textbooks

How about the books that your instructors require for your classes. Beyond that there aren't any books that are "must-have."

well, I'm a 3rd year student, and so far the textbooks I've kept and refer back to a *lot* are:

Calculus, the early transcendentals, by Howard, Anton ( I used this at my school for every 200-level math class I took, it's a really good one)

Physics for scientists and engineers, by Serway, Beichner

My 2nd year statics and dynamics books also.

good luck, kw

Machinery's Handbook, Industrial Press.

Don

Like I said, buy the books that you need for you classes. You will often need books from previous classes for your current classes. I know this because I finished a MS degree 3 years ago. Somepeople may say to get other books, but for the most part you will only need them for a Sr. design project, which you are probably 2 years away from right now.

the ones I kept coming back to are...

Marks' standard handbook for mechanical engineers. Avalone / Baumeister. (beware - not totaly metric though - however if you only ever buy one book personally I'd make it this one. It covers 'everything') dare I say though that if you were to search certain file sharing networks (cough cough...emule...cough cough) then you might find an electronic copy - depending on your scruples.....