
Are you a bookworm?
One of the big mysteries of going to school here was textbooks. At my high school, textbooks were always handed out on the first day of class and then we returned on the last day. If yours followed a similar system, don't be shocked when your teacher does not give your entire class a book on the first day -- here's a list of a couple of the places which I have utilized to get books for my various classes at Dartmouth so far…
- No. 1
Wheelock Books
Located right on the corner of East Wheelock St. and Main St. this book store is alumni-owned and has great service tailored to Dartmouth students. For one of my classes in the fall, the syllabus called for a "Course Reader." I had no idea what that was. When I went to Wheelock I found out it was an assortment of sources, that they assembled conveniently into a spiral-bound book for the professor.
- No. 2
Barnes and Noble
Equipped with a Starbucks, Dartmouth spirit wear, school supplies, and, of course, books. This shop has essentially all of your classroom needs.
- No. 3
Amazon
Amazon.com offers a textbook rental service that works well with Dartmouth's quarter system. The rental time slots typically align with the semester-based academic calendar, so for the fall and winter terms, I had plenty of time to return my books. The prices fluctuate pretty drastically sometimes, but as long as you order the book early on in the term you should be fine.
- No. 4
Dartmouth Library
One of a few free options on campus. Occasionally books will be placed on reserve by professors in order for the entire class to have access to the library's copy -- sometimes there are also e-book options so you can save space in your bag.