ECU First Day is a program that lowers the cost of course materials and ensures undergraduate students have their required course materials on the first day of class.
Offered by Barnes & Noble College (BNC) and operated on campus by ECU Dowdy Student Stores, ECU First Day gives access to materials without the need to shop around. Included in this concierge service are textbook rentals and digital course materials, depending on the class. Students can buy their rented textbooks at a reduced price at the end of the semester if they wish.
Enrollment in the program is automatic, and the cost is $20 per credit hour per term. This is added to the student account based on the student’s course schedule. Students have a window of time to opt out and make other decisions about their enrollment in the program. For Fall 2025 semester, the selection window is July 14, 2025 to September 3, 2025 and students must respond during this time.
How it Works
1. Register for Classes
Upon registering for courses, students will be automatically enrolled in the ECU First Day program, and Dowdy Student Stores will begin preparing materials. A $20 per credit hour charge will be added to your student's account, potentially saving up to 35–50% on the cost of course materials.
Please note: If your student's semester involves an internship or classes with no book, or the course materials are free, you will want to review the cost-savings information and may choose to opt out.
2. Students Verify Their Order OR Opt Out
About 30 days before the first day of classes, students will receive an email about their course materials. They must verify or opt out within the selection period. The selection period for Fall 2025 semester is July 14, 2025 to September 3, 2025.
The email will contain a link to verify their order and select how they would like to receive course materials. Materials can be picked up on campus or shipped. Access codes for digital materials will be active during the semester.
The full course schedule is included in the program. Although the program benefits most students, you may wish to compare the cost of course materials required for classes before deciding to participate. Check the FAQ webpage for details about covered materials. Students can choose to opt out during the selection period.
3. Receive Materials
If your student participates in the program, an email notification will be sent when their order is ready for pickup at Dowdy Student Stores in the Main Campus Student Center or when it ships. Digital materials will be delivered for their course(s) within Canvas.
Deadlines
- Last day for schedule adjustments (drop/ad deadline): August 29, 2025
- ECU First Day opt-out deadline: September 3, 2025
- Return deadline for rented books: December 17, 2025
Additional information can be found on the ECU First Day website.
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I notice that not all of my student’s classes are listed for my and some of the classes for both do not have textbooks even listed. Is thete a reason for this?
what happens with text book program, if student withdrawals from a class(3 credit hours) a couple days after class starts? do they get refunded 60 bucks?
How do we opt out of this because I was told to do it on canvas but we don’t see the option where we can opt out?
We opted out of this program. When should we see credit on tuition bill?
Where can I see if my child will have all her class needed textbook?