Should I buy books now so the used ones dont get sold out?

I would wait till classes start.

If you've been properly informed by upper years or classmates, buy your 2nd year (and onward) textbooks online now.. if you're first year, you can probably wait, since first year courses tend to be continuations of high school courses.

Originally Posted by RyanC

If you've been properly informed by upper years or classmates, buy your 2nd year (and onward) textbooks online now.. if you're first year, you can probably wait, since first year courses tend to be continuations of high school courses.

Where do you buy them online, like PDF or physical versions?

Originally Posted by Snowman

Where do you buy them online, like PDF or physical versions?

physical books. abebooks.com seems to pretty good. I got all my 2nd year books there in new condition for more than 1/2 the price. Just bought 2 a couple of hours ago.

well thats the only one i know of though

I took 2OA3 but I didn't get the textbook and did well. I just used the old tests that we were given as practice.

always always always wait till classes start to buy books. For a most classes (70%) you really dont need to buy a textbook. Generally the class notes/powerpoints are sufficient to get a A in the class.

If you want digital versions for less than half the price I like www.coursesmart.com

Originally Posted by sycoman

always always always wait till classes start to buy books. For a most classes (70%) you really dont need to buy a textbook. Generally the class notes/powerpoints are sufficient to get a A in the class.

Do not believe this stat, it may hold true in whatever program he is in, but I dont know many people that can say that they didnt need textbooks... especially not for 70% of their classes.
Dont by textbooks immediately, as often the material may not be necessary for your success. The best choice is to go to class for the first week, the prof will explain what material is necessary and you will be able to make a well informed decision as to what books you think you may need. One word of advice, DONT BUY ANY ECON BOOKS

Chances are, used books won't start coming in until after classes start. There tends to be a rush of students selling books in the first two weeks back at school (I know I will be). So if you're looking for used books, check titles.mcmaster.ca and see if they have used books in stock now. If not, I'd say wait a bit and check back. Of course, macinsiders.com is the best place for buying used textbooks, especially for first years.

Try to find your books off the marketplace - titles is quite expensive

Wait till class starts see for right version. Then just try to buy online for cheaper than overpriced titles.

What about lab manuals? any tips on saving money?

not really since lab manuals change every year ut they are like $5 -20