Curmudgeon
default setting: sarcastic prick
I got my booklist for university. 12 books, $450. And that's just the first term. Oh boy.
you got out for under $500. this is relatively ok (which is sort of like feeling fortunate that the least expensive part on your car broke, but it is what it is)
You're lucky. 12 books here would be like $1500. (assuming you're talking about textbooks) My ethics textbook was $207.
12 textbooks sure seems like a lot, though. What kind of classes are you taking?
i'd be hard-pressed to name the circle of hell where this would be reality. maybe an ultra-aggressive science term (in which case you are either clinically insane or should replace your advisor)