Rule# 1: Never buy books new or in bookstore at school. RIPOFF! buy early and online. early b/c as semester approaches the books r harder to find and get more expensive. I spent the least of everyon in my class-somehow I am oldest and the younguns didn't know how to buy books online.hmmm! 1st semester u will spend a mint no matter what. think $500-700 on books.
Rule#2: Buy lots-I mean lots of 3x5 cards or 5x7 and cut in half so u can make mini cards. some text websites allow u to print out flashcards so this helps, but u will still have to spend a lot of time making cards.
Rule#3; Always ask for student discount. I even got the local Pharmacy to knock 5 bucksoff my BP cuff.
Rule#4: Start asking for Amazon.com gift certificates for birthday,x-mas, etc. so u can buy extra books u will need.
Rule#5: don't skimp on shoes. I wear white leather hi top basketball shoes and they work great b/c they r made to be skid proof.
***Misc:
Get scrubs that are a bit loose and have painter pockets, side pockets, etc. Buy a top that allows u to move around-also with pockets (but stuff willfall out for sure. ) buy a double tube stethoscope-u will be able to hear better with all background noise in clinical.
Good Luck