How to pay for my college books if my financial aid loans will not be disbursed until late october?

Many colleges and universities have short-term student loans. You have to find out whether your college does this and how you apply for it. The loans usually have to be paid back in full by the end of the semester or you won't be allowed to register for classes for the next semester until you do.

You're supposed to pay for your textbooks out of pocket. It's always been that way, and it'll always be that way. College ain't free.

How about a J-O-B? You will get any refund from pell grants/federal loans at the same time. If you're school says it will be in October, it will be in October. I suggest you get a job or sell some stuff you don't need. Or ask family if you can borrow money from them and pay them back later. Also buy your books used, not new. Consider even renting them. I would personally AVOID the bookstore because they overprice their books and buy from students. I would wait until the first day of class to see if you even need them. You may just need a code which will probably have the book on it anyways. Ask current students who had the same class/professor if they used the book. Ask your school if they allow books to be bought w/ financial aid account. My community college did this which is why refunds were given out later than other schools. My university doesn't do this but they give refunds out a week before class so students will be able to buy books.