UC San Diego Bookstore

844 reviews

9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093

ucsandiegobookstore.com

+18585347326

About

UC San Diego Bookstore is a Book store located at 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093. It has received 844 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday11AM-4PM
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday8AM-6PM
Thursday8AM-6PM
Friday8AM-6PM
Saturday8AM-6PM
Sunday8AM-6PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of UC San Diego Bookstore: 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093

  • UC San Diego Bookstore has 4.4 stars from 844 reviews

  • Book store

  • "I’ve come to this bookstore several times and usually have a fine experience"

    "What can I say, its a university bookstore"

    "Carries everything a student can want, but sometimes at a higher price than prefered"

    "This place is awesome, don’t get me wrong"

    "If you’re looking for an easygoing place to buy school supplies, merchandise, (text)books, and everything in between at UCSD, this is it"

Reviews

  • Alaina

I’ve come to this bookstore several times and usually have a fine experience. However, I went in last Wednesday for what I thought would be a simple exchange for a laptop case. My first cashier explained that we would have to refund my original purchase to purchase the new case rather than just exchange, which was fine. We decided to just do a gift card refund since I would immediately be spending the funds anyway. My first cashier was very nice and helpful, but I guess something went wrong with the refund and she called who I assume was a supervisor or shift lead, Bryan — his behavior was actually so concerning that I noted his name to report the behavior. He messed with the computer for a bit, and then seemed to get very angry that it wasn’t working properly. I completely understand frustration when working in these kinds of environments, however, losing your temper so drastically in front of customers should not be acceptable. He quickly got so angry that he hit the computer aggressively in front of me. As someone who I, again, assume has some level of leadership at this company, he should be aware of how he comes across to customers and what kind of environment he is creating. The difficulty with the gift card was obviously not ideal for anyone involved, but the way in which he chose to handle the situation in front of a customer — and employee, for that matter, because I can only assume this isn’t the first time he’s behaved like this — was unacceptable and frankly concerning. Hope this is dealt with.

  • Stewart Grant

What can I say, its a university bookstore. 95% of the merchandise here is either intended to fleece undergrads of their parents money or garnish their dorms. Considering the price of text books I would suggest pirating them online or finding them used second hand from alumni. Conversely there is a decent tech store on the ground floor which was very helpful and knowledgeable when I went to by a dell XPS. As a computer science major I appreciated that the staff had a working knowledge of the computers that they stocked. I also noticed them giving some good advice to general consumers using lame mans terms which is typically the sign of a good tech store (nice job!). You can also order Amazon packages to the basement which is super convenient. I bought a pencil there once as well and it still works. Overall I would say this meets the minimum standard of a bookstore.

  • Angel Mis

Carries everything a student can want, but sometimes at a higher price than prefered. The top floor is a general store, selling everything from stationary to ukeleles. Often the place to get something on campus for your dorm as they do sell essentials. The bottom floor is the namesake bookstore, selling textbooks. It is also connected to a computer shop and Amazon shop. Ucsd merchandise can also be bought here, and the connected cafe/print center in the back is extensive. Very welcomed for the local students. Sales happen all the time on the UCSD merch, so if you can wait for it, its best to be patient for a better price.

  • Nathan Blain

This place is awesome, don’t get me wrong. The reason for the 2 star review is the fact that they exploit that students have very little choice in shopping here. For example, I did not bring a car to campus. Everything is extremely overpriced, except for the electronics (which are wildly expensive in their own regard). I’ve heard people use the term UC Scam Diego. For a school to charge sometimes 25% over msrp for items us students need for class such as iclickers is absolutely absurd. I’m reviewing the bookstore with my real name because I want to see change and I’m willing to talk in person.

  • Tony Wu

If you’re looking for an easygoing place to buy school supplies, merchandise, (text)books, and everything in between at UCSD, this is it. Almost everything is overpriced, albeit a public university, but the quality of products like notebooks and lanyards and the quality of service for Apple products and beyond are outstanding. Wait times aren’t very long unless you’re ordering something in person that could’ve been done online, and payment options are standard. It’s also located near Price Center, so that’s a plus. Solid bookstore.

