I love this site:

http://used.addall.com/

It searches all the used books out there. You might want to look at investing in a book Reader or seeing about online textbook deals or rental, etc.:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/text...oks/379002366/

Does your school have an orientation for Freshmen/transfer students you can go to? Or, I'd try going to school the week before classes start and see if you can get into any of the rooms where your classes will be, check out the layout, time it takes you to get one to the other, etc. You might not need to request the table/chair (they might already be there/the style of class) or might find there are other problems (stadium seating with no room up front for table and chairs).

Maybe you can make an appointment with someone to take you around to your classes beforehand and discuss your needs/figure out your choices and what you might like to do (change sections/times, etc. that meets in a different/more compatible space).