The first few weeks on campus (or online) are often chaotic, especially for new students. It is normal to not know how or who to ask for help when trying to get textbooks and set-works for the year. The following textbook guide can be a useful source of information to start the search off on the right foot.
UP libraries
UP has a total of nine libraries across its seven campuses that hold thousands of books used by students, lecturers and faculties for more information. Textbooks can be borrowed by students for a few hours to take notes from, make photocopies of or study from. Other books, for business or pleasure, can be borrowed for a period up to 14 days. UP library services are also available on an app that is used to book venues, check library times, find and request study material. The app is available on the App Store or Google Play Store. The library staff are there to assist students with enquiries and problems they may have.
Students can view the opening hours of each library at https://up- za.libcal.com/hours/, as the various faculty library times differ.
Van Schaik Bookstore
Van Schaik Bookstore has a wide range of customers including lecturers, parents, students and academic faculties. Students can expect well-trained and experienced staff to get a quotation or to help find prescribed books, set-works and stationery. The bookstore also has an online platform where students can purchase or add books to a wish list.
Van Schaik is on Burnett Street and is open on Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 17:00. On Friday the store is open from 09:00 to 17:00.
Protea Bookstore
Since 1992, Protea has been a bookstore for students to receive books for academic purposes at university. According to their website “one out of every five university students in Southern Africa buys their textbooks at Protea Book House”.
Protea Bookstore is on 1067 Burnett Street and opens on Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00 and on Saturdays from 08:00 to 13:00.
Bookmark
Bookmark is an official bookstore of UP where students can receive quotations and purchase prescribed books and study material. Bookmark is also a good place to buy last minute stationary needed before a test. Bookmark is located on campus close to the Student Centre, and sells both print and e-books.
The store is open on Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 17:00, Friday from 08:00 to 16:00, and Saturday from 08:00 to 13:00.
Wizebooks
Wizebooks is another frequently visited bookstore among UP students, known for its reasonable prices and second-hand purchases. This bookstore is definitely one to visit, and is usually very busy in the first few weeks of classes, so time your visit carefully.
Wizebooks is located on 1116 Prospect Street. The store is open from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 17:00 and Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00.
Online
Online platforms for textbooks can be useful for students outside of Pretoria. Sites such as Takealot are convenient websites for many online purchases, including university textbooks for students who hate to wait in line. However, delivery times can often be a set-back, so ensure that the book can be accessed in the meantime at one of the various faculty libraries.
Alternatively, for cheaper second hand options, students should check posters at the Student Centre and Residence boards, as well as WhatsApp groups. The Merensky Library also has a Study Collection for students who need to find study material that they were not able to buy at the start of the semester.
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Leah is a pale ... awkward ... asthmatic ginger.
She used to be Head of Layout (cries) before becoming Digital Manager in an effort to take over PDBY, an effort that has since failed (its all political). She has a keen eye for alignment, an intense love for tequila and chicken nuggets, and occasionally enjoys frollicking in the hills. To end off this bio she leaves this final nugget of wisdom "You just lost the game".
