course readers, which will not be listed online. The professor will tell you where in Westwood to buy them and you buy them the first week of classes. I have rented textbooks before, and it works quite well IF you keep track of where you rent your books from and when they are due. If you stay on top of the due dates and mail them back on time, renting textbooks is great because you don’t have to worry about re-selling the book or holding on to it. Half.com usually has the cheapest books and the cheapest rentals (if you can’t find the books from another student).</p>