How do I avoid line-ups at 'Rush'?  

How do I find out what textbooks I need for my courses? 

What about in the store -- how do I find my textbooks? 

What's the difference between Required and Optional textbooks? 

Beyond the obvious, what are the differences between New and Used textbooks? 

Why don’t you have more used textbooks? 

How much will my textbooks cost and what payment options are there?

Why so much...they're just like other books, aren't they? 

Why aren’t my textbooks here by the first day of class? 

I've had to switch courses and I don't need this $100 book. Can I return it? 

Do you keep textbooks all term? 

How do I avoid lineups?

UBC Vancouver, you have three options:

• You can order your books online on this site and receive a personalised book list. Please go to 'shop' and then click on your book list. You can then pick the option to have these delivered to you. In the Lower Mainland, we will deliver your books and other supplies for $10
• Using the list you obtain online, instead of having your books delivered to you at home, you can arrange to pick them up at the Bookstore. The pick-up point is not in the main store. You should come to the back door between the Bookstore and Biological Sciences. This will be clearly sign-posted. You must await a confirmation email before picking up and you must bring your confirmation number and student ID
• If you want to shop in-store, you just need to print off your list from this site and bring it with you OR you can use one of our terminals in-store. We can help you find your books. If you are coming to the store, please check our back to school opening hours.

UBC Okanagan textbooks guide - is available online now. You will purchase your books in-store only.

Shop early. Most required textbooks are available two weeks before classes start. Shop before 11:30 AM and after 2:30 PM to avoid the busiest times. 

We also offer extended hours at the start of term.

How do I find out which textbooks I need for my courses? 

UBC Vancouver  - please refer to the note above.

UBC Okanagan  - please see guide above.

How do I find my textbooks in the store? 

Use the in-store map/directory to find your textbook area and unit number for your course. Then look for the shelf tag for your course. Can't find your book? Ask our staff – we’re here to help you.  

What's the difference between Required and Optional textbooks? 

Your professors choose the textbooks. Required textbooks contain the basis of the course and will be referred to frequently. Optional textbooks are for additional reading on a particular subject. 

What are the differences between New and Used textbooks? 

New textbooks are in an unmarked, undamaged condition. Used textbooks may have markings, may be worn but should have no missing pages. Used textbooks, if available, cost 25 per cent less than new ones and are HST exempt. You’ll find all used books shelved with the new ones in the individual subject/course areas. Look for the yellow USED sticker. 

Why don’t you have more Used textbooks? 

Unfortunately, demand exceeds availability. We stock as many as possible by buying them back from students here at UBC and through our North American wholesaler. 

How much will my textbooks cost and what payment options are there? 

The average cost for Term 1 Arts or Commerce textbooks is $400.00 and for Science $700.00. If you choose used or rental books, the cost will be much lower. Rental books are up to 55% off the new price (if you rent a used book, you save 55% OFF the new price, if you rent a new book, you save 45% OFF the new price).

UBC Bookstore accepts Canadian currency, personal cheques, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Interac (debit cards). Students may use a parent's credit card, however, we require a credit card authorisation for every transaction.   

Why so much...they're just like other books? 

Textbooks are different from general books because of the information they contain and the limited market they serve. Students tell us that if they buy textbooks that are well used in the classroom, they feel it’s worth the money. But if the professor never refers to it, tests from it or assigns homework from it, they feel the book was a waste of money. We agree. Like all other campuses, we have a large team at UBC which helps to build the lists, liaising with all faculty and publishers throughout the year - our competitors like Discount Textbooks, Amazon and Chapter's do not have large teams to build their lists, so their costs may seem to be cheaper. We want to help you with costs, so we offer you used, rental, ebooks, as well as the opportunity to sell your textbooks back to us or to your fellow students via students classified. Check out Buyback FAQ. 

Why aren’t my textbooks here by the first day of class?

There are many reasons: publisher may be out of stock, or may have no Canadian rights; late order from the department or professor, enrollment was increased or classes added after we ordered and sometimes we make a mistake. Regardless of the reason, we make every effort to get more copies for you as quickly as possible. 

I've had to switch courses and I don't need my textbooks. Can I return them?

The Bookstore's refund period is 14 days from date of purchase. However, at the start of the September and January terms, we extend the refund period. Keep your receipts and return in the original condition -- refunds will not be issued without a receipt.

For more details, see our Return policy.

Please note that when returning items purchased on a parent's credit card, please bring in the actual card so we can credit the same card. 

Do you keep textbooks all term?

No. To help us prepare for the next semester, we return all overstock to the publishers. This allows us to have shelf space ready for when the following semester's/term's textbooks arrive. If you need textbooks, it is advisable to purchase them at the beginning of the semester.  

Textbooks returns begin about six weeks after classes start. If we sell out of (or return) copies of course materials that you need, please come to the textbooks desk and place a pre-paid special order. (Exception:textbooks for two-term courses).