I am an UW alumni and have been to this bookstore location several times a long long time ago when I was a student. I never realized or appreciated how amazing this store was. About two weeks ago, my favorite K-pop group, LE SSERAFIM, was in town and during the encore, they came out in full UW gear. After researching, I found out that the gear was from University Book Store. I really wanted to buy the hat that Chaewon wore and was able to find and buy one there. It was a University Book Store exclusive printed/embroidered on '47 brand Hat. There is a reason I am telling this story though! While I was there, I looked around and see what kind of merchandises they were selling and I noticed that they have done collaboration with quality brands such as Lululemon, Champion (reverse Weave), Adidas, '47 Brand, New Era, etc. Clearly, whoever is in charge of designing the fan gear here knows what they are doing. They also had a clearance section upstairs with items marked down up to 50%. If you're a current UW student or UW Alumni and haven't been here in recent years like me, I highly recommend checking it out. Check out my photos of all the UW gears that LE SSERAFIM members wore during the concert. read more

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I'm not a big book reader, so take this review with a grain of salt. However, I do appreciate the husky gear and the coffee shop in the store. I've also noticed that books are arranged similarly to Barnes & Noble. I've been told that the books are carefully arranged and sorted via subcontracted by Barnes & Noble, so if you're interested in that, this is definitely the place for you. The prices are a bit high, but they do go back into student support and activities, so it's a good investment. Also, there is a 20% discount or specific dates and timelines along with promotionals for students. but I don't think that these discounts apply to text books. I definitely recommend a university bookstore. read more

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A cute bookstore with a wide selection of books, calendars, games, Husky UW items, and more! Staff was friendly and they have a parking lot in the back. They have a nice variety of books and sections for bargain books! read more

Customer for over 40 years. Pros: Indie bookstore on the Ave, free validated parking, great place for all Husky Nation stuff and things, Boon Boona café, UW Alumni perks. Cons: still twitchy after all these years whether required books each quarter were available, lol. Proud UW Seattle alum and parent. Go Huskies! read more

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Growing up with a parent who was a member of the University of Washington alumni, the University of Washington bookstore was a place we would come to browse to find something to read as well as a place we would come to for more targeted (item-specific) searches. Sometimes the cashiers asked her for her graduating class for alumni verification. She might share experience(s) with the worker as part of the interaction as well, fun to hear about her time at the university when we came. As a very young child, I enjoyed sitting on the floor looking through the children's books to find my next take home and read a lot item. Later on, this was a store we came to for high school research projects as well as for textbooks when I attended the University of Washington. When visiting with vehicle as our mode of transportation, we tried to come in off hours to get a spot in the parking lot, which had validated parking. When living on/near campus I would also come to get supplies via foot transportation. Different categories of merchandise were well-sectioned. When looking for course-specific items, workers were knowledgable and quick to help. read more

Amazing college bookstore! Not to mention free parking in their private lot for two hours. This store is huge - an entire section dedicated to books (not textbooks which are upstairs) regular general reading for pleasure books. Bargain books, new releases, every theme imaginable. Plus employees who genuinely love books and will help you find that perfect title. Then there's all the puzzles/games, journals, super soft socks, Pacific Northwest and Indigenous gifts. The rest of the main floor is dedicated to the University of Washington logo clothing and gifts. Get your Husky swag! When we stopped in yesterday there was an amazing street festival right in front of the store, with live music, food booths, local organizations with freebies. Friendly cashiers, sign up for their newsletter and a free mini totebag! read more

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There's nothing better than wandering around a bookstore. Although I'm not a student, this is a great bookstore to visit for their book recommendations and occasional deals. I like their "bargain books" as they do often have some popular titles at a great price. I was here to go to Boona Boona cafe. I saw their cute typewriter set up so you can see how it was back in the day! Checkout was a breeze and there's a parking lot in the back which is a huge plus because finding parking on the Ave is not always easy. read more

University Book Store - Cute typewriters - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Always a treat gift shopping at the University of Washington bookstore. Easily six stars because there are lots of highly interesting books and other high quality retail options. read more

