Academic Life
After you register for courses, you'll need to find out what books your professors require. Go to the textbook section on the second floor of the University Bookstore or, for most humanities and social science books, go to the Seminary Co-op. You can choose to buy your books at these stores, or you can make a list of the titles and editions you need and go to other bookstores in the vicinity.
You don't have to buy all your books the first day of the quarter. You may be able to wait until you reach a final decision about course registration for the quarter. But don't put it off too long. At some point stores are likely to pull texts for a quarter off their shelves. Ask your professors how necessary recommended books are; sometimes professors place copies on reserve in the library.
Bookstores
University of Chicago Bookstore
Web: uchicago.bkstore.com
Address: 970 East 58th Street
Phone: 2-7712
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
Managed by Barnes & Noble, the University of Chicago Bookstore sells books, school supplies, and the usual university memorabilia. The cafe has Starbucks coffee, pastries, and more. The bookstore also has a section with used books at 25 percent off the original price. At the end of the quarter, you can sell your used books back to the bookstore (but don't expect to get what you originally spent). Store hours in the summer are subject to change.
Seminary Co-op
Web: www.semcoop.com
Chicago Theological Seminary, basement
Address: 5757 South University Avenue
Phone: 752-4381
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.—9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
Sunday: noon—6:00 p.m.
Specializing in social sciences and humanities, the Co-op is one of the best academic bookstores in the world. Some faculty members may order their course texts only at the Co-op. You can join the Co-op for three $10 shares of stock (the shares are bought back when you end your membership). Shareholders get a 10 percent discount and a share in the store's earnings.
57th Street Books
Address: 1301 East 57th Street
Phone: 684-1300
Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m.—9:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m.
This is the general books branch of the Seminary Co-op, so Co-op shareholders get a 10 percent discount here, too.
O'Gara & Wilson, Ltd.
Address: 1448 East 57th Street
Phone: 363-0993
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m.—9:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m.
Sunday: noon—8:00 p.m.
This used bookstore has a good selection and organization. It buys used books but doesn't carry textbooks. Since 1937.
Powell's
Web: www.powellschicago.com
Address: 1501 East 57th Street
Phone: 955-7780
Hours: 9:00 a.m.—11:00 p.m.
Powell's has a large selection of used books; it also buys used books.
Additional bookstores in Hyde Park are listed in Shopping in Hyde Park.
Other sources for books
Online
Purchase books conveniently online at barnesandnoble.com or another online vendor.
Upperclassmen
Put up signs around campus or ask around to see if upperclassmen are willing to part with their books. Student Government's online marketplace lets you advertise books for sale at marketplace.uchicago.edu.
Libraries
If there isn't much reading required from a particular book, you may be able to simply borrow the book from the library. Check with your professor.
