Back to School 2012- The Textbook Hustle Continues- Purchasing/Renting Your Textbooks Online

In the last post I shared tips on traditional means of acquiring your textbooks through campus bookstores/co-ops, classmates, friends , etc. Today, I’m suggesting two of my favorite textbook sale/rental websites to purchase and/or rent your new and used course materials.  Don't miss the bus children. 

 Photo Courtesy of http://www.degreepivot.com/

Photo Courtesy of http://www.unigo.comwww.textbooks.com

Textbooks.com features a list of authorized sellers with competitive prices that can help you find your textbook at the best price.  The site also offers varying prices for the condition of the books. You can purchase books that are new, slightly new, good, or acceptable condition.  Textbooks.com sorts prices from least to greatest and provides a range of shipping options ranging from next day delivery to standard business delivery.  You can also track your orders on their website after they have been shipped and communicate directly with the book seller. Finally, textbooks.com also provides a platform for you to sell your used books to the next student in need.  

*Quick Tip*-  When searching for textbooks online, searching by ISBN number is quicker and much more efficient than searching by book title and author.  There are thousands of the textbooks out there with the same name, publishing house, etc.  Searching by ISBN ensures you receive the right edition/volume of the textbook that you are shopping for.  This number is typically the ten digit number above or below the barcode on the outside cover of the book.  I figured I'd throw that in here for free! READ ON!

www.campusbookrentals.com

Photo Courtesy of http://techpolish.comThis is a new approach to acquiring textbooks. Personally, I'm slightly P.O’d that this service was not available during my undergraduate years especially as I am uber impressed with the services that Campusbookrentals.com provides.  In addition to fast and fabulous customer service, Campus Book Rentals offers a host of other amenities.  You can rent your textbooks and return them at the end of the semester.  There is a 30 day worry free guaranteed that ensures your money back should you drop or change classes.  The site also offers a range of rental periods as well as the option to extend your rental should you need your books a little longer than anticipated.  Campusbookrentals.com even provides a prepaid envelope for free shipping for book returns!!! Yes hunny, FREE!!! The company promises that book delivery is always on time and if there are any problems you can call and speak to an actual HUMAN customer service representative.  Ya'll know I can't take those automated recording and machines and things.   Finally, renting is a great way to save especially for those who buy brand new books at the start of the semester only to get your feelings hurt during buy back season.   The meager penance offered after you've shelled out 2/3 of your summer earnings for textbooks is downright insulting. This company also host monthly scholarships and giveaways on FB and Twitter.  You could  enter to win free rental service and end up with all of your textbook for nothing. For the Flipping Win!!! 

I've already started browsing the net for the best deals on my books this semester and I encourage you all to join me. 

I hope this is a help to someone. Take care and let's make this semester GREAT! Don’t forget to check back for the next post on Friday! 

Five Things I Wish Someone Would’ve Told Me About Summer Courses

Photo Courtesy of http://www.blogdespros.fr

After high school the stigma of summer school loses its sting. It’s no longer a punishment for missteps taken during the previous academic year.  In college & graduate school, if used strategically, summer courses can be a gift. They can be an opportunity to remedy bad grades & GPAs.  They can ease course loads in subsequent semesters, and even prepare one for graduate school or to graduate early.  However, it is important to remember that summer courses are not typically structured like the courses that you take during fall and spring academic semesters.  These courses are shorter and much more strenuous.  Many students enroll in summer classes unaware of how challenging they can be.  As a result they struggle through the summer sessions and may even withdraw or fail out of their classes. And, ain't nobody got time FAH DAT! (Sweet, Brown, 2012)   I’ve been there and now I’m here to share the five things that I wish someone would have told me about summer classes before I signed up for the worst 6 weeks of my life a few summers ago.   

