Harvard Class of 2017 Forum

[codyoneill]

What do you guys think about renting used books? Any significant drawbacks you could see? Buying or renting new is way too expensive.

I just received my rentals from Amazon and they are highlighted all over (some have notes in the margin) and one has a split in the binding. If those things are going to bother you then it could be a big deal, but I couldn't care less. I just took photos in case Amazon tries to blame me for the damage.

[Nonconsecutive]

What do you guys think about renting used books? Any significant drawbacks you could see? Buying or renting new is way too expensive.

I just received my rentals from Amazon and they are highlighted all over (some have notes in the margin) and one has a split in the binding. If those things are going to bother you then it could be a big deal, but I couldn't care less. I just took photos in case Amazon tries to blame me for the damage.

Pretty much this. If you are renting sight-unseen then its best to assume that your books will be like codyoneil's (though it isn't a guarantee, of course). If you like a cleaner book, or don't like a few possible torn pages, etc. then used renting is probably out. The exception to this is that if you can rent used and see the books beforehand, that way you can pick the ones you like. Amazon used to let you send back a rented book if you thought it was too trashed, not sure if they still do that, however continuously sending books back and forth might not be something you are willing to do.

[PotenC]

I'm in the same section as cody, and I also ordered all the required text through Amazon. The only difference is that I bought used (except for one) instead of renting, and the total came to a hair over $400. I've read on reddit that you're able to trade in the vast majority of your used books back to Amazon for credit at the end of the semester, and that's what I'm banking on. I could always use Amazon credit for next semester's books, so it should work out OK. Can't speak on the extent of highlighting yet.

[ga208]

Also, this weekend is tax free in MA, so you can save 6.25% if you order books then....

Every day is state sales-tax-free day if you order online.

MA started charging on Amazon purchases in November. But this Saturday and Sunday Aug. 16 and 17 are tax-free weekend in MA - so Amazon (or other mail-order places) shouldn't charge if purchased on these two days.

The coop never charges tax on textbooks at any time during the year.

[sjgonzalez3]

What do you guys think about renting used books? Any significant drawbacks you could see? Buying or renting new is way too expensive.

I just received my rentals from Amazon and they are highlighted all over (some have notes in the margin) and one has a split in the binding. If those things are going to bother you then it could be a big deal, but I couldn't care less. I just took photos in case Amazon tries to blame me for the damage.

Mind sharing how much the full rental costs came out to?

Comparing to $550-600 new, and $460 used (both amazon from what i've seen so far in this thread).

Thanks!

[sjgonzalez3]

Heads up that we get Microsoft Office for free, so don't buy it like I almost did.

Details? I was also about to buy it just now.

[Nonconsecutive]

Heads up that we get Microsoft Office for free, so don't buy it like I almost did.

Details? I was also about to buy it just now.

You can go to the computer lab in WCC and they will install in on your computer for you via USB. (There might be other ways to get it free, but this is the one I know of for sure).

http://www.law.harvard.edu/about/admini ... t.html#buy

[codyoneill]

What do you guys think about renting used books? Any significant drawbacks you could see? Buying or renting new is way too expensive.

I just received my rentals from Amazon and they are highlighted all over (some have notes in the margin) and one has a split in the binding. If those things are going to bother you then it could be a big deal, but I couldn't care less. I just took photos in case Amazon tries to blame me for the damage.

Mind sharing how much the full rental costs came out to?

Comparing to $550-600 new, and $460 used (both amazon from what i've seen so far in this thread).

Thanks!

Just checked my amazon.

Rental came out to: $245.89
Plus one book I bought: $59.91

So grand total: $305.80

[wtrc]

On sites like campusbooks.com there are occasionally really good deals for rentals, but they get snatched up so fast. I got the Torts book for $21 rented (now the cheapest I can find is $80 to rent and $220 to buy new), but it's SO written in, so I'm thinking I might need to return it..

