<p>I'm heading over to NYU in about a week and I'm hoping to stop by the bookstore and pick up my books. Does anyone know how/where I can find out what books I need? I know exactly what classes I am taking. I really want to get 'em used early.</p>
<p>Thanks,
Josh</p>
<p>book lists for Fall 2009 aren’t out yet. i don’t remember exactly when they come out… i’m guessing august. you can check your book lists here:</p>
<p><a href=“https://www.bookstores.nyu.edu/WKSCRIPTS3/wkf?BEGIN.ORDER.PROCESS[/url]”>Official Online Store;
<p>Book lists haven’t come out, but you can sneak around that by doing the following:</p>
<ol>
<li>Go here: <a href=“Official Online Store”>Official Online Store;
<li>Fill everything out. The Department is the first part of the entire course number (for instance, V55), the course ID is the next set (typically four numbers), and the section is the last set (for instance, 001).</li>
<li>Once you click submit, you’ll get the list of books requested by the faculty member for the class, complete with ISBNs so you can search for the books online at places like half.com.</li>
</ol>
<p>Mind, these lists CAN change, so take them with a grain of salt. If you want to risk it, you can get stuff way ahead of time.</p>
<p>you may get better deals online using half.com. i buy my new and used books there. I only use the bookstore (used or new) if I couldnt find the book online or the used book online with delivery fees isnt that much better than a new book.</p>
<p>you can buy them a week before classes to the second week of classes. i generally dont use textbooks that much in the first week unless they hand it for hw. I think it’s fine. there are online versions available for some classes.</p>
<p>I received a form in the mail for ordering books through the NYU bookstore ahead of time and having them shipped to my house. And they said the sooner I order, more likely I’ll get used books.</p>
<p>I looked up some books for my courses on the site you posted nyux2. Would it be save for me to order them online through amazon or something? Can I call the NYU bookstore maybe to request a list of needed books? If I can save money I would like to order from elsewhere… Plus I’m flying in from los angeles and rather not have to pack my books since itll cost more. Could I wait til say… right before move in day and order online and have them shipped to my dorm during welcome week? or is that too risky?</p>
<p>Plus I’m in LSP so… idk if that affects book availability, since everyone takes the same courses.</p>
<p>If you’re in LSP, you can likely buy all your Cultural Foundations and Social Foundations books for $.50 - $4 on amazon, textbooksrus, half.com, etc. Don’t waste your money buying them from NYU - half these books were written in Ancient Roman/Greek Times and it’s not like you need the latest copy. 2nd semester I took all my Social Foundations/Cultural Foundations books from Bobst Library and they matched the latest 2008 copies word for word (we read out loud in class sometimes)…I saved myself like hundreds of dollars. </p>
<p>For Cultural Foundations your syllabus will list an expensive art book (probably Art Across Time) but don’t get it right away - my CF prof 1st semester said we weren’t using it in his class and 2nd semester I used it like once. And it cost $140 but I bought it used (it looked like new) for $45 - Amazon is amazing! And then I sold it back to textbooksrus for $60 so you can actually profit selling used books.</p>
<p>Yeah, don’t order from NYU. They claim they will send you used books when possible, but they often don’t have very many used books to begin with. Since you’re coming from LA, I would suggest you do the following:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Get a list of your books from the site I posted. Make sure you have the correct ISBN (International Standard Book Number) because that is the best way to make sure you are getting the right book. Make a note of which classes require only one or two books, and those that require several.</p></li>
<li><p>Cross-reference your book list with the Bobst library catalog. Make a note of all the books that are available in circulation, those that are on reserve (you only get about three hours with those), and those that are unavailable. Additionally, you can use WorldCat online to see if any of the NYPL branches or other university libraries in the area have the books; even though you can’t check books out, you’ll be able to at least read them and take notes.</p></li>
<li><p>Also, make a note of the type of book it is (textbook, hardcover, paperback). This often determines the timeliness in availability of books.</p></li>
<li><p>Check online for cheap, used versions of the books. Pay attention to how readily available they are, the prices, and where they are shipped from. Remember to factor in shipping costs. If there is a price difference of a dollar or two between the online price and the bookstore’s price, you might want to just get the book from the bookstore.</p></li>
<li><p>So, now, with all that information, you have a few decisions to make. First, if the class only requires one or two books, those are probably essential and you’ll need them immediately. If they’re available in Bobst (or any other nearby library), just make use of that copy until you can order a used copy (or for the rest of the semester if you want to). If they’re not available in Bobst, check how easily and how quickly you can get a copy and order one the Friday before you move in; this will maximize your chances of getting the book in time for class and will ensure that the mailroom does not send the book back. If it seems like it’ll take weeks for the book to come, you’re better off buying it from the bookstore to save yourself the stress. For classes that have many books, these tend to not be as essential and are also easier to buy, so wait until classes start and check the syllabus to see how much of each book you’ll be using. You can always just use the copies found in Bobst, or, in a pinch, look for used copies at bookstores around the city.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I hope that helped. Just one more thing: pay very close attention to any supplements the book maybe be bundled with. You MUST buy these, and often the package and its unique ISBN are only specially made for universities, so either buy it at the bookstore or hunt around for the separate book and supplement.</p>
<p>wow you are amazing! you have been full of extremely useful information and tips, thank you so so much!! I will definitely be coming to you if I have any more nyu/nyc questions :]</p>
<p>No problem at all. I’ve had quite a bit of experience working with prospective/admitted/incoming students throughout my time at NYU, so I enjoy answering questions and giving advice. And it’s a nice break from the high-stress legal world.</p>
<p>nyux2 and Alix, I’m SOO glad you two are active on these boards. You two are SO MUCH more helpful than ALL of the info NYU provides on its website.</p>
<p>Thank you!!!</p>