$261.51! I just don’t understand why universities assume we have money to throw around on unnecessary expenditures. Yes, unnecessary! Students rarely use books for assignments because we get all of our information from the web and/or libraries. Why do I need to own a $107.50 book? I don’t. I managed to sell two textbooks from last semester for sixty dollars total when I spent one hundred a piece on them. Other university items are no different: $5 for a cheap University of Idaho planner? No thanks. $10 for a slice of pizza, salad, and a pop? Go to hell.
The University tried a cheaper alternative last year. It consisted of an e-book program in which a student could buy an e-book copy, print off what they needed, all so that the student didn’t have to carry a book all day. However, the Bookstore charged $80 for an e-book copy on a $100 textbook. What the hell are they thinking? Thus, I propose a lease program in which the University buys multiple copies of a textbook and leases them out to students in good standing. If the book is returned in good condition after the lease, the student owes nothing. If the book is damanged, then make him/her pay for the cost of the text. I understand the financial stresses of educational institutions, but they make enough money on athletics, parking fees, tuition, donations, and merchandise.
Give us—and our wallets—a break, please!