University Book Store - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Note: This review is just of the UBookstore Cafe I needed a good study spot, so I decided to stop by the University Book Store café after class today. I ordered the Morning Buzz, which was one of their latte specials. It had Stumptown coffee, milk, cinnamon, and honey. I got it with less honey, since I don't like my drinks too sweet. I also ordered it with soy milk (+$0.75). There was only one barista working both the register and the espresso machine. She was working quickly though, and I received my drink in less than 10 minutes. However, right after she called my order, she quickly realized she had forgotten to use soy milk in my Morning Buzz and told me she'd remake it for me. She got me my second latte within another 10 min. So I ended up getting two lattes. Not only that, but she also gave me a card for a complementary drink on my next visit, the equivalent of three lattes. I applaud her for superb customer service. All I can say is that my Morning Buzz turned into an All Day Buzz. The latte was alright. I could definitely taste the honey and cinnamon, but I don't know if I'd get it again. I was hoping it would taste similar to Mercury's The Bees Knees latte, but it wasn't quite the same. If I do order it again, I might even get full sweetness. As far as atmosphere, the café can seat about 25 people or so. They don't have too many outlets, but they do have free WiFi. It's also not too loud which is good for light studying. Overall, 5/5 for service, 4/5 for drink, and 5/5 for atmosphere read more

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Rude, laconic staff in supplies section. When I asked thw woman at the counter if they carried calligraphy supplies she just shrugged and said "I don't think so" and didn't even bother to check it out. While doing just a quick walk around the store I discovered a calligraphy section. While purchasing the pen I came in for I pointed out to her that they did indeed carry calligraphy supplies. She just shrugged, not at all interested in knowing any more . read more

Where did all the books go? I walked in a few months ago and was shocked to see how the bookstore had thinned its book shelves. I was thinking of going today but then remembered that I will find more books and selections at Elliott Bay. I'm sad to say I won't be back after being a very long time supporter! read more

Wanted to stop by because we wanted to grab a hoodie for extra warmth/a Seattle souvenir. This bookstore is huge compared to other college bookstores and a lot nicer. The TVs were great too because they had games playing. The staff at the registers were super friendly and gave us buttons and even convinced us to buy the mascot bumper stickers. Nice place to stop for Washington U merch! read more

2/5 stars for the UBookstore Cafe. :( My friend and I went to study there in the afternoon on a Monday, around 2pm. We were lucky to get a spot -- as a heads up, the Cafe's seating is quite limited, so if you're planning on studying there, it's best to get there early/at off-peak hours. I ordered a 8oz Vanilla Latte, and I'd have to say that it was one of the worst tasting cups of coffee I've ever had for over $3. We decided to stick around though, just because we had managed to find a spot in the end. I don't think I'll be going back for coffee anytime soon. :( read more

I was looking for the perfect gift to celebrate the upcoming Husky visit to the Rose Bowl and knew the Book Store was the place to go. Even though the store was crowded and quantities limited shoppers all seemed to be in good spirits - largely due to the good humor and patience of the sales crew. A big shout-out to Aleksandr who was very helpful and never seemed to stop smiling. I overheard him talking to a phone customer who was annoyed about something and was impressed with his professionalism and patience. This will always be my go-to store for Husky gear. read more

Belittled by staff...I simply asked if I could have my purchase wrapped, because it was a gift for my little niece. The person grunted and huffed and puffed, and acted mad to have to even move to get wrapping paper. They told me they couldn't. Super rude service overall. Treated me like an idiot because I asked to wrap a gift. I get it if you don't want to waste paper....but don't be rude to me. We are the customers, and simply deserve to be treated with respect. Seems like that was too difficult. If you're going to be that disgruntled to simply not even help, quit your job or do something else. Very, very unfriendly and unprofessional! read more

The University Book Store is a great independent book store that got its start from humbling beginnings on January 10, 1900. My relationship with the store started when I was in 7th grade. I loved their glossy and sturdy folders with the UW logo on them. I wasn't a big fan of the Pee-Chee, though I loved doodling on them! What really hooked me was the free book covers! I still wish they had those! The store is split amongst three levels: Textbooks, Art/Stationery and Supplies on the bottom floor; main floor has books and magazines, Clinique Counter, coffee shop/café and Husky Shop; top floor has more books, tech center, gift wrap station and shipping station (USPS, FedEx and UPS). These days I do quite a bit of shopping at the bargain book tables in the middle of the store - they always have something new when I go there! You can also find me in the Husky Shop buying Husky gear for football and basketball season. One thing I do love is the free gift wrap! That saved me time this past Christmas! Go with style #1 - Purple and Gold and you can't go wrong! GO DAWGS! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/DBb5klG44ftEqLiK0bobJA?ref=fb&pt=review&select=EnwUFhA2mIXOEzKbwGc65g According to their website, they are the number two in total sales volume in the nation, but lead all college stores in sales of books and supplies. This out of 4500 college stores nationwide! Impressive! I know you've been in this situation before: ______________ | TEXTBOOKS | |_____________| That'll be $666.66. | The F*%@! O \O/ O O O | - | / | \ / | \ / | \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ read more

