UF Bookstore Guide Everything You Need to Know About the University of Florida Bookstore”

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Introduction: What is the UF Bookstore?

The UF Bookstore, officially known as the University of Florida Bookstore, is the primary retail outlet for books, Gator gear, electronics, school supplies, and other essential items for students, faculty, and fans of the University of Florida. Located at the heart of the Gainesville campus inside the J. Wayne Reitz Union, the UF Bookstore is more than just a place to buy textbooks—it’s a vital part of campus life.

Whether you’re a new student getting ready for your first semester, an alum visiting for Homecoming, or a prospective student exploring the campus, the UF Bookstore is a must-visit destination. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the UF Bookstore—from textbooks to Gator gear, hours of operation, online services, price matching policies, and much more.

Location and Hours of the UF Bookstore

Where is the UF Bookstore Located?

The main UF Bookstore is located inside the J. Wayne Reitz Union at:

Address:
University of Florida Bookstore
655 Reitz Union Drive
Gainesville, FL 32611

This central location makes it easily accessible to students, faculty, and visitors on campus.

Operating Hours

While hours can vary seasonally or during special events, typical hours of operation are:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Pro Tip: During the start of semesters or Gator football weekends, expect extended hours and increased foot traffic.

Textbooks and Course Materials

How to Find Your Required Textbooks

The UF Bookstore simplifies the process of finding required materials. Students can log into their ONE.UF accounts or visit the bookstore website, where they can input their course codes to see all required and optional books.

New, Used, Rental, and Digital Options

One of the biggest advantages of using the UF Bookstore is the variety of textbook formats:

New textbooks: For students who want a pristine copy.
Used textbooks: More affordable and sustainable.
Rental textbooks: Save up to 80% off new prices by renting.
eBooks and digital access codes: Convenient and often cheaper.

Inclusive Access Program

UF’s Inclusive Access program allows digital course materials to be provided at reduced rates directly through Canvas. These materials are automatically billed to your student account, ensuring you get the best deal without the stress of shopping around.

UF Bookstore Price Matching Policy

The UF Bookstore offers a price match guarantee on textbooks. If you find a lower price for a new or used textbook from a qualifying retailer such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble, the bookstore will match it at the register. This helps students save money while still supporting their on-campus store.

Gator Gear: UF Apparel and Merchandise

Official University of Florida Apparel

If you’re looking for UF t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, or other licensed Gator gear, the UF Bookstore is the place to be. It stocks a wide variety of apparel for men, women, and children, including:

Gator football jerseys
Hoodies and sweatpants
UF caps and beanies
Alumni and graduation apparel

Gifts, Accessories, and Home Décor

Beyond apparel, the bookstore offers:

UF mugs, tumblers, and water bottles
Office supplies and pens with Gator branding
Gator-themed blankets, flags, and room décor
Graduation gifts and diploma frames

Whether you’re decorating your dorm or buying a gift for a Gator alum, you’ll find what you need here.

School Supplies and Tech Products

Stationery and Office Supplies

The UF Bookstore carries essential school supplies such as:

Notebooks, binders, and folders
Pens, pencils, and highlighters
Graphing calculators (including TI-84 and TI-Nspire)
Art and drafting supplies for design and architecture majors

Computers, Tablets, and Accessories

UF Bookstore also features a Technology Hub, where you can purchase:

Apple MacBooks and iPads (often at student discounts)
Dell and Lenovo laptops
Computer accessories like mice, keyboards, headphones
USB drives, external hard drives, and more

Students can get tech support, compare devices, and even order online with free campus pickup.

Graduation Supplies and Cap & Gown

Graduating students can order their cap and gown, diploma frames, class rings, and other memorabilia directly from the bookstore. The store usually sets up special graduation sections and events each semester.

Students are encouraged to order early to ensure availability and correct sizing. You can also find customizable graduation announcements and gifts.

