While buying textbooks and class materials from a source other than the on-­campus bookstore may seem a bit disconcerting at first, it is, in reality, an excellent way to save money and avoid the craziness that is the University Bookstore during the first week of classes. With very few exceptions, it is possible to instead purchase the majority of your books and supplies, both used and brand new, from a variety of online retailers and even local bookstores.