Li Xiaoxiao, 19, a chemical applications major at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, was told by an upperclassman at orientation that particular textbooks would be needed for some courses.

• 李晓晓，19岁，就读于北京化工大学应用化学专业。在新生见面会上，一位高年级同学和他说，有些课程会需要几本很难买到的教材。