1. Environmentally Sanctioned Cramming- Summer school is in fact, environmentally sanctioned cramming.  The average summer session lasts between 4-6 weeks. Most fall and spring semesters are typically three to four times longer than that.  During the summer, your professor crams 16 weeks of content and credit hours into a very small block of time.  Course concepts and ideas will be thrown at you at lightening speed with little to no elucidation.   In other words, your professor may or may not have time to walk you through the subject matter to ensure that you really understand the course material before tests/papers.   Be strategic in selecting your summer courses and try taking summer classes in subjects that you are familiar with; where you feel that you can grasp and retain the information easily. 
2. Long Hours - Most summer courses typically meet a minimum of 3 to 4 hours each class session.  This is particularly painful as summer days are longer and nicer.  While your friends are on the beach you will be in a classroom. It sucks but try to remember that this necessary inconvenience is just temporary.  Try your best to stay focused on your course readings and assignments and it will be over before you know it.
3. Quick Turn Around on Assignments- Because the pace of summer courses is accelerated, you will find that assignment due dates are much more frequent than you’re probably accustomed to.  Consider this a warning, you will have to balance large reading assignments, homework, papers and exams.  When you receive your syllabus on the first day of class read it thoroughly and familiarize yourself with the course requirements right away.  Be prepared to devote quite a bit of time outside of class to your assignments and organize yourself to meet your deadlines and due dates.
4. Don’t Miss Class- Remember, missing a day in summer school is like missing a week of class during the fall or spring semester.  Keeping up with your readings and assignments is challenging enough, falling behind can really make it tough to stay a float. Try your best to make every session and if you must miss class do all that you can access class time.  Ask a classmate record the lecture or ask your professor to be skyped in to listen to class discussion remotely. 
5. Financial Aid- Last but certainly not least, please don’t forget that your summer courses are not free.  Most financial aid offices package students for the classes taken during the fall and spring semesters only.  If you know that you are going to be taking summer courses when filing your FAFSA, signing your award letters, etc., please be sure to inform your financial aid officer. He/she can work with you in finding/securing the funding that you’ll need to pay for your summer courses.

I hope this is helps. If you have any questions you know how to reach me.

Till  Next Time,

Managing Your Time at the End of Semester- Spring 2011 Edition!

It’s the end of the semester and you know that means that time is my hottest commodity.  I hope you’re all doing well and preparing to end the semester with a bang.  This time of the academic year is always one that’s hectic on college campuses both academically and socially.  Not only must you deal with wrapping up your classes but it seems as though every social organization is having an "end of the semester" function.  As an aspiring social butterfly, I understand the necessity of at least showing your face at these things.  I’ve lived this mayhem time and time again and there are definitely ways to juggle it all.  I’ve given a few time management tips below to help you make it through the last couple of weeks of school. 

 1. Organize- Take some time to make a detailed super list of each and everything that needs to be done.  Include on this list deadlines and an estimated time that will take you to complete each task.  This will take some doing, but it you take the time to do this right you will save your self a lot of time and anxiety in the long run.  It’s important that you be as honest and realistic with yourself as you can.  Lying and fronting would be completely counter intuitive.  Your super list needs to be as detailed as possible. I like to include time allowances as well. This will help you put all of your work into perspective and keep you focused when those inevitable and  ever tempting distractions arise.   For example.  If you have a research paper that’s due in the next week or two, Here is how I'd list it on my super to do list.  

Political Science Research Paper (7-10 pages)- Due December 15th

• Organize outline  - 1 hour 
• Gather information - 2 hours
• Organize detailed outline - 4 hours
• Draft 4 hours
• Revising/Proofreading -3 hours
• Works Cited Page 1 hour   

Warning, this list will be super overwhelming at first but take a deep breath, the next steps will  help  you you manage. Remember you list can and should include your social and work responsibilities as well. 

2.   Prioritize-  After you’ve gotten your list together organize it by deadline and level of urgency.  Once you’ve done that you’ll be able to construct daily to do lists and schedules in order to manage your responsibilities.  This level of scheduling may seem daunting but this type of structure is super helpful in getting through this hectic.  Again in making your schedule by honest and be realistic.  Use your time wisely . Also, utilize opportunities for multitasking.  If you can proofread while you eat lunch, or make a study guide on your down time at work then go for it.    

3.  Don’t Forget the Fun Stuff-  Plan to go campus events... This time is always filled with pot luck dinners, concerts, and parties and you don't necessarily have to miss them all.  Personally if I have work to do, I simply plan to go late and/or leave early.  A slice of the pie is better than none at all.   Show your face, make a plate and BE GONE! I also suggest that students make their desire to attend events work in their favor .   Personally, I love to have a good time so on social event days I  typically try to work harder .  I use the party or whatever as a motivator. For example, I say I’m not going until I finish this draft.  That way when I get there I’ll be able to relax and enjoy.  Fun stuff is necessary but not priority.  Don’t burn yourself out but don’t get carried away either. 

4.  Keep it funky- If you haven’t studied for 8 hours straight through the semester, starting to do so now will probably leave you stressed out, exhausted and cranky.  Schedule adequate time for sleep but don’t go overboard, the final exam season is usually accompanied by some level of sacrifice.  You won't get your normal 6-8 hours but you do need some rest.  I have to say this because finals time is usually when slackers get super ambitious and can often shoot a hole in the bottom of their own boat.  It's been proven that cramming and studying long hours under high pressure is the most ineffective means of studying.  Break it up. Study between classes, on the train, in the morning before work etc.   Be honest with yourself, figure out the conditions necessary for your BEST work  and get'er done. You’ve had all semester to figure out what it takes for you to thrive. Work with and not against yourself.  

I hope these little bits of info are helpful to you.