As a lead supplier of textbooks on campus, the University of Mississippi Bookstore continues to be a primary location for students to prepare for the semester ahead.
“As the student population grows, so does our commitment to providing the best possible service,” University of Mississippi Bookstore Manager Katelynn Cain said. “We want every student to feel supported, whether they’re shopping in-store, online or reaching out for help with course materials.”
Below are top tips for purchasing class materials, curated with the help of Cain.
Shop in-person if you are unsure
In the age of online shopping, going to the bookstore in-person still has its perks.
“You can physically check the condition of used books before purchasing, get assistance from staff and walk out with your materials that day,” Cain said.
The bookstore also offers school supplies like notebooks and pencils if you are running low before the first day.
However, if you feel confident in what you are purchasing, you can opt for the convenience of online ordering with in-store pick-up.
Look into price matching against online retailers
In a world filled with many online options, it may seem daunting to figure out the most affordable route to purchase your books. Luckily, the bookstore offers a price-matching policy with some important guidelines.
“The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) must match exactly, the item must be sold and shipped directly by Amazon — not a third-party seller — and the book condition must be the same,” Cain said.
This applies whether it is a used or a new copy of a book. Either way, it is a great way to strike a deal and receive your books the same day in-person instead of waiting for an online shipment.
Return books if you do not need them
If you end up not needing a book you have already purchased, the bookstore has a generous return policy.
“As for our return policy, students can return items with a receipt during the first two weeks of the semester for a full refund,” Cain said. “Just note that some exceptions may apply, so we always encourage checking our website for the most up-to-date details.”
Make sure you have the correct form of payment
For first-time buyers, knowing the best way to pay for textbooks can cause confusion, but the options are simple with some guidance.
If you want to use any leftover financial aid to purchase your books, make sure to move it over to your Ole Miss Express account to purchase online and in-store. The bookstore does not have access to students’ bursar accounts, and your Flex balance can only be used for food. You can also always pay with cash or card.
Do not panic if your book is out of stock
While it might seem scary if everyone else in your 100-person lecture beat you to the required readings, do not freak out. Chances are you are not the only person.
Place an online order with the bookstore, and the book will be placed on backorder. Once it arrives, you will be immediately notified that you can pick it up in-person. Alternatively, you can also check if a digital copy is available to purchase if you need the book immediately.