  • Ricardo Aranha

The reason why I gave 2 stars is because I love perks coffee (which is located inside the library) and some student workers are helpfull. For the rest, they are very disorganized and poorly trained about commencement, discounts, prices etc. I came across only one nice manager since I've been at UCSD, the rest are a bit grumpy and not very helpfull, bought a sweater once 45$ with a defect. But the worst time for me was their lack of knowledge about everything related to commencement from tickets to item prices.

  • Rick Sam

Dont expect to see just books here at the book store; You can find anything about UCSD here! School logo printed jacket, workout pants, cool T-shirts, sport shorts, alumni pens, office supplies, college on-campus residential needs, Amazon pickup center, Apple store, coffee shop, etc. I am an alumni and everytime I visit this place it reminds me how challenging college life was. So supporting UCSD through buying the school gears and office items will always keep the memory running.

  • Mehmet Vurkaç

This is a really great (college-oriented general-purpose) bookstore. Not only did I find many great books, but they also have a broader selection of earbuds, headphones, and such then most stores. There is a selection of quality earbuds to choose from, wired and Bluetooth, as well as the more typical cheaper ones. The themed book spreads are really cool. There were three times as many books just on those tables that I wanted to buy then I could carry in my luggage. Great store!

  • Ricardo Gorinstein

Their selection of sweatshirt brands is poor. I tried multiple UCSD sweatshirts in the same size, brand, and color and they were cut completely differently. One was tight on the arms. The other tall and skinny and the other boxy. With a different sweatshirt, the medium was small and tight and the large was HUGE. Be careful to try on their apparel before choosing your typical size. They do have a good selection of pens and notebooks.

  • vidal espina

As far as art supplies, they are constantly out of foam core, poster boards, etc. They need more balsa wood options. Everything else is way over priced. In general, the whole place has gone downhill since the remodel. I hate to go in there to buy anything but sometimes you need something right away and you just need to hope and pray that they have it in stock.

  • Gyan Penrose-Kafka

Your typical University bookstore with course books but also A well-stocked collection of reading material from a variety of different disciplines. On top of that, lots of knick knacks and school spirit clothing but nothing terribly out of the ordinary. If you're a student, you can get good prices on software and computer systems.

  • Alex Hernandez

I wish they would update the website to make online shopping better. I’ve been looking to purchase a hoodie but they only have a couple styles online on random sizes but at the actual store there’s a lot more of inventory. This is a dealbreaker as someone who can’t go to the bookstore as an alumni that doesn’t live in the area

  • Krista McCutcheon

Strongly advise don't buy #4125928 Summerland Classmate Basic University of California San Diego Backpack-Navy. It is waste of money ($45) because of the very poor quality shoulder straps that hang stiff and uselessly off the body. Online ordering and the return after emailing customer service went smoothly.

  • Shelby Smith

I don't go to school here but if I could I would only for the bookstore! I work for inventory and we come here yearly to count it and I love coming here, the staff are super nice and funny to be around. The store is very organized and categorized so you can find anything super easily (especially if you ask!)

  • Victoria Adee

The items are kinda overpriced but they do have almost everything, from basic dorm supplies to art supplies. They are pretty much the only place that you can buy ucsd gear from. The bottom floor is text books and technology and the top floor is supplies and clothes and a little bit of everyting else.

  • Tala Nahhas

Everything you could possibly need as a student can be found here. I also found that the Amazon store is a very convenient location for students and anyone living in the University City area who want to have a close Prime pick up location, or a place to return/refund online purchases.

  • Paul Santos

The merchandise are kinda spread out. You really have to roam around to get a good idea of what they have. We were looking for caps and found a few that were not in the headgear section. Overall friendly staff and good quality products from what we can tell so far. Go, Tritons!

  • Katie Kates

Very organized and they carry a lot of supplies and clothing you might need. Just know what you need exactly because students don't know everything and they will be just as lost as you are. They don't carry Doritos just some healthy version of chips.

