Tuition and rent may not be free, but blue books are.
With finals week looming, students are rushing to bookstores around the area to pick up the small blue item essential for final exams.
But ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government, is trying to help out by offering blue books, which cost less than $1, for free.
The blue books program has been in effect for the last five years, but recently it has gained momentum as more students have become aware of the service, said Academic Assembly Chairperson Matt Clayson.
"The first batch lasted two and a half years. We ordered the same amount and they're gone in six months," he said.
Clayson said the convenience of not having to wait in line for the blue books should be a relief for most students.
The customized books are available at ASMSU's offices, 307 Student Services, and in classes or colleges where representatives are handing them out.
"Go up before your exam and pick them up," Clayson said.
Journalism sophomore Jessica Nelson said the blue books program is helpful for students who are required to bring one for a final exam.
For her Integrative Arts and Humanities final, Nelson said she was looking to pick up a blue book from the bookstore, but fortunately an ASMSU representative handed some out in her class, saving her some precious studying time and money.
"It definitely saves me 43 cents," she said.
But blue books aren't the only free service available for students to use during finals week and also the beginning of each semester.
Those looking to sell back their books can save some time standing in line by listing their used books on the ASMSU book-swapping Web site at www.asmsu.org.
Students can list their books for sale, or buy books for next semester, said Jared English, ASMSU director of university, governmental and budgetary affairs. The organization has a disclaimer on its Web site which states it is not responsible for any part of the book-swapping transaction, but are putting this Web site up as a tool for student use.
"It's an old idea with a new twist," English said. "All you need is a computer."
The program began last year, when about 300 registered users swapped books, but English said nonregistered users can also access the Web site.
Students set the prices, which can allow them to save more money than in the bookstores, he said.
"It's easier to go to the bookstore and hit it once," English said. "(But) if people take the time (it will) save $100 or so."
Timothy Morrish, an interdisciplinary studies in social science sophomore, said the program is a good idea for students looking for an alternative to selling and buying books.
"That way we won't get ripped off as far as prices go," he said.