University Book Store - Free gift wrap on purchases! Style #1 - Why go with any other? - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I have a great affinity for university book stores in general - my feelings for this one are no different. They have everything a college co-ed needs for student life from books to laundry hampers, makeup, and novelty gifts. You can literally spend hours in this store just looking around. But don't! Parking is validated but not for an infinite amount of time. read more

I've been shopping here for 22 years! Wow! I can hardly believe it myself! I started buying textbooks and supplies here for grad school waaaaaay back in 1994 and I've been coming here ever since. It's just an awesome store. They have a HUGE variety of books, gifts, office supplies, Husky Gear, stationary, computers and software, makeup and beauty supplies and more. It's a great place for book browsing, gift shopping, or just grabbing a drink and snack at the little cafe. I've seen many cool authors do readings here too. Also they validate for up to two hours with any purchase of $5 or more. Plus they have a free gift wrapping service upstairs! What more could you want? read more

Maybe it's because I love animals and the Husky mascot, but I have to say this campus bookstore has some adorable UW gear. Everything from stuffed animals to books to stationary to clothing and more. And it's conveniently located on the ave, near the campus (there is a much smaller book store located in the hub). read more

University Book Store - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Take two parts nostalgia, one part College pride and one part being the only place to buy books while we were in college 15 years ago - there you have it, the University bookstore! Coming back after a decade of being gone, this place has undergone quite the facelift. It's got an incredible looking coffee shop inside, and additional level of shopping, and more books and University of Washington gear then you can shake a purple and gold stick at. The selection is good, though not as amazing as one would assume - probably has more to do with my collegiate fashion sense than a true lack of choice. End of the day, a good spot to grab gear, coffee and your physics book! read more

I grew up visiting the U Book Store, so my filter is definitely one of nostalgia & appreciation. We spent hours in here when I was a child...too many, I thought at the time! I love starting my visit by drifting through the remainder/sale tables. The staff picks a few steps away always hip me something I've missed. Thank you. But the best section is upstairs in children's books. This is where you really see the difference between a chain & an independent bookstore. The children's buyers are excellent, consistently bringing in the freshest & greatest in illustration as well as literature. This is the store where I first saw Harry Potter - months before the mania started (too bad I didn't get a copy!). My children & I met Ella, Olivia, Coraline, Percy Jackson & Traction Man here first. The teaching materials are excellent and varied for a store of this size. Anything you don't see, they will happily order. Thank you. The magazine section is excellent as well. The literary & arts mags are particularly good. This is where I was introduced to The Believer, 3x3, Atomic Ranch, and Raw Vision. Thank you. In the basement, the art department is trouble if you can't help pawing drawing implements, papers and all of their accessories. I don't know if I should thank you for that! But my biggest thanks is for continuing to anchor the Ave. My hope is that one day the Ave will really clean up & experience a true renaissance...and that the U Book Store will be at the center of it all! read more

I stopped by the University Book Store with Michael K., who is a recent law school alum. He wanted to buy a hat, and I will never say no to scoping out a bookstore. The store was giant, on a Barnes & Noble scale. I suppose that may be typical of a university bookstore, but I know not all of those are independent. I took a quick browse in the fiction section upstairs, and it must be well stocked because they had a copy of my book. That made me happy, and I signed it at the information desk. I didn't get a chance to do any heavier browsing, but I did notice that this bookstore does author events. My visit was about a month ago, and they were advertising a reading by Khaled Hosseini - pretty big name. Most of the store is devoted to non-book stuff. There's a pretty cute area with random gift items, and if you want Husky gear, this is the place for you. The wall of hats was pretty formidable, and there were sweaters and stuffed animals and anything else you might want besides. Mike got a handsome cap for his boyfriend. I forget how much it cost, but it was enough that I checked to make sure he hadn't been charged twice. Oh well, I guess university branding is not that cheap. We had to pay for parking, as we left our car in the lot while we ate across the street. As the store had closed and the attendant gone home by the time we got back, we found an envelope on our windshield requesting payment in exact change, to be dropped off at a box at the parking attendant's station. This felt silly, and if we hadn't had exactchange I would have been tempted to drive away. I am curious as to whether they ever go after anyone to chase down $3. Anyway, I am still reviewing a bookstore, not a parking lot, and the bookstore is pretty great. I may not have the same level of affection for this place that I would if I were a U-Dub student. Even so, I recognize a good bookstore when I see one, and I would imagine that the University Book Store is indispensible to the community it serves. read more

