How do you know what books to buy for university courses?

I'm starting to plan for college and wondering about textbooks. Is it best to wait for the professor's syllabus, or should I start looking now? I'm trying to budget for my first year.

It's a great idea to start budgeting for textbook costs, as these can add up quickly! That said, you typically want to wait until you receive the course syllabus to purchase textbooks. This is because professors will list the specific editions they want you to have, and sometimes they may even provide online resources or digital copies that can help offset the cost of a physical book.

If you're keen to do some research before you start college, you could look at some of the courses you're interested in and search their past syllabi online - some schools and professors make these available to the public. This can give you a rough idea of the kinds of textbooks you may need to buy. Remember, though, this won’t provide an exact cost estimate as textbooks and editions can change from year to year.

Also, keep in mind there are a lot of options for obtaining textbooks. While the school bookstore is one place to acquire them, there are often cheaper alternatives. For instance, you can often find used books online at places like Amazon, Chegg, or eBay. Some universities also have book exchange Facebook groups or other platforms where you can buy used textbooks directly from other students. Remember to compare prices before making a final purchase, and know whether the professor requires access to online features that only come with new books.

Even though it’s good to get ahead, waiting until you definitely know the books you need will avoid you buying a textbook that you may end up not using. Also remember that some professors put on reserve copies of textbooks at the library, which you can use for a few hours at a time. These services can help save some money as well. Good luck with your budgeting and the start of your college journey!