Student shopping for textbooks at the U-bookstore? DO NOT PASS GO! DO NOT COLLECT 200$ The textbook wing of the U-bookstore is, first and foremost, a monopoly: Professors can determine... More

Student shopping for textbooks at the U-bookstore? DO NOT PASS GO! DO NOT COLLECT 200$ The textbook wing of the U-bookstore is, first and foremost, a monopoly: Professors can determine whether or not to allow buyback, and it is often hard to find a text of the correct edition/color/whatever online that isn't as expensive as the U-bookstore issue ones. Pray for a merciful professor who is sympathetic to his students. And, never take a class with Joseph Weis unless you're into pissing your money away.
Less

I hate the bookstore just as much as the next Ave-dweller.. it's always crowded, the books are ludicrously priced, and you always have to dodge the Save the Children folks asking you if you hate... More

I hate the bookstore just as much as the next Ave-dweller.. it's always crowded, the books are ludicrously priced, and you always have to dodge the Save the Children folks asking you if you hate kids to get inside. However, I have been totally impressed by their gift section, if only because you can find those awesomely funny slang vocabulary cards there (the ones with words like "props," "dis," and "hella dope" fully explained, complete with 1950s style explanatory cartoons). They also have a bitchin magazine section, perfect for loitering in on rainy days to read about the latest exploits of your favorite celebrity.
Less

This bookstore is one of the best in the Northwest. The statistics section is one of the best in the country according to a UW statistics professor. All of the hard sciences are represented here... More

This bookstore is one of the best in the Northwest. The statistics section is one of the best in the country according to a UW statistics professor. All of the hard sciences are represented here which is rare for a general bookstore. The bottom floor contains textbooks, supplies for decorating dorm rooms, and art supplies. University Bookstore now buys and sells used books. Overall service here is excellent and the selection is great which makes up for the slightly higher prices.
Less

I started shopping at U Bookstore as a student, but am still shopping there 5 years after graduation! Sure, they've got all the textbooks you'll ever need, but they've also got a great art... More

I started shopping at U Bookstore as a student, but am still shopping there 5 years after graduation! Sure, they've got all the textbooks you'll ever need, but they've also got a great art department, nice selection of book and great gift items. If you are looking for a fun gift, try the general merchandise section. Staff is very knowledgeable and will help you find what you are looking for (or help you order it). They recently renovated and now have a cozy coffee shop as well.
Less

The University Bookstore is primarily the outlet for textbooks and school supplies for students at the University of Washington. However, it is a great place to shop for books. They have a large... More

The University Bookstore is primarily the outlet for textbooks and school supplies for students at the University of Washington. However, it is a great place to shop for books. They have a large selection and usually helpful and friendly staff. The parking in the U-District is to the rear of the store. The store will validate your parking when you make a purchase. There is also a large selection of gift items and art supplies. The bookstore also often has visiting authors who do readings in the store.
Less

This is the grand bookstore of all bookstores in the area. They have everything. Good bargains. Textbooks. I often buy picture framing supplies here, along with stamping and scrapbook supplies for... More

This is the grand bookstore of all bookstores in the area. They have everything. Good bargains. Textbooks. I often buy picture framing supplies here, along with stamping and scrapbook supplies for my sister. They have an onsite coffee joint, readings by many authors. Lots of free parking if you buy.
Less

The U Bookstore maximizes space in a crowded neighborhood! They have everything imaginable, from textbooks to art supplies to journals to sweatshirts. They have improved the layout of the store in... More

The U Bookstore maximizes space in a crowded neighborhood! They have everything imaginable, from textbooks to art supplies to journals to sweatshirts. They have improved the layout of the store in the last couple of years, and it is now easy to navigate and well organized. Their primary drawback is a lack of available staff people to help with questions. However, once you locate someone, they are generally helpful!
Less

The University bookstore - sure, you can buy (and sell) your textbooks there - but you can also get just about any other book you can think of (special orders are a snap), as well as attend book... More

The University bookstore - sure, you can buy (and sell) your textbooks there - but you can also get just about any other book you can think of (special orders are a snap), as well as attend book signings, and buy an assortment of various other stuff - including a whole section of Husky gear for when the parents visit. What really sets the UW bookstore apart though, is that not only can you get refunded for the taxes you've paid (save those receipts!), at Christmas time they also offer free giftwrapping and free shipping! Get all your Christmas shopping done easily and gloat smugly over a mocha in the nice little café.
Less

This bookstore has a huge selection like the big box stores, but profits stay in the community. Students and staff get 10 percent back at the end of the academic year, so it’s a great deal for... More

This bookstore has a huge selection like the big box stores, but profits stay in the community. Students and staff get 10 percent back at the end of the academic year, so it’s a great deal for people associated with the UW (or know someone who is). They have an annual children’s book sale in the Spring with great finds. The clearance tables almost always yield something interesting – not the usual boring coffee table books. They have generous parking validation, so park in the lot. If you don’t buy anything you still get your first half hour free.
Less

The prices are rfull retail but the service is worth it if you are looking for something unusual. Employees can recommend books as well as any librarian. It is obvious that books and the knowledge... More

The prices are rfull retail but the service is worth it if you are looking for something unusual. Employees can recommend books as well as any librarian. It is obvious that books and the knowledge within are cherished. It probably helps that although this is an independent bookstore, it is the designated bookstore for the University of Washington. Author appearances and signings are frequent and well-presented.
Less