OMG! Keep me away from this place! My paycheck can't take it anymore. Even if I had Billy Gates' money, I'd probably run out before I found all the books I wanted. And wait! There's more! Art supplies, Husky memorabilia to adorn your walls and show your support (ok. That's a bit of a stretch), a plethora of posters and, yes, tons of textbooks! National and international authors have book signings and talks here and there is even an espresso bar! What more could a starving student want? Besides more money. Get real. Support an independent bookseller and buy a book or two. Wander around and dream a little about the next bundle of books you're going to buy or write. read more

University Book Store - Book after book after book after book.... - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I LOVE this place. Want a weird precise pen? eight types of clip boards. "Pen-a -palooza". All kind of old school rulers, art supplies, card and magazines, dopey books, Exacto-knifes. Posters! Its two full floors of ephemera frenzy. TIP : Secret easy parking in the rear. (that's what she said) read more

The University Bookstore has drained from me an untold dollar amount--easily in the quadruple digits--over the past few years. Obviously, that's also compounding the dreaded rising tuition that students have to pay. Well I've graduated from UW now and should no longer need textbooks every quarter, so why is it that I continually find myself returning here for some shopping? Even though I no longer have my Husky Card, I find that a lot of the stuff here still pertains to me. The store is large, clean, and has three floors of stuff that's interesting even if you're not in school. This place gets insanely crowded on the first day of every quarter--especially in the bottom floor where all the student textbooks are--so be sure to do your shopping before then. Don't wait until the busiest day to buy all your textbooks; you should know what you need well in advance. For all the days that are not so busy, this place is a dream come true. Aside from the aforementioned textbooks in the bottom floor, there is also a variety of writing supplies down there. On the middle and top floors, there are "normal books." The middle floor has a cafe and some UW-related merchandise like clothing, and the top floor carries the electronics. Generally, the store will have everything you need, but if you can't find it, you can just buy it on Amazon. When you buy stuff using your Husky Card, you can get a yearly rebate which adds up to a lot if you do a ton of shopping. Be sure to keep your receipts for that reason, and also because you will need them for making returns. The staff here has always been very helpful in accepting my returned merchandise. Actually, the people working here are pretty nice for the most part, but they'll sometimes watch you like a hawk because people shoplift from this store all the time. Besides the countless textbooks which I have purchased here over many quarters, I have also bought tons of miscellaneous items like t-shirts, mailing envelopes, calendars, and DVDs. One of my favorite purchases was the video game Uncharted 2: Among Thieves from upstairs in 2009 back when it first came out. That game forever changed my life. Probably the most unusual thing I've bought here is a box containing pepper spray and a rape whistle. I don't think anyone's going to attack me, but the University Bookstore helps me be prepared in case it does happen. Oh, and the parking lot is free if you make a purchase and get validation! read more

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I love this bookstore. Besides the great selection of books, they have an AWESOME gift section. Whoever does the buying for that stuff is really good at finding useful and quirky items and I just LOVE browsing for gifts there. I also like to spend a considerable amount of time downstairs in the art supplies. Lots of pens and notebooks and FILOFAX!! I'm not sure where else you can get filofax planners or inserts around Seattle but look here- they will order things if you can't find something!! read more

When I needs something like a specific color of felt-tip marker, the perfect, but basic black frame for a certificate or any kind of office supply, I head straight here. AND you can buy so many items as onesies...not a cello-wrapped package...i.e. padded envelopes, which I use a lot of and need in many sizes. Also, they carry many types of writing instruments and allow you to test-write as many as you like. There are only big-box office supply stores these days so it's refreshing to find one that feels like the old days. read more

