Textbooks

Every college student dreads that special time each semester when the lists of materials come out- and include at least five mandatory textbooks. It's common knowledge that we'll all be ripped off when it comes time to buy, but even greater pain awaits at the end of the semester. It's Russian Roulette whether the local bookstore will buy back your books for a fraction of the price or send you on your way with out turned pockets. For example, last semester I tried to sell back my Communication book, with no success. The bookstore claimed to have too many and told me to wait until the next semester. Well, next semester has come and turned to this semester, so on the first day of book buy back I rushed in, Communications book in hand. Nothing. "We're not taking these," the cashier girl sneered after scanning the bar code. I couldn't believe it. Still can't. Meanwhile, my boyfriend sold four of his Sociology textbooks (at least $100 worth of kindling) for $15. It's stereotypical that college kids are poor, but why do we have no money? It's not because of binge drinking or scoring drugs- it's because the university itself has no mercy and only exists to self-sustain. The local book store is no different and actually compounds the problem. So take heed, friends- it's either a lifetime of debt or working at minimum wage for ten years to save enough money for such a demanding education.

College 101: Make friends in every class and form a study group- that way you can borrow textbooks instead of buying.