First Day Program

[u/eatingpasta_rn]

Hello everyone!

As you may have noticed in your ebill, there may be a item titled "Course Materials - First Day". Basically, you're being charged $22.75 per credit hour, and in return, you will be able to receive your required textbooks for the semester. This charge is built into your tuition, essentially.

This total cost could potentially be much more than just paying for your textbooks out of pocket. For example, I am taking 15 credit hours, so my first day charge is $341.25. However, with the classes that I am taking, my textbooks are only going to cost me about $25.

It is a good idea to compare the cost of your textbooks to what you'll be charged for First Day. It's a good option for students with super expensive textbooks, and if it's more accessible for your needs, go for it. Just keep your options in mind.

If you want or need to opt out, you can go to https://firstdayoptout.bsu.edu/

You should have also have received an email with more information about the program, as well as a link to opt out, if you choose to do so. <3

[u/Substantial_Lion_524]

I think the majority of people should opt out of the first day program. My daughter did keep it during summer semester because it saved money but she opts out every other semester

[u/eatingpasta_rn → u/Substantial_Lion_524]

Yea, it seems to usually be an overcharge, and I always opt out, but I know some classes have like $200+ textbooks, so I can see how it can be beneficial.

[u/Substantial_Lion_524 → u/eatingpasta_rn]

I guess I should also add that the classes were all online. I think that was also a factor because she needed all of the books. They shipped the books right to our house and then it worked out that we were going to a concert in Indy the day the books were due so I dropped them off at the campus bookstore on the way.

[u/Naive-Illustrator148 → u/Substantial_Lion_524]

The nursing program course materials are like $1,000 per semester so I was very glad when this became a thing.

[u/eatingpasta_rn → u/Naive-Illustrator148]

Exactly why I don't think people should automatically opt out. That price is insane.

[u/caramon770]

It depends upon your major. I was TCOMM, so this would be a gross overcharge for most everything. However, my best friend was a Biology major and this would have saved her so much money.

[u/eatingpasta_rn → u/caramon770]

Definitely a life saver for certain majors. I've noticed that a lot of the science-based major benefit from this program more than others.

[u/jamesland7]

I remember going to the library and picking up every novel Id need for the semester on the first day on campus

[u/Mr-Seal]

Look your books up on internet archive; older versions are usually good for your class and you don’t have to skip meals for a textbook!

[u/Ok_Lawfulness_4945]

What about the online texts that need an access code? My daughter had several of those plus 6-7 novels so we opted in for this semester. How much cheaper are the online textbooks if you purchase on your own?

[u/eatingpasta_rn → u/Ok_Lawfulness_4945]

it depends on what her professor requires. it'll vary by student, so I'd recommend doing the math and adding up the costs of all her required texts, then comparing that to what she'd be charged for first day.