INDEPENDANT (5 stars) My favorite independant bookstore EVER. You will find BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS, AND MORE BOOKS. The convenience is something I'll have to boast about; close to campus, an array of items sold such as - UW gear, to children books, to textbooks, to photos being printed, to gift wrapping, to supplies, to electronics, to random gifts ... seems more than just a bookstore yahthink?! This is how I imagine bookstores to be. 3 stories, it's own parking-lot for customers, friendly staff, a small cafe with delicious warm beverages, and the best part - an"un-corporate" feel to the place. During my college years, i've worked here for 4.5yrs and can never compare any other bookstore to this place. You'd think working at such a place for so long would make you hate it. I actually loved it as each year passed by. And I may say, I'm priviledged to have done textbook paperwork for the athletes who left UW and went professional!!!! had to throw that in. Thank you for supplying my educational reads. About a decade later, I am filled with useful and useless knowledge and work for corporate america. read more

Terrible customer service experience. I will say I usually have great experiences here but this day was different. My elderly father and I were cornered, intimidated, insulted and harassed by staff (Dylan and Rachel) regarding mask wearing. We purchased coffee at the cafe within the bookstore and were not made aware of any new rules or restrictions regarding not having food/drink in retail section of store. We thought that pulling our masks down to drink and then replacing the mask was acceptable. But it wasn't. And that's fine. I totally understand the need to protect employees and customers but this can absolutely be done without treating people the way we were treated. It saddened me. read more

I don't know how many times I have visited here in the past several years. I try to check-in on yelp whenever I could remember to do so. What part of the book store have I not explored? I have bought husky gear, textbooks (unwillingly), test prep books, gift cards, notebooks, backpack, pens, holiday greeting cards, random gifts, "regular" books, novels, iPod case, coffee, etc. In other words, I have visited the Tech Center, Gift Shops, Textbooks, School Supplies, Novels, Cafe, and Gift Wrapping section, Student rebate is great. You get 10% cash back in the summer on what you spend during the previous academic year. A quick note on buyback: with the (former) competition Book Kennel, the U Book Store now offers textbook buyback all year around. However, here is the trick, your textbook may have zero or little value when you try to sell back in the middle of the school year. One time I sold back a novel required for a class on the first day of Finals, I got a pretty good buyback value. However, other times when I try to sell other textbooks, staff would say things like, well we can take this textbook (with $60 value) for $2. That was just unreasonable. DO NOT SETTLE WITH THAT! Right now many other online websites offer much cheaper textbooks in the first place, and just last year, Amazon starts to offer buyback for a better deal for students. So plenty of options if you are a student here. Don't feel you have to go through the U Book Store every time. If your book is used in a popular class, bring it back the next year (or quarter) to sell it during the week before Finals to get a better value. My favoriate part of the U Book Store is their annual give back events that offer free food. This last year they had free hot dogs, cupcakes, and tacos. The event only lasts for 4 hours long so get there early. The line is long so prepare to wait for an hour and get in line EARLY. Or else, no more tacos for you. I would love to give it a 5-star but the textbooks are just too unreasonably expensive. It simply does not work in today's world given online textbooks and textbook rentals. I have really tried to avoid the textbook here whenever I could. I bought my books online or through friends. The only time I have ever visited in the textbook section is when the textbook is not available anywhere else. read more

The bookstore is actually a great place to kill time. I also love the two-hour parking you get if you spend about $15? I forgot what the exact amount was, but it's pretty convenient. It's also nice that it has a Bank of America ATM out by the front entrance AND a Yogurt Land! I've bought a variety of things here before, like magazines, greeting cards, Husky gear, and random gadgets. I think I even tried to "sell" some of my fiction books too. But this is pretty much your main place to get textbooks and sell them back. They're pricey, but they're textbooks so what can you do? The staff is usually super helpful and friendly. I really like how they have one person near the front at a help desk. I also like how they have a bunch of free magazines in front as well as the bus routes. Very helpful. read more

A premier independent bookseller and store. University Bookstore is one of the "Big 3" independent bookstores in Seattle (Elliott Bay and Third Place being the others). University excels with amazing selection (especially of textbooks and in-depth non-fiction section), a great gift shop, and a wonderful art supply section downstairs. They also host some of the most amazing authors as they come through town (Howard Dean was a favorite of mine, but he is just one of many many many people). Unless you live downtown or south of downtown, this is the most easily accessible bookstore around. New cool coffee shop too! read more

