All books are expensive. A hardcover chemistry book is not going to cost more than a hardcover communications book....so welcome to the college student across America club. Books are an expense not included on a tuition fee bill...along with gas, clothes, cell phones, bed sheets, pencils, posters, beer, condoms, you get my point.
My point is that students use the ramen noodle story to place pity on themselves and all the "sacrificing" they had to do in order to get that degree.
I giggle quietly to myself everytime someone tries to sell me that sob story shit.