Many of the courses, especially in first year, require text books and lecture notes.  If the textbook is too expensive make sure you get the lecture notes that are either online or available at the University Copy Centre located near the Uni Sports and Aquatic Centre. 

Advice: Buy the lecture notes. 

The lecture notes are an essential way to get an overview of the lectures if you are sick and have missed the lecture.  They are also great to brush up before a tutorial, quiz or exam.  There’s usually a copy of the textbooks in the engineering library on special reserve and remember, not all textbooks are necessary, ask someone in 2nd or 3rd year and see if they used their textbook or if they have a second hand copy.