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Worst signing I've ever been to in my life. They over sold tickets for the venue they booked and KNEW it. Even announcing that we didn't have much time they allowed the first half of people to take their time, which left the last 20% to get 0 time to speak to an author we waited 2 HOURS to see. Absolutely ridiculous to make us pay for nothing. If I wanted just a signed book I wouldn't have gone to the signing, I would have just bought one and not wasted two hours. What I wanted, and was promised in the ticket, was a signing with the author that allowed two signed books and a picture. I only got one and not even a moment with the author. The author wasn't able to spare a glance up because the staff were rushing him through the last couple signings. I'm so disappointed and wish I could say this was the only time I've had a bad experience but they are so awful at hosting author signings. It's a shame it's the only place authors go around here read more

I came here on one of my visits to Seattle and I adore this University bookstore. It has a lot of U. of Washington Huskies merchandise (hoodies, hats, sweatpants, you name it), some knick knacks (Hello Kitty, etc.), a bookstore cafe, and a giant book store (duh) with a lot of sale books! Bliss. There was also a lot of sale stuff for the Huskies stuff - I almost walked out with a hoodie on sale, but then I realized that I'm not in college anymore (much less U. of Washington) and there's really no reason for me to wear hoodies in public anymore... so I put it back, unfortunately. There is also free parking for 30 minutes (even if you don't buy anything in the store) and 2 hours free parking if you purchase qualifying items at the bookstore. Just get your parking ticket from the parking lot attendant and validate it at the cashier. I will be back sometime to browse around (or if I ever become a student at U. of Washington, maybe get a hoodie!) read more

I feel like there are two totally separate realms to rate the University Book Store in.... buying textbooks as a student, and buying books/gifts/other stuff in the rest of the store. I'll tackle the textbooks first. It's been a few years since I bought textbooks here, but the "buying textbooks right before class starts" experience was not fun, although a necessary evil. It's crazy busy, though they do have the system fairly well organized. They kind of have a monopoly on the textbook situation (though maybe less so now with Amazon and other online ordering). A few years ago a competitor bookstore tried to open across the street but they didn't last. Most of the books I needed were obscure enough (or new enough editions) that I found them here rather than online if I didn't manage to buy books from another student directly. And they are definitely not cheap here. There is a rebate you can get at the end of the year, but still...let's just say that I have spent enough $ here that I feel obligated to use their bathrooms as my free Ave pit stop for life! In general, when not looking for textbooks, the U Bookstore is fun to browse in. It's a great place to look for gifts for holidays or birthdays. They have an interesting, well-curated selection of books, which only make up about half the store. They also have a technology/computer center, lots of UW merchandise (toy huskies, clothing, etc), and art supplies. There's also a café. You can get validated parking for 2 hours if you spend $5 in the store, which can be useful when street parking is hard to find. I would probably give the U Bookstore a 5 if not considering the whole textbook situation, but that's an integral part of its existence so I'm giving it a 4 overall. read more

University Book Store - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is one of the largest college bookstores I have been to and they even offer free parking in the back for customers. You may get a validation for 1/2 hour free parking if you do not purchase anything and 2 hours free parking if you make a purchase. Inside, you have a gift shop, coffee shop, textbooks, and school supplies. Happy shopping!! read more

I've been pretending to learn Chinese for a few years. It's a hard job, so to keep up the facade I drop yuan on Chinese language tutorials and dictionaries. I visited the University Bookstore last year when I was on campus for an interview, and I was wowed by how nice the store was. Since I went to Berkeley I thought that all large public schools had ugly bunkers for bookstores and that the general books section in the store only stocked the latest fad books. Not so at U-Dub, so chalk it up on the list of reasons that I would love to go to nursing school here (Admissions dean, are you out there!?!). The bookstore has an amazing selection of language books, so I scored yet another Chinese book, but was one that I had never seen. The textbook area actually seemed secondary to the bookstore, rather than being the focus of the store, which is expansive and inviting and has a number of floors. Like other yelpers have said, the bargain table is a good place to score, and the stationary section is amazing and I found a cute day planner, because I still use paper planners. I stopped short of buying Husky gear, lest I jinx my chances. But if I were to be a Husky, I'd buy my wears here, and I'd even learn how to say 'Husky' in not only Chinese, but every language! read more

