UT Austin bookstore and textbooks
The University Co-op
Hours can change for weather, holidays and events. Check the Co-op’s page before a special trip.
- Address · Across from West Mall and the Texas Union2246 Guadalupe St.
- Hours · Monday through Sunday. Closed Thursday, Nov 26, Dec 25 and Jan 110 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Phone · Toll-free 800-255-1896512-476-7211
- Textbook counter · The Academic Service Counter. Online orders are picked up on the first floorBasement
- Parking · Garage on San Antonio St. behind the store. Free for 2 hours with a purchase, $60 daily max$6 an hour
- Payment in store · Cash, credit, debit and Apple PayNo checks
- Who owns it · An independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, not a UT department. Its profit goes to course material scholarshipsIndependent
Ways to get your textbooks
- Order online · Pick up at the store or have it shipped. Shipping starts at $8.49 (USPS Ground Advantage, 4–8 business days)24–48 hours
- Buy in store · Bring your UT EID, or your classes’ 5-digit unique numbers. Staff pull your list and check stockAcademic counter
- Buy new or used · The Co-op carries both and says it has more used copies early in the termNew or used
- E-book · Most show as “Digital Rentals – VS.” After an in-store purchase, an activation email for VitalSource Bookshelf follows15–30 minutes
- Longhorn Textbook Access · Digital, billed by UT in What I Owe, and shown in Canvas under My TextbooksOpt out first
- Full refund on returned books · Through the fifth class day5th class day
Spring 2027 Longhorn Textbook Access dates
These apply to courses that use a Longhorn Textbook Access version.
- Bill issued · If you haven’t opted outJan 19, 2027
- Opt-out deadline · End of the twelfth class dayJan 27, 2027
- Bill due in What I Owe · Unpaid bills are cancelled and you lose accessFeb 8, 2027
Money toward books
- University Co-op Course Material Scholarship · Annual credit for eligible students, redeemable only at the Co-op. Families earning up to $150,000 may qualify$250
- When you can use it · Credits open each year in early August. The 2026–27 credit expires July 13, 2027Jul 13, 2027
- What it covers · Textbooks, school supplies, courseware, art supplies, lab equipment and scrubs. Not Longhorn apparel, backpacks or graduation regaliaClass items
Is the UT bookstore owned by UT?No, it’s an independent nonprofit.
No. The University Co-op calls itself an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and UT News calls it UT’s independent, not-for-profit college bookstore. A board of UT Austin students, faculty and staff runs it.
When should I buy my textbooks, and where do I find the list?About two weeks before classes start.
The Co-op says about two weeks before classes start is the best time, since most faculty requests are in and most books are in stock. Online, it only shows books it has in stock. If a title you need is missing, check back in a few days.
The Co-op hasn’t posted a spring 2027 book list yet. Ask the Co-op at 512-476-7211 when it will.
What is Longhorn Textbook Access, and how do I opt out?UT and the Co-op’s digital-book program. You’re in by default.
If your instructor picks a digital version, you’re signed up automatically and can read it in Canvas from the first day of class. UT says the price is the lowest commercially available for that material and includes 8.25% sales tax.
To opt out, use the button on the My Textbooks tab in Canvas or the link in the Co-op’s email. You can opt out until the deadline above, and you keep access while you decide.
Help: LTAHelp@universitycoop.com or 512-593-5737.
Do I have to buy my books from the Co-op?No. Opt out of LTA to borrow, rent or buy used.
No. UT’s FAQ says you can borrow a book, buy it used or rent it, if those options exist for your title. If your course uses Longhorn Textbook Access, opt out before the deadline so you aren’t billed.
UT doesn’t post what a given book costs. Prices show in the Co-op’s catalog and in the My Textbooks tab in Canvas.
What are the pickup and return deadlines?7 days to pick up course materials; full refund through the fifth class day.
The Co-op treats course materials you haven’t picked up within 7 days of being charged as abandoned, and you can’t get that money back. Other items get 30 days.
Orders are usually ready within 48 hours, and the Co-op emails you when yours is.
SourcesThe University Co-op and UT
Checked November 12, 2026. Location, hours and textbook steps come from the University Co-op. Longhorn Textbook Access and the scholarship come from UT’s Provost, Texas One Stop and UT News.