All I use is a one and a half inch binder with a tab for each class...
For the first day, I usually just bring a note book and some pens. Unless the professor sends out an email or something saying you need the book for the first day, you aren't expected to bring it. And it's a good idea to wait until the first class to find out what you really need. It's sucks when you buy a book and then find out the professor isn't even going to use it.. On that same note, don't buy your books from the bookstore unless you absolutely have to. It's way cheaper to rent your books from bookrenter.com or chegg.com than it is purchase them. I also use Amazon and buy used or just sell the book back to them (they do buy backs). It's worth shopping around...
Good luck!