[lawschool22]

What do you guys think about renting used books? Any significant drawbacks you could see? Buying or renting new is way too expensive.

I just received my rentals from Amazon and they are highlighted all over (some have notes in the margin) and one has a split in the binding. If those things are going to bother you then it could be a big deal, but I couldn't care less. I just took photos in case Amazon tries to blame me for the damage.

Mind sharing how much the full rental costs came out to?

Comparing to $550-600 new, and $460 used (both amazon from what i've seen so far in this thread).

Thanks!

Just checked my amazon.

Rental came out to: $245.89
Plus one book I bought: $59.91

So grand total: $305.80

I bought one book and rented the rest, and came out to around $300 as well.

[nothingtosee]

I got all mine used for <$400, which when I sell back at end of semester (and I can either do a bit of work and sell them back myself, or use a site that pays for shipping but gives a less rate than selling oneself such as http://www.ecampus.com/) should definitely come to paying under $200. Selling your own books direct through like half.com is really easy, and saves $$$

[stmichael91]

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that a lot of the textbooks can be rented at Barnes and Noble for almost half the price. I'm honestly a bit worried because it's so much cheaper than everywhere else, but if the books are half legible, then seems like a good deal. I got all my books for just over 300 dollars. All rented.

[Single-Malt-Liquor]

FYI: Though the Harvard Square area is for the most part very safe, there is usually a few robberies and break-ins during the beginning of the academic year (a couple of my friends had their ground floor apartments broken into last September). Statistically, there's little need to worry, just be aware of your surroundings and keep those ground floor windows secure.

Finally, don't forget that the dress code for orientation is black tie.

[PotenC]

Finally, don't forget that the dress code for orientation is black tie.

[asdfdsa]

Finally, don't forget that the dress code for orientation is black tie.

But really, what are people wearing for orientation?

[jasper09]

Finally, don't forget that the dress code for orientation is black tie.

But really, what are people wearing for orientation?

I was going to go with nice jeans and tops and/or casual dresses...essentially what I'd be wearing to class so that I'm presentable but not overly casual or frumpy. Except for those field day activities...pretty sure I'd want something more comfortable for that.

[CyanIdes Of March]

Finally, don't forget that the dress code for orientation is black tie.

But really, what are people wearing for orientation?

I was going to go with nice jeans and tops and/or casual dresses...essentially what I'd be wearing to class so that I'm presentable but not overly casual or frumpy. Except for those field day activities...pretty sure I'd want something more comfortable for that.

Probably guy version of this. Jeans, maybe a collared shirt/button up shirt?

[wtrc]

Finally, don't forget that the dress code for orientation is black tie.

But really, what are people wearing for orientation?

I was going to go with nice jeans and tops and/or casual dresses...essentially what I'd be wearing to class so that I'm presentable but not overly casual or frumpy. Except for those field day activities...pretty sure I'd want something more comfortable for that.

Probably guy version of this. Jeans, maybe a collared shirt/button up shirt?

"Harvard Law Just Kidding" t shirt is tcr

[TheMostDangerousLG]

Finally, don't forget that the dress code for orientation is black tie.

But really, what are people wearing for orientation?

Um, the same stuff I'm gonna be wearing for class.

[mino]

Lmao at this rate I feel like we're going to be seeing the entire range from sweatpants to black tie at orientaiton.

[Nonconsecutive]

I honestly hadn't thought about what I was going to wear. I must be letting my obsessiveness slip. Probably jeans and a decent shirt for picture day, whatever for the other days.

[HorseThief]

Acid washed jeans and wolf shirt ftw.

[TheMostDangerousLG]

Acid washed jeans and wolf shirt ftw.

You need a porkpie hat and a leather jacket to really complete the look.

[tparks]

Hey guys, room for one more? Just got in off the waitlist!

[yomisterd]

Hey guys, room for one more? Just got in off the waitlist!

CONGRATS AND WELCOME!