Learn more about how your student can purchase their textbooks and course materials

This Q&A from the Bookstore is meant for students with questions about how to get their textbooks and other course materials

When is the best time to shop for my books?

As soon as you know your courses and section numbers, visit the Wake Forest Campus Store website to view and order your materials. Shopping early increases your chances of getting a used or rental copy, which can save you money.

If a book isn’t available yet, you can sign up for an email alert to be notified when it’s in stock.

You have two delivery options:

• Ship to any address (home, off campus address if applicable, etc.)
• Reserve for free in-store pickup at the Wake Forest Bookstore

The store offers extended hours at the start of each term to make it easy to pick up your order. Even if a book isn’t in stock locally, the site can often locate a copy at another store and ship it to Wake Forest for free.

Pro tip: Shopping in-store is a great way to get help from Bookstore staff who can answer questions, check availability, and explain your rental, used, and digital options. It’s also a good chance to browse school supplies, tech, and Wake gear.

Price match available! If you find a lower price on a textbook from qualifying retailers (like Amazon or Chegg), the Wake Forest Bookstore will match it, just bring proof of the lower price when purchasing in-store.

Heads Up: Renting a Book?

If you’re renting textbooks, you’ll need to provide a physical credit or debit card (not just Apple Pay or digital wallet) to keep on file as part of your rental agreement, even if you’re using a gift card or another method to pay. Be sure to bring one with you when shopping in-store!

How do I get Course Material Email Notifications?

Sign up online to be notified as soon as we get the list of materials from your instructor and at least one format is available—then you can choose to have it delivered or pick-up in-store. You can get notifications for as many books or courses as you need. Here are two ways how:

• Within the main navigation, go to Books > Textbooks & Course Materials. Select your class. If your class materials are not confirmed, you’ll see an option for “Email me when available online.”
• If you know the book you need, you can enter the ISBN in the search field. If it’s not available, you’ll see the option to receive a notification when your book is in-stock.

Can I just go to the bookstore once I get a Course Material Notification?

You’re welcome to stop by, but we can’t guarantee your book will be on the shelf when you arrive. To make sure you get what you need, we recommend ordering your books online and selecting free in-store pickup. That way, we’ll reserve your items and begin processing your order right away.

We’ll fulfill your order as quickly as possible, and you’ll get an email notification as soon as it’s ready. Once you receive that message, you can come to the store to pick up your materials—no need to wait in line or worry about availability.

Shouldn’t I attend class first before buying the book to make sure I really need it?

We love when students visit the store—and the earlier you come in, the better! Shopping in person early gives you the best chance to grab used or rental copies, ask questions, and check out supplies, tech, and Wake Forest gear.

That said, textbook inventory moves fast, so if you want to be sure your books are available, we recommend placing your order online first and selecting free in-store pickup.

We’ll fulfill your order as quickly as possible and send you an email notification when it’s ready.

Pickup location:

• During the first week of classes, all online order pickups will be located outside, behind Taylor Hall for faster service.
• After the first week, pickups will move inside the bookstore.

Ordering ahead saves you time, and ensures your materials are ready when you arrive.

What if I change or drop a class after I have the book?

If you’re planning to drop a class, it’s best not to purchase the textbooks or materials for that class until your schedule is finalized. This helps you avoid unnecessary purchases and makes returns easier.

If you’ve already bought the book but end up dropping the class, most unused textbooks can be returned to the campus store up to the school’s official add/drop deadline.

Important Note: If you ordered your books online but decided to return them (for example, because you dropped a class), you must come to the bookstore in person to pick up your order and initiate the return. Returns will not be processed automatically.

Our policy states that you have 21 days from when your order is available for pickup to collect your books and start any return or refund process. If you do not pick up your order within this timeframe, you will forfeit the right to return the books and may lose the materials.