This is one place we always look forward to going to when we visit Seattle. We went here twice during our recent weeklong visit. Fabulous bookstore that my hubby says has lots of "depth." You can find books on every topic under the sun. It goes way beyond the chain bookstores. Fantastic childrens'/teen's/homeschooling-educational books; great reference books, top-knotch travel books, and so much more. Plus they had a sale on Dover books and documentary and feature DVDs. Sadly the East Bay in northern Cal has lost many of it's independent book stores so we were like crazed Zombies running (okay speed walking, okay lusting) after the books. Plus validated parking! fyi....a dangerous place for book lovers. It's impossible NOT to buy something here. Plus their general store has fabulous stuff. I bought a red scarf with gray Japanese style cats on it.... They also offer free shipping(Media Mail) for your purchases. We bought our books on a Weds and they arrived on Friday (must have slipped through Priority Mail) Almost beat us home! read more

I have a love/hate relationship with this place. It is a necessary evil and sometimes a welcome diversion. And the duality continues with its in-store service and online ordering. It's great that the store has a parking lot in an area where parking is sacred, but it's a pain that its almost always full and filled with concentrated driving hazards (ie dumb students and dumb students in cars) The store itself is great fun though filled with school supplies, books, course required materials and of course lots of UW memorabilia. Picking out books was fairly easy. The sections are clearly defined but sometimes books aren't in the section you would assume they would be. And that is when the helpful staff shine. For having to deal with fellow students all day, I'm always impressed how nice so many of them are. Avoiding prime times is a necessity too. Most people wait until the last minute to get their books, meaning it's easy to avoid them. But sometimes professors are not so quick putting their books up, so there are occasions where you have to brave the crowd. And yeah, I really dislike crowds. So the less interaction the better. You can avoid the crowd with online ordering. The search left a lot to be desired. Regular classes are easy to navigate but anything different from the ordinary will be a challenge as to which number will actually pull up a result. The last time I ordered early and was sent an email letting me know the books were about 3 weeks delayed but they would be here in time for classes. I appreciated it. What I didn't appreciate was not being told that because of that fact, they canceled my order. So as much as I rather do things online, the actual store is less hassle. read more

I don't know what has happened to the University Bookstore in recent years but I do know that today I was browsing through a few sections on the upper level. I could not only clearly hear--but also see --half a dozen store employees bunched at the central information kiosk, carrying on as if they were at a barbecue--in their own backyard. Belly-aches of shrieks of laughter interspersed with ostensible conversation. It was clearly gossip about recent personal (mis-) adventures of absolutely no interest to anyone but said party of employees (who should have--shall I dare say?--been working). For the bookstore operated in close association with the University of Washington, the premier university in the Pacific Northwest, this is disappointing. And I have had this sort of experience the past several years at the University Bookstore. "The sky's the limit" in terms of very audible and very annoying personal chit-chat by employees who probably would be entirely suited to working at a discount supermarket like Lucky's. Or selling hot-dogs at Husky Stadium. Actually, I'd prefer someone clipping their toenails on the floor of the Bookstore than to be disturbed constantly by loud store employees. An atmosphere conducive to genuine private conversation or intelligent banter, this is not. This kind of uncouth behavior would be rare in Canada, France, or the U.K., etc., at least until recently (with the worldwide 24/7 coverage of the demise of Michael Jackson, I am beginning to seriously doubt that American popular culture can be resisted). But in an era when students bring not only their lab-tops, but also their cellphones, Blackberries, and MP3 players to college classrooms, maybe this is not so surprising. I have never witnessed such outlandish, undignified behavior at the Elliott Bay Bookstore (with its booksellers), so I am puzzled by the glaring lack of cultivation and manners at the premier college bookstore in the region. That said, the University Bookstore continues to stock a fine array of books of a scholarly, special-interest, or general nature. In addition to the racks of cute teddy bear key-chains and counters for cosmetics, please continue, University Bookstore, to stock Shakespeare, Sartre, Ibsen, Keats, and Dickinson. [2009 is the 100th anniversary of the Fitzgerald translation of the 11th century Persian "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam." There is nothing in the Bookstore to note this]. read more