My daughter's roommate used Chegg.com to rent her books. My son recommended to me to check ratemyprofessor.com because sometimes the students rating the instructors will say things like "don't buy the book - it was never used." or whatever. the college library will also carry at least one copy of each textbook that you can read in the library.
I would wait to buy the fridge and microwave until you've talked to your roommate. then you can figure out who brings what.