What I Wish I Knew On September 1st: Part II

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS
(1) When Should I Buy My Books:
When you first meet your professors on September 2nd they may provide you with a class syllabi which will include a list of textbooks and required readings for the year (if not, you will receive one of the first day of classes). Your first instinct may be to jump out of your seat, rush to the book store, and start reading for the first day. However, I highly advise that you all refrain from doing just that! It is not necessary to purchase your textbooks until the first week of classes begins after September 7th. You will make some of your most valuable friendships during Orientation Week. Rather than getting an early start on your readings, hold off, attend the evening events, and get to know your classmates! There will be plenty of time to read during the first week of school and it will not be difficult for you to stay on track.

(2) Where Should I Buy My Books
My second reason as to why you should wait to purchase textbooks is that the LSS will be holding a Used Text Book Sale during the first week of classes (I will announce the location as soon as it’s finalized). Tons of students manage to save a great deal of cash and still get books in excellent condition at this sale. Also, you will be meeting with your Upper Year Buddies during the first week of school. They are often more than willing to pass on their textbooks to you for discounted prices! With rent, tuition, and moving fees in the back of your mind, saving some money on books will help lighten your load!

(3) What Books Should I Buy?
Your professors will include a list of textbooks that you should purchase in your class syllabi. The majority of your readings will come from these but occasionally professors assign online readings to students so that they can teach from the most recent cases. The book stores have the class numbers ahead of time to ensure that there will be enough books for everyone, so do not panic and rush out to buy them before classes start!

You will notice that there are generally three kinds of books that you will purchase for your classes: (1) required casebooks (2) required or recommended textbooks that more broadly explain cases and link concepts (3) required course packages which are materials prepared by a professor specifically for their class. I would recommend buying both the required casebooks and the recommended textbooks. Even though the textbooks are often not required, they are incredibly helpful in simplifying concepts and linking cases together(note: I found this especially helpful in Contracts and Constitutional Law but this may change from year to year). This allows you to see the big picture and not just each individual case! Also keep in mind that many professors make their course packages available online if you would rather print them at your own expense.