So You Need To Buy Books?

So whats the best way to buy books for your courses?

Step 1: Get the list of books

There are three ways to find out what books you need: 

1. The first way is to go online and check the book store website at http://bookstore.yorku.ca/. Then click "textbooks" and then click "Online textbook purchase". Scroll down the page and add the classes you have in the search bar. This list will provide you with the books needed for the class however, sometimes professors put books on the list that they dont expect you to read. Be careful not to buy books you dont need because sometimes you cant return them.  

2. Email your professors and ask them directly what books to buy. Go to http://mocha.yorku.ca/atlas/servlet/atlas and put in the profs name and locate their email. An issue with this is that sometimes the profs dont always respond so it doesn't work. 

3. Attend the first day of class and your prof will tell you what books you need. The only issue with this is that you might have to wait a long time in line for the bookstore or the books might be sold out. 

Step 2: Buy your books

1. You could buy your books at the YorkU Book Store. I would recommend this for inexpensive books or course kits.

2. You could buy used books online at websites such as Amazon.ca. Watch out for buying books that aren't the correct edition or that will take very long to deliver. If delivery will take long, you could pay for express delivery and still save more money than bookstores. 

3. You can go on Facebook and join groups that trade, exchange, or sell books. Again, make sure you get the correct edition and make sure you do the exchange in a public place during the day so its safe. I've done this a few times without any problems.  

Take my advice, you could save a few dollars. 

- Mike

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