What text books are required for a Software Engineering course?

I would definitely wait until you start the course before you buy any books. And if cost is an issue, if your uni library is any good you will find it packed with even recent titles there for you to borrow free of charge. Of course the greatest resource of all is the interweb. There isn't much that isn't covered on the internet. In fact I think it would be fair to say that most books are out of date or missing large sections of relevance before they are even printed.

Good luck and have fun!

Hey! I'm going in Software Engineering as well. I have a reading list already and these books are listed as essential for the information systems unit:

Database Principles by Carlos Colonel, 2013 2nd edition
An Introduction to Information Systems by David Whiteley, 2013
An Introduction to Systems Analysis Techniques by Mark Lejk & David Deeks, 2002 2nd edition
Using UML: Software Engineering with Objects and Components by Perdita Stevens & R.J. Pooley, 2006 2nd edition

Further reading list:

Business in Context: An Introduction to Business and its Environment by David Needle, 2015 6th edition
Theories of the Information Society by Frank Webster, 2014 4th edition
UML Distilled: a Brief Guide to the Standard Object Modeling Language by Martin Fowler, 2004 3rd edition

These might differ depending on university though. I've been looking for the essential books, if bought new all 4 would be about £200, so far I've bought 2 for £3 each used and am still looking for the other two.
Hope this helps.

Database Principles by Carlos Colonel, 2013 2nd edition
An Introduction to Information Systems by David Whiteley, 2013
An Introduction to Systems Analysis Techniques by Mark Lejk & David Deeks, 2002 2nd edition
Using UML: Software Engineering with Objects and Components by Perdita Stevens & R.J. Pooley, 2006 2nd edition

Further reading list:

Business in Context: An Introduction to Business and its Environment by David Needle, 2015 6th edition
Theories of the Information Society by Frank Webster, 2014 4th edition
UML Distilled: a Brief Guide to the Standard Object Modeling Language by Martin Fowler, 2004 3rd edition

Again - I would urge you to hold off until you get there. Databases are a doddle. I have no idea what information systems are, other than systems that hold information. I reckon David Whiteley is making a killing out of disappointed readers. As for UML - I have a cheap sheet type book 150 pages long that contains all you will ever need called UML Distilled by Martin Fowler. It is better than any of the comprehensive books I have seen - but that is my opinion. So seriously - hold fire until you get to university. Chances are you will be given comprehensive handouts in the lectures and if your library is half decent, you should only be looking to purchase the sort of books that will stay with you through your lifetime. I don't use any books I bought at uni in my software career.

Good luck!