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UCLA told the federal government to loan me $1905 for "books and supplies." I've never been to law school before, but this sounds kind of high to me. Should I really expect to spend that much on school supplies?

mmmadeli wrote:UCLA told the federal government to loan me $1905 for "books and supplies." I've never been to law school before, but this sounds kind of high to me. Should I really expect to spend that much on school supplies?

$4-700 per semester for books is normal. I don't know what "other supplies" would be.

I easily spent $1200 on required textbooks, and that's not including the hornbooks I bought to actually learn the law with.

mmmadeli wrote:UCLA told the federal government to loan me $1905 for "books and supplies." I've never been to law school before, but this sounds kind of high to me. Should I really expect to spend that much on school supplies?

Yes, I'd double it.

JK buy used from Amazon or Half.com.

Spent somewhere between $950-$1050 first semester on all new books and supplements. Second semester I was lucky enough to have two professors use the same book, and so only spent around $400. Looks like you'll have some money leftover for drinking binges.

AmicusCuriae wrote:

mmmadeli wrote:UCLA told the federal government to loan me $1905 for "books and supplies." I've never been to law school before, but this sounds kind of high to me. Should I really expect to spend that much on school supplies?

$4-700 per semester for books is normal. I don't know what "other supplies" would be.

Booze, sweet sweet booze.

BTW, buying books (new or used) from Amazon is the easiest way to save a few bucks.

mikeytwoshoes wrote:

mmmadeli wrote:UCLA told the federal government to loan me $1905 for "books and supplies." I've never been to law school before, but this sounds kind of high to me. Should I really expect to spend that much on school supplies?

Yes, I'd double it.

JK buy used from Amazon or Half.com.

+1 buy used.

The "other supplies" could be a laptop. Which I would recommend. Highly.

amazon or half.com early in the year will save you hundreds.

Also try to see if you can connect with current 1Ls who had your profs this year. If they haven't sold their books, they may be willing to give them to you. You can also try hanging out near the lockers after the last day of exams. Maybe students will just toss out a bunch of books, and leave them for whoever happens upon them. I got texts for professional responsibility, con law, evidence, and hornbooks for evidence, con law, business entities, and a few other classes this way.

Netopalis wrote:The "other supplies" could be a laptop. Which I would recommend. Highly.

I have a macbook already, but I was toying with the idea of buying a cheapy netbook to take to class, if I don't feel like schleping this monstrosity with me. But it may be too extravagant for me to actually do it. :-p

$1900 is about twice what I spent and I bought a few books new, although I bought relatively few supplements and no hornbooks except for Chemerinsky which is relatively cheap in paperback.
Tips:
- Buy books/supplements used. Here at UM students sell textbooks for $40-$60. You can also get them at BN/Amazon/Ebay etc.
- Sign up for BN emails. I get 10-25% off coupons in my email every few weeks.
- Check your credit card rewards program. Those were good for another 11% savings for me on BN purchases.
- Take advantage of Lexis/Westlaw points during fall, and use them to get supplements in spring for free.