MAHMOODA MILANZIE
The first few weeks on campus are often chaotic, especially for new students. It is natural to not know how or who to ask for help when trying to get books and set-works for the year. The following textbook guide can be a useful source of information.
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 help find prescribed books, set works and stationery. The bookstore also has an online platform where students purchase or add 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 universities. 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 21:00, on Saturdays from 08:00 to 17:00.
Bookmark
Bookmark is an official bookstore of the University of Pretoria where students can receive quotations and purchase prescribed books and study material. Bookmark is located on campus close to the student centre. The store opens Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00, Saturday from 08:00 to 13:00 and is closed on Sunday and public holidays.
Wizebooks
Wizebooks is another common bookstore among the students of UP. Known for its reasonable prices and second-hand purchases, this bookstore is definitely one to visit. Wizebooks is located on 209 Roper Street and Lynnwood Road. The store is open from Monday to Friday, from 07:00 to 17:00, Saturdays from 07:00 to 13:00 and is closed on Sundays.
Alternatively, for cheaper, second hand set works, students should check posters at the Student Centre and Residence boards. 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.
Merensky library
The Merensky library is one of the best university libraries in South Africa. UP’s library holds thousands of books used by students, lecturers and faculties for more information. Books can be borrowed for up to two weeks, some are only allowed to use for a few hours. It offers services to help students with research work, reading materials and a peaceful place to work and study. Students can access the internet using Wi-Fi and computers provided at the library for assignments, work material and access to ClickUP.
There are printers in the library for students to use. To use the printers, students need to load money onto their student cards and register on TuksPrint’s website for a password. The most prominently used area at the library is the study centre that is open 24/7 for students. There are also discussion rooms, available through booking, suitable for student groups interested in studying together or working on set works. The library also offers services such as anti-plagiarism training and writing skills training. UP library services are 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.
The library opens at 07:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays, the library opens at 08:30, at 09:30 on Saturdays and 11:00 on Sundays. However, students should still view times on the library website as the faculty libraries have times that differ from each other. It is important to note that the library does have generator capabilities during load shedding hours.
Image: Darec Hall