Just wear lycra. People don't wear it because of how it looks. It's fast wicking. Even in mid 30s celsius I get to work far less sweaty than taking public transport.
Most people who complain about sweat are trying to cycle in cotton. Just change when you get to work.
Indeed. I live in the UK and had no need to buy a single text book throughout my degree (Computer Science). There were usually a few equivalent suggested books for each module. We were free to purchase or borrow any of them or use other sources such as online material.
I bought half a dozen books because they were interesting beyond the course itself, mostly just used the library and online material though.