Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy books on campus?
Textbooks will be available online at www.uaftext2u.com but not in the store. the only exeptions are the texbooks for Wintermester and Maymester courses, which will be available in the Bookstore
Why is UAF moving to an online system?
There are a number of reasons for going to an online system. The main reasons are to provide students with improved service and lower price options. Many students already use the web for purchases, this will allow students to order their textbooks earlier with the added the convenience of 24-hour ordering and other comprehensive services including access to more used books, e-books when available, discounted computer products, and 24-hour online buyback.
Is there a savings to the campus?
Yes. The university’s cost for providing textbooks to students on campus includes warehouse space, transportation to the campus from the warehouse, handling the books and shipping back books for classes that were cancelled or changed. With books delivered directly to the customer the need for the warehouse, van and excess textbook returns will be eliminated.
My computer connection at home is ridiculously slow. Is there any other way to order books?
Students can order over the phone at 888-282-1971 and via fax at 888-839-8779. Orders can also be set through the mail to: 8950 Palmer Street River Grove, IL 60171 . You can always join us in the UAF Bookstore at one of our computer kiosks set up to assist students in placing their orders.
Can my books be delivered to my P.O. Box?
Yes, using the U.S. Postal Service you can have them shipped to your P.O. Box, or use one of the other shipping choices to have them delivered to your home or your Residence Hall. Shipping options include USPS, UPS and Fed-Ex.
How many days will it take to get my books?
The virtual bookstore offers all forms of shipping, so the choice is yours. Shipping can take from two days to three weeks, depending on the method selected. Air orders received before noon Central Standard Time will be shipped the same day. All orders are shipped within 24 hours.
Are my books going to be more expensive now that I have to pay shipping?
No. The shipping charges were included in the price of the books before and will now be separate. Students will now see a separate price for the book, and the shipping charges. In addition, there will be more used books available, significantly reducing the price of books.
I don’t have a credit card. How will I pay for my books?
The online bookstore accepts all of the same forms of payment currently available at the Bookstore, including Bear Bucks. Students can deposit cash to their Bear Bucks account.
I can't buy my books because my Financial Aid isn't here yet. What can I do?
If you're waiting to receive financial aid, you may be eligible for a Bear Bucks advance on your PolarExpress card of up to $250 at the Business Office window and up to $400 with an appointment and verification of aid. Booklists are currently available and are necessary for the latter. There are specific requirements, please check with the Business Office for details.
If I order books and don’t need them, can I return them?
Yes. There is a 45 day textbook return window. There will be shipping charges, but this extended return window allows students to ship the book back to the virtual bookstore by the least expensive method possible.
Now that I can’t view the books before I buy them, just how used is “used”?
The online vendor we’ve selected offers high quality used books. Every book passes a quality inspection which includes a check for damage, excessive marking or highlighting, and that all pages, bindings and covers are intact.
Will you still have a buy-back option?
Yes. End of semester buy back will still be conducted on site at the UAF Bookstore. Buy back will also be available any time via the virtual bookstore website. A prepaid shipping label is created at the completion of online buyback so that you do not have to pay to ship the books you have sold back.
I’m a faculty member. How does this change affect the textbook adoption process?
The UAFtext2u.com website has a faculty adoption module that is similar to the one previously used. This easy-to-navigate application enables faculty to research and adopt textbooks and other course materials at any time. Paper adoptions are also still accepted at this time.
I’m a student in rural Alaska. How will this affect me?
This change does not affect students at most of the rural campuses. Students attending one of UAF’s rural campuses or taking classes through CRCD, will continue to get their books from the same location they have in the past, unless they are notified of a change.
What will happen to the Bookstore facility in Constitution Hall?
We’ll be expanding our offerings in other areas that have been requested by the campus community, to include more UAF apparel and gifts, as well as continuing to sell office and school supplies, technology and general books, and sundries.
Don't see your question here? E-mail the Bookstore manager at
We will update these FAQs as new information becomes available