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Stepping into your college bookstore for the first time can impart a level of sticker shock that rivals that of purchasing your first vehicle. Purchasing books directly from your local college bookstore is usually the most expensive route to take. However, a little legwork and some creative thinking can save a bundle and leave more cash available for those midnight pizza deliveries.

The first and easiest option is an off-campus bookstore. Most large colleges will have at least one bookstore located close to campus that deals mainly with buying and selling college textbooks and supplies. In most cases, these stores are even within walking distance of the campus itself, which makes it a great alternative for almost any student. In addition to used textbooks, many of these stores also carry used software, calculators, and even backpacks and bicycles - everything a college student will need on campus.

Another alternative is an online bookstore. This will take a little bit of planning ahead as it is wise to order books early enough for them to arrive before the first day of class. In most cases, ordering a week before class starts will be enough time to receive the textbooks before classes begin, and they will almost certainly arrive before the first test. However, when checking out, make sure to select priority or first class mail instead of media mail. Media mail can take up to three weeks for delivery.

In order to purchase books online, visit the local campus bookstore and write down the title and ISBN numbers (usually found underneath the barcode on the back of the book or just inside the front cover where the copyright information is listed) or contact the professor of that course for the information. This will ensure the correct version is purchased. Also make note of the "edition" of the book, as problems and questions may vary slightly from one edition to the next.

Several online bookstores known for fast shipping and easy ordering are Amazon.com, ecampus.com, and textbooks.com. Textbooks can also be purchased from ebay and from half.com, but be certain to check the seller's feedback status in order to avoid any sellers with a record of slow shipping. Also, be sure to double check the shipping method and upgrade when needed.

A quick trip to the college library, student center, and dorm bulletin boards can also yield used textbooks as many students may have missed the buy-back period from the previous semester and will list books in order to recoup some of

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