<p>like before first meeting? after first meeting?</p>
<p>a lot of people wait after the first class to see if they actually need them or not. people like to see if the teachers don’t use the book at all or if they follow it very closely. if you have the money just buy them. the more prepared you are the better. my opinion is that if you actually care about learning and not just getting by then you should buy the books.</p>
<p>I have one class that required 4 books. They are all paperbacks, some small, some larger. I bought them a couple of months ago used on Amazon. I knew I would have time during the summer and the subject is very interesting to me. I have already read 2 1/2 books and will finish them all by the time the quarter starts (Sept. 27). One other class I bought the book for and have scanned and lightly read it. My last class the prof has not listed a book yet so I am thinking she is using a reader she puts together or no book. </p>
<p>If it is a class you are not sure you will stay in I would wait, but if you have a class you are 100% sure you will be taking then try to find out what it is, and get it on Amazon or half.com to save money and start reading or at least be familiar with it.</p>
<p>^^Agreed. Most wait till after teh first class since sometimes the professor may tell the class not to actually get the book.</p>
<p>I’ve always had the money and feel like being prepared, so I always try to get all my books before the first class, and if they’re not needed I can always try to sell 'em back. If I can’t, well, then they might make a great coffee table piece.</p>
<p>And yes, 9/10 I find the book cheaper used on Amazon, and if I order them all together at once in bulk, then they’re still cheaper after shipping.</p>