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UBC Bookstore
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
6200 University BoulevardPoint Grey Campus
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
Neighbourhood: UBC
(604) 822-2665
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
7 reviews for UBC Bookstore
7 reviews in English
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Review from Martina M.
Vancouver, BC
9/6/2011 25 Check-ins Here
I really enjoy wandering around UBC's bookstore whenever I get the chance. The store looks fantastic, especially now that all of the renovations are over. I've been going here for over a month, but I wanted to wait until school started to write an accurate review.
Compared to other university bookstores, UBC is definitely at the top of the list for organization and cleanliness (even though it is smaller). The books and stationary are really well organized, and it's pretty easy to find whatever you're looking for. If you need computer stuff, the microstore here is fantastic. They offer plenty of software, hardware, and even video games. As for UBC clothing, they have a great selection of hoodies, sweatpants, and other UBC gear. If you are having problems finding something, the staff both in the store and at the information booth are very helpful. Some things are a bit pricey, but do you expect anything less for a university bookstore?
If you only want to buy stationary, don't go to the front of the store to pay. There is a little desk in the center of the store near the pens that rarely has a line and specializes in faculty accounts and stationary sales. Save yourself some time, especially during the beginning of the semester.
Another tip: Don't be nervous about long lines for the U-Pass. The system UBC set up is extremely quick. They have over 20 machines, and all you do is swipe your UBC student card to get your pass. It takes maybe 30 seconds, so even if there is a line you won't be there for long. -
Review from Susie H.
3/15/2012 2 Check-ins Here
As crazy as it gets when it comes time to buy course materials at the beginning of term, they are really good at keeping everything organized and orderly (especially compared to other uni bookstores I've had to deal with). Even when I had to stand in what looked like a line of 150 people, I only had to wait about 20 minutes because they had tons of people working at check-out.
They also have non-school books, lots of awesome stationary, spirit wear, a tech department and food/housewares type stuff (mugs, calendars, etc). I think you get a small discount with your UBCcard on purchases as well.
The reason I've rated the bookstore down is because pretty much all non-course materials are highly over-priced, which is a little disappointing and seems like they might be trying to take advantage of the fact that they're in the heart of campus. Also, there is only one door, which sounds like a silly thing to complain about, but I find very inconvenient and annoying.Listed in: UBC
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Review from Larry L.
4/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
It certainly has grown since I was here last, about 28 years ago.
Not just a bookstore, but a place to paint your educational canvas with school neccessities.
Get a cup of coffee, touristy finds like UBC stuff and trinkits abound. -
Review from Geoff B.
12/6/2009
Having attended a few universities in my tumultuous university career I know a thing or two about their bookstores. UBC's is particularly large, befitting the size of the school, and has serious problems with lineups to pay for overpriced texts at the beginning of every semester. There are one or two ways around this, of course: the venerable Amazon method, which now that I'm in upper level classes doesn't always work for me; a program the bookstore puts on called Fast Start, where they pick out textbooks based on a student's courses, put them in a box, and he or she can pick them up from a kiosk without setting foot inside the packed bookstore; or you can do what I did this semester. Show up in the morning on the first day of class. Rather than waiting 20 or 30 (or sometimes 40) minutes in line, my wait was about 5 minutes.
Besides the line problems, UBC bookstore is a bit better than your average university's. They've got all kinds of extra stuff, from computers to clothes. That's great if you don't need to shop around for your computing needs or have some school spirit, but my objective is usually to get in and out as quick as possible.
Also, don't believe the map here. Google doesn't realize University Blvd has a 6200 block. It's really on the corner of University and East Mall, down the steps at the south-west side of the intersection.Listed in: UBC
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Review from Anthony C.
2/5/2010
I second all the stuff that Geoff B. said in the FTR, but I add a fourth star for three reasons: quality, customer service and a dash of sustainability.
I just bought a whack of Moleskines which are awesome, and they had a pretty good selection of the high quality notebooks. Most of the products in-store are of a decent standard, and they offer many that are of above average quality.
The customer service has always been great here for me, even when its start-of-semester insanity time, and since most of the staff are university students, they're usually not bad to look at either. I'm not sayin'.... I'm just sayin'.... yeah. Anyway.
Finally, probably due to the demands of worldly students, UBC bookstore offers a pretty fine selection of environmentally-friendly and sustainable products, and seems to take the initiative to heart: if you bring your own bag, or don't need one for your purchase, they donate to charity. Right on.Listed in: Up on the hill @ UBC
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Review from David L.
8/18/2010
I wouldn't get too excited about UBC bookstore unless you actually have the money to buy the books or the supplies. For the record, UBC bookstore used to be the largest bookstore in B.C. This was when Coles was still the king of mall bookstores. Now UBC Bookstore is only for people who can afford to buy new books. Most UBC students who need books for their classes buy all used books. There is a clothing area for UBC merchandise and an area where you can buy computer equipment (mostly Mac). They sell backpacks and bags for school too. As typical of larger bookstores, you can buy coffee, muffins, and cinnabuns too.
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Review from Reena M.
9/2/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Compared to any other university's bookstore that I've seen, UBC's bookstore is definitely one of the best. Now albeit, it's sometimes overprices (but which University Bookstore isn't?), but they have a great selection of gifts, backpacks, books (not only text books), Apple products, sales, clothing, and more! They're great at donating UBC goods for door prizes for events held by on campus student groups. And they sell coffee when you're needing a quick fix, and it's the only thing close by and you don't have time to run to the SUB.
