3. College bookstores typically don't take the costlier calculators you will need for mathematics and science classes. For example, I had a TI-83 calculator this semester for my math program and they did not carry them. This can be really frustrating if you have financial aid, such as I do, and has to buy expensive items at your college bookstore for them to be paid for by your financial help.

7. The most peculiar thing about going to a school bookstore to buy something you desperately need for this day in school is these not having the thing you need. This happens more times than you think. A teacher might tell his class that they need a specific item so everybody rushes into the school bookstore and purchase out all that they have.

Obtaining your school supplies while picking up your books at the bookstore may seem very handy, but have you ever considered the cost difference and choice size of your publication in contrast to the regional department store? The differences could be enormous, particularly in regards to cost.

2. College bookstores charge more than departments stores do. When comparing the price of bookstore school provides and Wal-Mart school provides, you will find that Wal-Mart will always be cheaper. I've been tempted to purchase certain things, such as binders, at my college bookstore, but then when I access to Wal-Mart I find that some things are 50% more economical. That is a significant difference when you're a college student.

5. College bookstores normally have a restricted choice of school supplies. You're not likely to come across notebooks and binders that allow you to show your character, you are going to find regular, plain notebooks.

1. College bookstores carry the most expensive items. If you want notebooks, pens, pencils, etc you are just going to find the most expensive brands. Bookstores are purchasing this stuff wholesale, so that they can get it pretty cheap, but they won't pass those savings on to you.

4. College bookstores over charge on software needed for classes. You'll find that some of your school courses require you to buy expensive software. You'll also realize that your college bookstore will charge more for that program than a place like Wal-Mart.

6. College bookstores provide you with things that have your faculty logo on it. If you walk in, you're generally bombarded with t-shirts, car tags, sweatshirts, coffee mugs, travel mugs, etc that have your school logo on them. If you're anything like me, you love attending college and the college you are attending is a great college, so you need to purchase a number of the things to show the pride you have for your school, the one problem is, this stuff is not cheap. When I go in to buy my books I'm constantly tempted to purchase one of the sweatshirts, which does come with a free t-shirt, but its $35! Being in school and working part time doesn't give you enough money to splurge on items like this, so it's ideal to avoid them if possible.

So, there you have it. The truth is not pretty, but it is going to save a great deal of money. Don't be suckered into buying over priced school supplies from your school bookstore. If you'd like great deals, check Wal-Mart very first, they always have great deals on school supplies and a significant selection.

8. If you aren't pleased with your college, you won't be happy that most items are branded with your college emblem. Even if you are satisfied with your college, buying something with your school logo on it merely increases its cost. There was a leather thing, with my college emblem on it, that I actually liked at my college bookstore . however, it was around $20. I moved to Wal-Mart and found the exact same binder for $10, of course it didn't have the school logo, but that I was fine with that.

9. College organizers prey on students who have financial aid and believe they must buy their equipment there. They do so by not only increasing book prices, but they also raise the prices of laptops, pencil, pens, etc.. Once they find out you've got help they'll try to push items on you which you don't even require.

10. If you're in a curriculum like nursing or cosmetology, school campuses will have the equipment that you require, BUT they'll be marked up greater than what they're worth. You can purchase several of the things you will need for these classes online for much more affordable. Granted these items won't be available everywhere, because you will need things like special kits for cosmetology, but you will have the ability to locate these things at online specialty shops or on EBay.