I start TODAY at a local University to do my pre-reqs, and when I purchased my books this week I was floored to see how much they had went up (I thought) in 12 years since I have been in college.
When I was in college before, if I paid $50.00 for a book, it was steep...but everything that I was buying was $120, $150...My NON-NURSING books are over $500 for FOUR COURSES.
So, when I got home, I started doing a little online research by ISBN number (which will ALWAYS ensure you get the exact same book and edition).
Guess what? I wasn't crazy...the books at the college bookstore were DOUBLE about any price I found on the internet.:angryfire
Now, granted, I have always known that college bookstores were a little more expensive...this was mostly limited to 10 to 15% or so. To me it was worth the convenience. But DOUBLE???????
It's too close to class for me to order them online for this semester, but I have 6 semesters left, and they won't get another dime out of me.
I've had one intructor tell us to use half.com instead of the bookstore. I've noticed that a lot of the teachers really take pity on the students and the book prices. All of my teachers this semester have mentioned that they did their best to try and keep book prices down since we have to pay a rediculous amount.
One thing I found for my Micro book, is sometimes you can find 'international' editions on the cheapy sites for even less. I found my $145 Mirco book in the international edition for $60 brand new still shrink wrapped. So far there are absolutely no differences except its a softcover (even better as is reduces the weight!) and the picture on the cover is different.
I've used the international editions for my classes too and they are the same, just a paperback version instead of a heavy book! And they are usually 1/2 the price of the school store if not more! I always check at half.com as soon as the book list goes up! My school is really good about getting the book list up asap.
I've used the international editions for my classes too and they are the same, just a paperback version instead of a heavy book! And they are usually 1/2 the price of the school store if not more! I always check at half.com as soon as the book list goes up! My school is really good about getting the book list up asap.
How exactly do you search for them then? Is there a way to search for international or does it just say it on the description?
I decided against the international edition for my A&P textbook. The international edition was 100% black and white. Some subjects really benefit from color.
From what I've figured out, some international versions are entirely black and white. I've emailed sellers on eBay and Half.com to ask. Usually they do have color, but not always.
and if you bearly use the book and you try and seel it back the book stores bearly give you anymoney for the text book where you pay a lot of money for it.
laurawho7
82 Posts
I've used the international editions for my classes too and they are the same, just a paperback version instead of a heavy book! And they are usually 1/2 the price of the school store if not more! I always check at half.com as soon as the book list goes up! My school is really good about getting the book list up asap.