If all those post holiday sales and New Year's Eve parties drained the cash Grandma gave you, shelling out a couple hundred dollars for textbooks probably doesn't make you want to jump for joy.
But with a little comparison-shopping, finding cheaper textbooks shouldn't be too hard.
Many students choose the UB Bookstore on campus for their textbook needs. It is especially popular with new students without a means of transportation, as it is the most convenient venue. Located next to the Commons, the store holds books for almost every class, organized by major, name and number.
Students can see exactly which books they will need and can be assured they are buying the right ones, because the professor dictates what is put on the shelves. This is important when other materials like solution manuals, study guides, electronic clickers, or lab instruments are included in a package set.
For some veteran students, buying the semester's books at the campus store brings back memories of long lines, high prices and the failed search for a used copy, only to be left with a shiny, brand new, more expensive one.
"I know I can find them anywhere else," said Nick Stadler, a senior business administration major who usually finds his books online.
"I got two of mine in three days, but even with expedited shipping it's still cheaper," he said.
Still, some brave the wait in line for the advantage of having the book in their room immediately, ready to be studied. If a professor delves into the textbook material the first day of class, waiting two to three days for an online shipment could mean an uncomfortable silence if you get called on in class.
"I need the books to be here when I want them," said Amanda Runge, a sophomore nursing major. "I don't have time to go looking online."
Other bookstores around Amherst offer similar situations to the on-campus store, usually with shorter lines and slightly cheaper prices.
The College Store, at 3908 Maple Road, tends to sell textbooks for a few dollars less than the UB Bookstore. They also have their books neatly organized by class. Sometimes the lucky student will find used copies of a book that the UB Bookstore has sold out of. Just be wary of package requirements - The College Store may only carry a part of the whole.
Online book buying is frequently the method of choice for upperclassmen who are concerned about their bank account. Amazon.com will likely have the necessary books in stock, but be sure to compare the prices with other venues before buying. In some cases they are more expensive than the bookstore. The site does offer free shipping for most textbooks, however.
Used books can be found on ebay.com at minimal prices for students looking to go the bidding route. But don't forget that you can be outbid for a dollar, and lose your chance at the book when the time is up.
It is important to read the fine print. The book could be missing the CD-ROM that goes along with it, or be an outdated edition. Also, make sure to check the seller's status report to see how other buyers rated their dependability so you don't get an empty box in the mail.
Half.com is an offspring of ebay.com that is stocked full of textbooks organized into "Brand new," "Like new," "Very good," and so on. Some of the sellers are credible online bookstores, and some are students looking to get rid of the remains of past classes. Several of the books live up to their site's name, selling for as low as half off their price at a bookstore. Shipping is less than five dollars, and packages arrive within nine days.
Additionally, students can buy and sell textbooks from their classes at prices that benefit both parties through the Student Association Online Book Exchange, accessible through MyUB.
Most students weigh the pros and cons of online shopping versus buying from a bookstore, and it comes down to personal preference.
"It depends on availability," said Jamie Bertosino, a freshman legal studies major. "Since the bookstore is easier to access, I go there."
Some take into consideration the guaranteed fifty percent cash back on books and classroom items bought from the UB Bookstore, a promise that many online sites don't make. Granted, there are loopholes to the guarantee that mean they might not buy your books back if they have already filled their quota.
Other students choose convenience over the worry of expenses because parents foot the bill for books.
"If it were coming out of my pocket, I would invest the time," Runge said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
