Textbook FAQ

Reminder Before opening any code, utilize your free trial period. Trial periods vary by publisher, so check to see how long you have to use the program for free before opening a non-returnable product. The world of online homework managers is complex and often confusing. We’ve put together this page of videos to help you understand and navigate your way through the various programs you may be utilizing in your classes to do homework, turn in assignments, and improve your learning experience.

Questions on what we're doing in response to COVID-19? Please check here for the most up-to-date information: https://www.cubookstore.com/t-coronavirus.aspx 

How much do you really know about buying textbooks? The CU Book Store is here to disprove some common misconceptions, and show you how easy getting the books you need can be!  Video URL: https://youtu.be/ZLeqN4SNF5w 

Please visit the Cengage Frequently Asked Questions page for information on Cengage Unlimited. 

Have a question or issue with Day 1 Digital Access? Email us at digital@cubookstore.com and our digital access expert can help! As part of our continued efforts to keep the cost of course materials as low as possible and access to those materials as close to the first day of class as possible, professors, the CU Book Store and publishers work together to deliver select materials through a program called “Day 1 Digital Access”.

While our website does not accept international orders, if you need course materials shipped internationally, please contact us and we will make accommodations to get your course materials to you. 

Can I order my textbooks online and pick them up at the CU Bookstore? Yes, but please allow approximately two business days from the time you made your order for it to be processed. WE WILL SEND AN ORDER STATUS UPDATE EMAIL WHEN YOUR ORDER IS READY TO BE PICKED UP. Please bring a copy of the email, and a picture ID to the customer service desk. We appreciate your business!

How do I purchase my textbooks? Option 1: Order textbooks online First, login or create an account at https://www.cubookstore.com/.     Once you're logged in, go to the Books > Order Textbooks menu item (https://www.cubookstore.com/c-71-order-textbooks.aspx)and choose either Order Textboooks or Preorder.  Books can be shipped to you or picked up in-store. If you need help, look in the bottom right corner for the chat pop-up, and a textbook specialist can help you find what you need.

The rental return date for Fall 2020 is December 18th, 2020. The rental return date for Spring 2021 is May 7th, 2021.

Where can I check-in my rentals? The textbook rental check-in deadline for fall course materials is December 18, 2020. The Spring 2021 is deadline May 7, 2021. Books can be returned in-person during store hours, or can be shipped. Please check your Colorado.edu email for more information or contact assist@cubookstore.com  What is the goal of the rental program? The goal of our rental programs is to provide our customers with an additional cost-saving option for their textbook purchases.

Can I return a book if I don’t need it? We offer a full refund (different from buy back) until the return deadline each semester. Please see our complete return policy.  When is your return deadline? During Fall and Spring, the return deadline is the end of the first week of school. During Maymester and Summer, it is the third day of classes. Check your receipt for this semester's deadline.

Please see our most-up-to date Shipping Information here: https://www.cubookstore.com/t-shipping.aspx 

What determines which books are being bought back and how much cash you’ll receive for them? Whether or not the book is being used on campus next term If YES: The CU Book Store pays the highest prices for those books that are being used the following semester. In some cases, we will pay as much as 60% of the new price. If NO: Do not assume your book has little value.

Does the CU Book Store sell used textbooks? Yes! You can save money by purchasing used textbooks. Used titles are sold at 25% less than the current retail price and the CU Book Store has the largest stock of used textbooks in the Boulder area.  Can I buy all my textbooks used? Not Always. Although we try to stock as many used textbooks as possible, they sell out first and availability is limited.