How should I prepare for college?

Don't worry if you don't have the books with you on the first day of class. If the books are needed on the first day the instructor will notify, by email, what books to have ready. Instructors on the first day of class go through the syllabus of the class and which books are needed.
On-line retailers, like amazon.com or chegg.com, have good deals where you can rent the book until your class is done for the semester. Just make sure you return them on time because they will charge you a fee until the book is returned or paid off.

Most campus bookstores over price the cost of the books, so unless there is a deadline by when you need to have the book for a class that might be an option. For some classes, the Instructor might have a handbook that they have made for the class. Those you would have to pay from the on-campus bookstore because you will not be able to find them anywhere else or you might get lucky and find someone that is selling their copy on campus. Check student boards on campus to find flyers of students selling their books.
Some campus bookstores have rental services for books, but you got to take care of the book is not damaged like watermarks, and ripped pages because they will not be accepted and you will have to pay the difference.
Books that have a software need to be returned together or they will not be accepted if you are returning it as a rental or selling back most of the time.
If you find the book useful for your major or you find that you like the book then hold on to it. You can use them to build your own private library later on.

Wow! This is a time of my life that really set the tone for me. For me personally, college is where you learn about yourself and others. The best advice anyone ever gave me was to get involved in student activities and organizations. I got involved in Student Government Association and this developed my people skills. Experts say that getting involved in college organization help you to finish college. Those that are not involved in student organizations are more likely to drop out of college.

Have an open mind. You will meet people from all walks of life. Know why you are in college and stay focused on your academics and experiencing a new way of life independently. Staying involved is a great way to experience the college. Recruit a new friend to join you in a club/intramural sport. Most books are really expensive. Renting used books is the cheapest way to go. Just make sure you keep your receipts and I even keep the boxes my books came in so it saves me a step when returning. Know that you matter.