University of Alberta Bookstore
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Shopping Fashion Bookstores, Fashion [Edit]
8900 114 Street, University of AlbertaStudent Union Building
Edmonton, AB T6G 2J7
(780) 492-4215
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
Sat 11 am - 4 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
8 reviews for University of Alberta Bookstore
8 reviews in English
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Review from Laurel P.
5/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
I actually really like the University bookstore. Sure, I could complain forever about the exuberant prices of the textbooks, but that really isn't the fault of the bookstore; it's the publishers. If anything, textbook prices should be brought up to the professors who assign them in the first place.
I really enjoy how this store is laid out: books downstairs, clothing and miscellaneous supplies upstairs. As others have mentioned, some of the school supplies are overpriced so unless you're desperate to get an HB pencil to fill out a scantron ASAP, buy your supplies elsewhere.
I like that the books are organized such that the non-textbooks are more aesthetically pleasing. This might seem counter-intuitive in a university but here's how I see it: no one really wants to "browse" the textbooks section. They come to the store with a list and don't deviate from it. However, the "regular" books section is very browsable and well organized. They have an interesting selection of classics in addition to some more eclectic fare. They also take requests so if you don't see what you're looking for, don't hesitate to ask. If their suppliers stock it, they will get it for you. -
Review from Alex P.
8/22/2011
The University Bookstore has a decent selection of books, as well as gifts, school supplies, a pharmacy, and some clothing. Sometimes, having the pharmacy on campus has really saved my butt. In general though, the merchandise here is overpriced. Not just the textbooks, either. I like to browse for books and then order them from Chapters because at Chapters they are usually 2/3 the price. Some of the gifts upstairs, as well as the backpacks, are kind of poor quality.
They get an A-OK for selection and staff friendliness. -
Review from Lauren N.
11/9/2008 4 photos
If you're a U of A student, or were one in the past, you probably hate this place. It's where you had to endure incredibly long line-ups just to give the university more of your money. Been there, done that. And now I'm here to say, it's not all that bad.
I still think that the U of A is like every other college bookstore, and hikes up textbook prices disgustingly high. Photocopied course packages can also be just as expensive, only you're not getting the book covers with it. C'mon, you can't tell me copyright is that high right now. I'll let you in on a secret: I was a total advocate of getting the books from the library and photocopying them myself. Saved me loads of money. After all, we're students, not bank accounts.
So the infamous bookstore (also housing the Microstore and Health Sciences bookstore) is located on the lower level. The entire store is pretty big, with a students pharmacy and gifts section on the main upper level. Practically everything has the U of A crest of course -- men and women's clothing, mugs, clocks, pens and stationary supplies, backpacks ... the list goes on. They also have fun gift items like jewelry, stuffed animals and dolls, and some Christmas decorations.
I also saw a rack of winter Crocs. Yes, that's right, winter Crocs. They're pretty much the same as the regular version, only they're lined with fleece so that they're actually slippers. Oh my god, will the Crocs never end? These hideous things keep popping up everywhere. It's like they know they can't survive past summer so they have to figure out a way to haunt us in the winter too.
I'm glad I no longer have to worry about buying textbooks, cause they really are expensive. I can just come here now to pick up neat little gift items, or U of A memorabilia, when I'm on campus and have nothing to do. Unlike the books, the rest of the merchandise is reasonably priced. -
Review from Paula K.
11/10/2008
I am a former U of A student (Bachelor of Education, 1996) and still come here when I am on campus and need some office supplies in a pinch. Last week I needed a notebook and pencil case right at that moment (one of my freelance writing emergencies) and was in the Student's Union Building for other reasons, so I picked everything up here. Prices are not going to be as good as in office supply stores, but you can get some bargains if you look hard enough. I got a really nice U of A crested hardcover notebook for less than ten dollars. The bookstore also sells a full line of U of A crested clothing for the university itself as well as the various sports teams.
Looking at the textbooks certainly gives me a dose of nostalgia. The prices are way marked up, so I generally don't buy books here, but there is a selection of magazines and books for general readers. You can also get all kinds of U of A crested giftware. I don't really think this is a place where people would come in off the street just to shop, but rather for students and alumni who want to show some school spirit and support the U of A. -
Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
12/5/2008
This is what a university book store ought to be! Located in the Student Union Building (SUB), this bookstore has everything you need to study, look like a student and more. OMG, they sell a U of A 2008 fragrance ... you've got to be kidding?! Like students need help smelling like students (or maybe that's the point...).
I remember my university bookstore had lots of cool stuff, but this store outdoes them. It's full of decor, clothing, accessories, Zen relaxation stuff, gifty items, stuffed animals and lots of fun stuff to browse if you're procrastinating studying. This shop is either banking on the fact that students have more of a disposable income than they used to, that they're going to rack up their new credit cards or that they're going to go to town on their student loans. It's easy to lose sight of what basic student supplies are when you walk 10 paces into this store. I immediately was attracted to the Indian pashmina shawls and spa slippers, and it all unravelled from there. Books? Who needs books?! -
Review from Tim R.
Edmonton, AB
1/12/2010
As a University student, you're not given many options for textbooks. Used textbooks that are in good condition are also difficult to find. Luckily the bookstore carries everything you need for your classes, and order requests can be made if something is out of stock. Everything is laid out in sections and usually all classes from the same department can be found within the general vicinity. The U of A Bookstore also carries a lot of historical, foreign, fiction, and literature pieces for people with an inquisitive mind. Prices can get quite steep, especially for first and second year students. It's not difficult to reach over $500 on textbooks for one semester.
Besides the obvious books, the U of A bookstore carries a wide selection of U of A crested school supplies and clothing items. I find some of the items such as travel mugs and t-shirts good presents for others, but a lot of the other items are just too overpriced.
I also like the attached University Microstore, which has a good selection of minor electronic items such as headphones and USB keys. Their prices are not the cheapest though, as they know they are the only ones on campus selling those products. -
Review from Jack G.
Edmonton, AB
1/7/2010
I never thought I would admit this but good can come from this store. Especially for people who just want to get books that interest them and learn about things on their own.
I do hate to admit it but I have bought books from here that I didn't need for school just so I could learn about some things I thought would be interesting.
They carry other things, like school supplies, as well. Obviously it isn't the cheapest place because they know if you are getting supplies from here you are desperate. -
Review from Maria F.
11/18/2009
Two years after graduating from the university and still having vivid memories of what it is like to cram over text books day and night, I still visit University of Alberta book store enthusiastically. Not only students are allowed to shop here but also regular people in search of knowledge. The shelves display the book of all genres and at all price points. The store is divided into sections such as fiction, foreign literature and history. Despite the abundance of books, UofA book store is easy to browse because everything is neatly organized, and even if you feel confused, customer service representatives are extremely helpful and knowledgeable and will point you in the right direction.
University book store is the only place in town where I was able to purchase hardcover books by Russian authors at reasonable prices. And these were good books...classics..by Dostoevsky and Bulgakov, which before I could only buy via Internet.
The book store has an amazing selection of books on all things medicine. Such books are extremely expensive but look like something that you will buy once and keep forever. I also admire the range of books on psychology and history.
