Unfortunately for the cash-starved college student, textbooks are an essential, yet necessary evil.
Expensive and heavy, I’m certain most students would agree that instead of a study aid, most textbooks would serve a much more lofty purpose as kindling. Or perhaps to level out a beer pong table, which the Biology: 7th Edition works particularly well for, especially when paired with an Organic Chemistry tome.
This, however, is not their intended use as we all know, and though Freshman should specifically pay attention, my research into the realm of textbooks can surely benefit all. Three years ago, I recall walking into the bookstore in awe of the red, white and wolf. I was so pleased to be a part of the Pack that I did not think to question the almost $400 price tag on my fall semester books.
Naively, I felt certain that although expensive, the on-campus bookstore would have no reason to overcharge, and with no knowledge of the Raleigh area, I was unaware of any competition. I am now a senior, and have grown older and wiser, and with my experience has come the knowledge that all products are not priced equally, though they may be created so.
As an example, the primary text for some sections of MA 131, Calculus and Its Applications, is $94.70 at the N.C. State Bookstore. The used price at Packbackers on Hillsborough Street is $85.50, as it is at Hillsborough Street Textbooks. Now you may say, well ten dollars isn’t that much of a difference, but you’ll be kicking yourself come October when you have no money for Cookout trays.
Trust me, freshmen, I know. I urge you to try another route which I discovered later in my college career called the Internet. Amazon.com, for instance, lists the same calculus book for $30 less, at a cool $65. I have often found books which would cost possibly $100 new for under ten used on Amazon. Other places, like the textbook exchange thread in the classifieds section of thewolfweb.com allow you to get books from your fellow students, and they circumvent the shipping costs since you can pick them up.
Whatever way you decide to purchase them, I would advise waiting until class starts to get your books because often times you can tell which ones you’ll really need even if they are all “required.” Also, unless the teacher tells you too, don’t lug those 20 pound books around campus. They are supposed to be used at home when you are studying (or starting a fire).
This is useful information no one ever told me, which is why I am telling you. You’ll be thanking me when you’re enjoying that Cookout milkshake around Halloween.
Tell Catie about your book-buying woes at [email protected].
