im going to attend my first college classes next week....?

Question

do i need to buy my books before the first class?

Answer 1

My advice to you would be to wait. Some professor's say you don't need a book or the title of the book could have changed. Good luck.

Answer 2

YES!

Well, of course it depends on your school, but if you know the classes you're going to take, and there's a bookstore that sells the books for those classes, by all means get the books in advance. I hate it when I'm teaching and I'm trying to tell students about their assignments and how to use the textbook, and half the students don't have their textbooks yet.

It has even happened in some classes, that the books were sold out, and the students couldn't get the books for a week or two. In a fast-moving class, that can be a kind of disaster.

I guess I'm glad that the school I teach at uses online books, although I miss (on their behalf) having something to thumb through.

If you had more than a week left, you could e-mail your professor with the question, but put it "I just want to confirm that we are using the following textbooks:" and then send the list you got from the online bookstore or the real bookstore. They may tell you to hold off getting them until after the first class, but I'm guessing that's rare.

You'll make a better first impression by being ready to go. Also, you'll be, uh, ready to go!

M
E

Answer 3

No - wait until after the first class. Some professors list books on the syllabus or through the book store, but you won't really need them for the class. Plus, sometimes they make changes during the first day. Just wait to ask the professor about the books during your first day.

And if you do end up needing the books, you will not need them until the 2nd week or so. Don't worry about getting them right away.

Answer 4

If you can contact the prof, or have some other way of finding out what you need/don't need, I say go for it.

You can get better deals at the off-campus bookstore that way. Also check the bulletin boards at your school for students selling their books.

Buy used, especially if you can buy from a student who was successful in any given class. They will have written notes in the margins that may help you not to work so hard.

That said, when perusing a stack of used books, look for the ones with the best notes. I only had to buy a new book once in my entire collegiate career. In fact, I once found a used instructor copy at the used bookstore, which was not only hardcover, but had been written in!!!

Shop early, shop well. And know your institution's drop policy.

Godspeed!

Answer 5

It is probably advisable not to buy the books ahead of time. You may decide to drop the class and then you'll have the hassle of having to return the book. Just be sure that you're prepared to go out and buy the books as soon as you know you'll be taking the class. Also, while you wait to buy your book, you can usually get a copy of the book at the school library (assuming the instructor took care to put a copy on reserve).

Answer 6

I don't know where you are going to school, but when I attended (way back then), when I registered for classes, there was a list of books and other materials that accompanied that class list. Yes, even then, we had to have books prior to classes starting. I know today may be different - in fact, I know some profs who have information that is ONLINE and students don't have buy books, but that's something you should know prior to attending your first class. A lot of students like to wait and confirm what their materials are, but my profs started DAY ONE with assigning reading, writing and everything else! The thing is this - you might find yourself in need of a book and there aren't anymore. I have known that to happen - BUT, on the flip side - you might find books (check with campus newsletters, common areas where students mingle - they are often putting up flyers that indicate books for sale. I wouldn't wait if I could help it. Good luck to you!

Answer 7

I do know of some professors who begin day 1 with a lecture and lesson, but they're pretty rare. Personally, I never do this as the first day is mainly orientation, getting to know each other, and administrative stuff.

Plus, many students wait until they get their syllabus from the professor to make sure they buy the right book(s). Most bookstores won't accept the return once it's been opened.

Answer 8

The first week in College is the most simple one but one of the most important ones. simple because no heavy duty work occures. Important because you will be given a four year plan. you have to be ready for these years. in this first week you have to pay attention to every single word said. Generally Profs will try try to give you a general view of the cursus so it will give you a very large image about where you are and where you will be.
Concerning the books. io might give you the same answer :"NO". What you have to do is to know what are the best & newest reference for each subject.
The books are very important but the most important is to make the triple link between the book, what is said (lectures & tutorials) and what do you really think. The combinantion of these three is the golden key of success in college.

Answer 9

No. They usually don't actually teach on the first day. I wait until right after the first day to get my books so that I know exactly what book to get. But you will need to get it no later than the first day so that you won't fall behind in the reading.

Answer 10

It might be helpful, allowing you to read up on some of the material before your classes begin. I got some bargains buying books before the mad rush.