A few days ago
Anonymous

Do college professors expect you to have the text books first day?

I’m starting college for the first time on Monday, I’m a freshman. Do professors expect you to have your books by the first day of class? What if you can’t get a hold of them by the first day. I still have tomorrow to get them, but not many places have been helping. Amazon and Barnes and Nobles als oaren’t helping. From your experiences did you use your books day one. My friend also said he cant get books until September! So we’re reeally freaking out!!!!! Thanks for the help

Top 9 Answers
A few days ago
88Keys

Favorite Answer

Most professors do not require that you have the book by the first day although you SHOULD have it by the second class day so you can keep up with homework. A lot of times, they don’t even expect students to know what books they’ll need until they’ve read the syllabus.

If you’re really desperate, try to borrow a book from a classmate who does have one – or at least ask for the chance to copy down questions that are part of your homework (especially for math!).

Definitely try to get your books ASAP. Amazon often offers one or two-day shipping. If the book costs too much with this shipping, you may want to just buy a used copy at your college bookstore = ( if you can’t get away with a friend or classmate’s book.

On the bright side, most classes don’t meet EVERY day, so if you have a Monday class, you should have until Wednesday to get your book.

Hope this helps!

BTW, what do you mean by Amazon and Barnes not helping?

Side note, one guy I know got through most if not all of the semester without his math book. I’m not saying his grades were even halfway good, but I think he got by with sharing with a classmate. The professor was definitely one of the nicest ones though!

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A few days ago
mary!
It really depends. For the most part, no. Usually the first day is spent giving out the syllabus and going over it. I have had some professors though who want to start the very first day. Many wait till classes start though to make sure the books are actually required (sometimes professors will tell you later that a book that is required according to the university really isn’t), so mostly they’re pretty lenient about not having books the first week.
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A few days ago
ruinrunner82
Some schools don’t receive their financial aid money until about two weeks into term, so some students don’t get their money for books until then. Professors are usually pretty understanding if you can’t get a hold of books until later in the term. Unless it’s a math class or an English class, you probably won’t be using your books in class anyways. They’ll mainly be for studying outside of class.

I would also suggest using your campus bookstore. A lot of the books will be the same price at both places, and you might be able to still get a few used books on campus. Plus, they will usually have enough books in stock for all their students.

Good luck!

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A few days ago
Anonymous
No, you don’t usually need to the books the first day. Most professors just go over the syllabus and tell you what they expect from the class. There are a few that will lecture but you don’t need your book in class usually ever. Most books are for reading to study with. You’re professor will be able to tell you if you actually really even need them. Oh, and btw, you should try a campus bookstore and not Barnes and Nobles.
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A few days ago
Matt G
I am a professor and I would not expect students to have them bought the first day, but I will be assigning reading the first day of class so they darn better have them by the second class period.

If there was a problem that the college bookstore had screwed up, then I would obviously be understanding and somehow adjust my plan or copy the chapters students need myself. But otherwise I would expect you have them sooner rather than later.

Good luck

mg

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A few days ago
kris
I’m a college professor, and I expect my students to have their books by the first day. I assign homework that is due the second day of class, that requires reading the book. Different professors do different things, of course.
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5 years ago
Anonymous
If you just bring a notebook and something to write with you should be fine. A lot of classes don’t actually require you to bring the textbook with you, you’ll mostly just use it for homework on your own.
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A few days ago
bedbye
Yes. I usually walk through the texts and assign homework the first class.

If your campus bookstore doesn’t have them, the professor needs to be made aware ASAP!

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A few days ago
Mrs. Meow
no they dont expect you to have your books on the first day but the sooner you get them the better it is for you because you do not want to fall behind also you can try to find used books it will be cheaper hope ive been helpful good luck and God bless!
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