I’ve had to switch courses and I don’t need my textbooks. Can I return them?
Please see our Return Policy.
Why can’t I use my used copy for a Canvas course? Why do only UBC Bookstore copies work?
All purchases are verified and connected to your CWL account for access, which requires you to purchase the materials through the UBC Bookstore in order to get a receipt that provides the redemption codes. If the cashiers swipe your student card at the time of purchase, this will automatically grant you access . If you…
What is the UBC Bookstore actually doing to lower the cost of textbooks?
We’re always looking for new options and ways to reduce the costs of textbooks to students. CHOICES. As well as new books, we offer three other choices of books to take into account differing budgets: used (which can save you up to 75% if you can sell them back), ebooks (up to 50% cheaper) and…
What if my textbooks can’t be bought back?
UBC Bookstore works with Books for Africa, a non-profit organization that ships textbooks to Africa. You can donate unwanted books to this program at our front cashiers or to the bin near the upper lobby elevator and we’ll ensure they continue to be of use to students in developing nations.
What have you actually done to address textbook costs? What is the UBC Bookstore doing to lower costs?
We’re consistently looking for new options and ways to reduce the costs of textbooks to students. 1. RENTAL BOOKS – rental saves up to 55%. We were one of the first campuses in Canada to introduce rental books. This enables a student to rent used books at up to 55% OFF. This means that if…
What are the differences between New and Used textbooks?
New textbooks are brand new, unopened books in an unmarked, undamaged condition. Used textbooks are previously-loved books that come to us in lightly worn, but good, readable condition. They may contain some highlighting and notes from prior use, but should still contain everything you need and have no water damage or missing pages. Used textbooks,…
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 digital, the cost will be much lower. UBC Bookstore accepts Canadian currency (in-store only), Visa, Mastercard, American Express (in-store only, WeChat (in-store only), AliPay (in-store only) and Interac (debit cards, in store only). You may…
Do you still offer textbook rentals?
As of September 2020, we no longer offer rentals for printed textbooks, however many of our digital materials are still offered as rentals.