Angle

Issue date: 10/4/04 Section: On Campus

Julie Miller bought all her books at the campus bookstore this year. [Click to enlarge]

Once again, it is a new semester of learning here at Clearwater Christian College. Of course there are many preparations students have to make to get ready for classes.

One of these is buying textbooks--the subject everyone talks about but hates to do. It is a necessary evil to own that big block of printed paper, sometimes to be used for only one class.

In times past, students had only two options. They could buy from the bookstore, or they could try to find another student who was willing to sell for less. But now book-buying has all changed.

With the advent of the Internet and e-commerce, students are presented with a third, beneficial alternative. Buying from the campus bookstore or from other students offers the security of knowing that the text is in your possession the minute you purchase it.

However, Web sites such as half.com, amazon.com, and ebay.com offer reduced prices (sometimes up to 50 percent off) and fast shipping on most of the same books.

Now I know what you may be thinking. "It sounds good, but I need those books for the first day of classes!" Fortunately, few professors require students to have their books on the first day. Most professors understand the time that goes into registration and textbook acquisition. They have all been through the process before and know how it feels.

So next time a new semester rolls around, remember the possibilities available to you, the student, and take advantage of them. You might be pleasantly surprised.

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