  • Jordan H

I think the Book Store i great for what it needs to be. I would imagine you could find everything in there for way less online or even at another retailer. Love the fact that they have a small apple store, an amazon locker, and UCSD apparel.

  • Katie O'Neil

My family and I love shopping here since I'm am alumni and now staff at UCSD. Definitely not cheap but no university bookstore is and they have a large selection of not just school supplies and books but clothes, dorm supplies, calendars,

  • Krystle Martinez-Martinez

I understand amazons logic about putting this office on a campus. Students get packages its convenient for then to return them i get it. But im not a student there or anywhere i was so lost and all parking is reserved so you have to pay

  • Albert Liang

Stocked with most good needed for campus living. Of course, prices will be marked up considerably compared to online or even most off campus stores. Good for emergencies though. Sells clothes, stationary, textbooks, and electronics.

  • Connor Bates

I might be a little biased as UCSD is my own college that I payed a boat load of money too, but the bookstore is very nice whether you're looking for school paraphernalia or school supplies, I've never been disappointed.

  • Patrick Lazo

Just a fun place to explore for supplies and books. They have a computer store as well, both PC and Mac. And they have my favorite composition books (Roaring Spring's Enivronotes line) for a lower price than online.

  • Miguel Vasquez

Central on the campus and underneath the Target, obvious place to get UCSD gear and gifts, in addition to school and office supplies plus books, textbooks, a dedicated Apple desk and products, computer accessories.

  • Emily Beckman

It has everything you need but it is very over priced and certain things are of poor quality. I bought 3 pairs of ear buds. Two broke within a day of purchase and one came broken. They were all different brands.

  • Joe Martinez

The store has everything you can think of. Staff was super nice and full of smiles. Had to get the proud parents stuff. Picked up a UCSD hat and license plate holder. Bought my kids tee shirts and sweat shirts.

  • Norman H

Easy to access location for UCSD students with good customer support. Prices are fairly high mostly for last minute purchasers. Recently Amazon opened a location inside so you can order from Amazon to pick up.

  • Ferris Bueler

SGI wuz sold here now it is more generic for mass influx of regular normalcy dependency as evidenced by other google reviews taken down by greed where are you now friends from before i am social repellent

  • Stephen Frambach

The headset I bought was unusable and the store would not allow me to return them 20 minutes after my purchase. I was not refunded my 40 dollars nor compensated in any way. Horrible experience.

  • Martha C

I go there 4x week during my lunch break. They are always selling some really interesting stuff and I learn about new products. A little on the extensive side, but they often have sales.

  • Adarsh Parthasarathy

Bit expensive but has a nice selection of stationary and all the textbooks you could want. They have a cool blind date with a book section where you buy a book based on a description.

  • Luke Smith

They have a pretty nice selection of school supplies (stationary and digital). Everyone is super friendly and helpful. It is a shame they are being reduced to 1 floor though.

  • Robina Shaheen

They have great collection of new books. Most items are towards the higher spectrum of price range. Great for electronics like notebook and wide screen display stations.

  • Daniel Miles

Somewhat expensive, but is a surprisingly big store with a lot of tech, school supplies, etc. If you are ordering online, they have clean pens to sign it.

  • Rafael Buelna (Rafael)

Well stocked booked store. Stopped by to buy a book for my son that is currently remote studying at this school. Only negative is prices. Very expensive.

  • Greg Eberhardt

Nice store with a good assortment of UCSD gifts and apparel. Also, the staff is very friendly and helpful, even telling you the secret codes for savings.

  • Partha Shankar

It's okay. Nothing special. Maybe a bit expensive? But isn't that to be expected from college stores? The employees are all super nice and helpful.

  • Gwen Anderson

complete waste of time even after calling in advance to see if the item I needed was on shelf. Also, Ipad questions answered wrong multiple times.

  • Maleficent Robles

Pretty good stocked up store but too pricey, I think it's sad that it's that pricey for students whom already are paying so much in tuition.

  • Michael Nelson

A wonderful bookstore. Its so nice to be able to go and just wander through books. They also have a great selection of Moleskin notebooks.

