Textbook Options
Students can find out about textbooks and other materials they will need for enrolled classes, or classes they’re considering taking, in these ways:
- Through the My UW Student Center (my.wisc.edu): textbooks are listed on a student’s enrolled class list, and on the Schedule of Classes.
- At area bookstores: campus-area bookstores provide textbook information.
- From faculty e-mails: shortly before classes begin, some faculty will e-mail their students the syllabus, which may list course materials.
Textbooks can be expensive. Listed below are some cost-saving alternatives. Be sure to purchase the correct textbook edition. Note that the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), the 10-digit number that uniquely identifies books published internationally, is included in the Student Center Textbooks listings.
- Look early for used copies (sources include ASM Textbook Swap, August 29–31 on the fourth floor of the Student Activity Center, 333 East Campus Mall; and local bookstores that buy back textbooks).
- Shop at an online marketplace, such as Amazon, eBay, or Exchange Hut.
- Consider renting through an online textbook rental site (do a Google search online for “textbook rental”).
- With support from the UW Foundation Parent Fund, campus libraries keep copies of high-cost textbooks on reserve. Check the UW libraries Web site “Course Reserves” section: www.library.wisc.edu.
Students may also be required to purchase course packets, lab equipment, and/or art materials. These items are available at campus or local stores.
Please note that the online marketplaces listed above are private companies not affiliated with or endorsed by UW–Madison.