<p>Will most classes expect students to have the required books on the first day of class? I just wanted to know if they had any special requirements about the books before I bought them.</p>
<p>I think most professors are pretty lenient and will not expect students to have all their books until the second week. They also understand the bookstore is overpriced and may even steer students to other, more economical outlets.</p>
<p>Also, you might want to wait a bit to buy books, because students sometimes decide to change their schedule during the first few weeks. More than once, I’ve bought books ahead of time and then my D decided to change her schedule.</p>
<p>Never had a class call for a book on day one, but I’ve had homework from a book by the second or third class. Can always borrow from a friend until yours comes in.</p>
<p>Thank you for your responses. So will I be able to buy my books directly at Vanderbilt? In other words, will I have to wait for shipping(which threw me off a lot in high school)?</p>
<p>Also, I noticed something on my bill. On my bill, there is a section that is called “Books and Supplies” for $1,370. I’m not sure what this means; will the University pay for my books? o.O</p>
<p>Wait, you had to buy your books in high school? </p>
<p>But yes, you will be able to buy directly from the Vanderbilt Bookstore, albeit at a premium price. I bought there my freshman year but afterwards I generally tried to order from Half.com, Amazon, or another online retailer to save a few dollars. The bookstore will also buy your books back…but at a ridiculously low price. So definitely sell them somewhere else.</p>
<p>Like dtotheustin09 , all books are available at the bookstore, but at a pretty high price. Much cheaper online.</p>
<p>If you buy from Amazon and get free Amazon Prime for Students, you get free 2-day shipping (if you buy from approved vendors). Still there are other websites that may be cheaper. </p>
<p>The $1,370 is on your “cost of attendance.” That is not your bill, and you don’t pay it to Vandy. $1,370 is just a number Vandy made up to estimate how much you might need to spend on books every year. They have to make up a “cost of attendance” so they can calculate financial aid. You will notice there are other items on there like “personal expenses” and “travel” and such.</p>
<p>Happy, there isn’t a book/supply fee listed on our bill…I’m guessing because son’s grant isn’t large enough to cover it. If your grant covers it, then they will be paying for books/supplies. I think you we’re able to request the money for books be put on your commodore card to buy from the bookstore. Otherwise, you probably have to buy them on your own and wait for reimbursement. The latter would probably be cheaper.</p>
<p>Even if your grant/scholarship covers it, you shouldn’t see “books and supplies” on your bill.</p>