Online Shopping at the UF Bookstore

How to Shop Online

The UF Bookstore’s website is https://www.bkstr.com/floridastore/home. From here, students and fans can:

Search and buy textbooks
Rent or return rentals
Order Gator apparel
Buy tech gadgets and accessories
Check order status
Arrange for in-store or mail delivery

The site is mobile-friendly and regularly updated with new sales and promotions.

Free In-Store Pickup

When ordering online, students can opt for free in-store pickup, usually ready in 1–2 business days. This option is especially useful during rush periods like the start of the semester or holidays.

Seasonal Sales and Promotions

Throughout the year, the UF Bookstore runs seasonal sales and Gator flash deals, including:

Back-to-school discounts
Homecoming specials
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Clearance on last season’s merchandise

Students can sign up for the store’s email list to receive coupons, alerts, and early access to deals.

Book Buyback and Rental Returns

Book Buyback

At the end of each semester, the UF Bookstore runs a textbook buyback program. You can bring in books and receive cash on the spot—no receipt required. The amount offered depends on book condition and market demand.

Rental Returns

If you rent textbooks, you must return them by the due date—usually the last day of finals. The bookstore offers:

In-person returns
Drop box options
Pre-paid return shipping labels (for online renters)

Gator 1 Card and Payment Options

The UF Bookstore accepts multiple forms of payment:

Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover)
Gator 1 Card (campus currency)
Apple Pay and mobile wallets
Financial aid charging (for eligible students)
Gift cards and promo codes

The store also partners with UF Financial Services to allow book charges to be billed directly to student accounts during specific periods.

Events at the UF Bookstore

The bookstore frequently hosts campus events, such as:

Author signings
Study jams
Tech showcases
Welcome Week festivities
Gator gear giveaways

These events help students engage with campus culture while taking advantage of exclusive discounts and freebies.

Employment Opportunities at the UF Bookstore

Students looking for part-time employment can apply to work at the bookstore. Benefits include:

Flexible scheduling
On-campus convenience
Bookstore discounts
Resume experience in retail and customer service

Applications are usually accepted at the beginning of each semester or can be submitted online via Follett’s careers page (Follett manages the UF Bookstore).

Sustainability Initiatives

The UF Bookstore is committed to sustainability through:

Used and rental textbooks that reduce paper waste
Reusable bags and eco-friendly merchandise
eBooks and digital course materials
Green packaging for online orders

It also collaborates with the university’s Office of Sustainability on green initiatives and educational campaigns.

Satellite Stores and Specialty Sections

In addition to the main Reitz Union location, there are satellite retail outlets on campus, such as:

Health Science Center Bookstore
UF Law School Bookstore

These smaller locations focus on program-specific books and gear.

The main store also has specialty sections, including:

Medical uniforms and nursing scrubs
Law exam supplies
Study prep books (GRE, MCAT, LSAT)
Scientific calculators and lab gear

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the UF Bookstore

Here are some practical tips to save money and make the most of your UF Bookstore experience:

Compare prices online before buying textbooks.
Join the email list for promo codes and flash sales.
Rent textbooks early to get the best selection.
Shop during clearance events for 50–70% off merchandise.
Use your Gator 1 Card for easy payments and student discounts.
Follow the store on social media (@UFBookstore) for updates and contests.

Conclusion: Why the UF Bookstore Matters

The UF Bookstore is more than a place to buy textbooks—it’s a hub for student life, university pride, and academic success. Whether you’re preparing for a new semester, shopping for the perfect Gator outfit, or grabbing supplies for finals week, the UF Bookstore offers everything you need under one roof.

As part of the University of Florida community, supporting the UF Bookstore means supporting campus initiatives, student employment, and sustainability programs. Plus, with price matching, rentals, and digital access options, you don’t have to sacrifice affordability for convenience.

So next time you’re on campus or shopping online, remember to check out everything the UF Bookstore has to offer—Go Gators!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I return textbooks to the UF Bookstore?

Yes, new textbooks can usually be returned within 7 days of purchase if unopened and with a receipt. Digital and rental returns have different policies.