  • Karla Roldan

Pretty nice and clean place to get textbooks, electronics, and just anything ucsd! The people who work there are pretty cool and helpful.

  • Daniel Jenkins

It can be pricey, but it's the best place for UCSD swag! Wish they'd branch out more to surrounding shops, like SDSU or UCLA have done

  • Sam Rohrbach

Lots of UCSD gear, office supplies, and books. But a great selection and convenient college location makes everything a little pricey.

  • Ana Villegas

I'm a UCSD paraphernalia addict. The store has a wonderful selection of merchandise and necessities for students and families alike.

  • Dora Ogbonna

It is a place to get all your accessories for class really quickly but at the same time it is not cheap but rather very expensive.

  • Arden Tran

The best. They have like a whole shelf dedicated to Harry Potter. That's a true sign of legitimacy that needs to be recognized.

  • Jekiros

Amazon delivery all day long through UCSD at San Diego ... They have a couple point that you picked up your orders ... Amazing,

  • Shitian Li

Textbook clearly over priced, outfits not satisfactory, but otherwise pretty good. Nice place to get school and office supply.

  • Demosthenes Papamatheakis

Printing options,edical supplies, laptops and University stuff. Student pricing and overall better deals than average stores

  • Alexander

The best supplies resource for students, plenty of cute souvenirs for guests, and a convenient pickup location for Amazon.

  • Evangeline Flores

Nice caps. Great athletic wear. Less than friendly cashier. Otherwise great vibe and well stocked w travel sized items.

  • Petr Krysl

Lots of books plus a cafe plus a computer store plus Amazon pickup/dropoff. Nice. Minus: lots of people, all the time.

  • W B (Defy.Gravity)

I am an alumnist, I loved my time here. It was good to see all the old Hangouts and all the new campus facilities.

  • Julie Gunsaulis

Sam was super fun to talk to! She had great book suggestions and really cared about her job! Girl is killing it.

  • R F

Solid store for UCSD gear. Don't shop for school supplies here though, very overpriced. Go to walmart to save.

  • Sebastian Clark

They lose an entire star because Perks is closing. Otherwise, all you could want, plus things that go on sale

  • Dulce Knight

I always find last minute office supplies, but my best post is that is close to starbucks and Amazon locker

  • Jiesi Ren

I can't believe they carry loads of we bare bears, Pusheen, and gudetama merch.... BEST COLLEGE BOOKSTORE

  • Omar Alvarez

The male employee who helped me out was incredibly helpful and facilitated me dropping off my returns.

  • Ann Fisher

So much more than a bookstore. It is fun to go in there. You won't leave without buying something.

  • Alejandro Bustamante

You can find everything you need for your life in campus besides it's not a very expensive place

  • ifearedfate97

Students do their best to help you find what you need. Store is kept very neat and organized.

  • Ricardo Bustamante

The best feature is that you can find a broad selection of items at a reasonable price.

  • Dale Donchin

An overwhelming selection of merchandise, books, supplies, clothes, etc. Helpful staff.

  • Rafael Montilla

It's is a very pretty campus. Much larger than I thought. Had a great experience.

  • Ron March

Terrific campus that is continuously improving. Clean, quiet, and safe

  • Roger Lee

Impartial, has school supplies, convenient but above average prices

  • Ella Shinar

Not just a university but a great place in general to visit

  • Kimberly Acosta

Great had so many things, I wanted to buy the whole store.

  • varvara osipycheva

All books u need and a ton of cute squishy plushies :)

  • bashar mraish

Amazing gift shop, all items are branded with UCSD.

  • Chris Reavis

Great selection and blue 84 shirts are super soft.

  • David Khorram

A big school store. We stopped by for souvenirs.

  • Robert Sykes

Great bookstore especially the Textbook section

  • Timothy Blackmon (Tank)

Nice bookstore with lots of UCSD merch.

  • Jessie Zhou

A lot of items but pricey

  • Laura Gardner

Love the shirt i got lol

  • SW Choi

Coolest library.

  • Faceman Peck

Excellent

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