The USF Bookstores provide students with multiple on-campus, cost-saving textbook options including used, rental, and digital textbooks and course materials. Here are 7 ways to save money when purchasing course materials at the USF Bookstore:

1. Buy What is Needed

Not all course materials are created equal; knowing the difference between the types of materials at the USF Bookstore can help save students money. As a safe rule, always refer to a course’s syllabus if unsure!

  • Required: these materials are necessary for the course.
  • Recommended: these materials were suggested by the instructor and may be helpful but are not necessary to be successful in the class. Purchase only if desired.
  • Choice: students can pick their preferred version of an item; one option is usually required for the course. Be sure to check with the instructor for more information.

2. Buy Used Textbooks

Students can save money by selecting used print books, instead of purchasing new ones. These books have been used before by another student for at least one semester and are sold at discounted rates.

3. Rent Textbooks

The USF Bookstore’s rental program allows students to save up to 80% off the price of a new textbook. Renting allows students to highlight and take notes in their textbook during the semester, then return it after finals week. Students can often buy the book at the end of the term as well. Learn more about textbook rentals here.

4. Buy Digital Textbooks

Purchasing digital course materials can save students up to 80% off the price of a new print textbook. Ebooks are almost always less expensive than print books and feature the same material (sometimes ebooks even include bonus content like audio clips, videos, quizzes, and more). Students also have more flexibility with ebooks and can read them anywhere using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Learn more about digital textbooks here. 

5. Know What Comes with an Access Code

These single-use codes give students access to online homework, study, and test systems. Many times, access codes include an ebook. However, every publisher is different and it’s important to know what is included to ensure students do not buy more than they need. Learn more about digital content and access codes here.

6. Sell Textbooks Back to the Bookstore

Students who purchase new or used print books through the USF Bookstore can sell their books back for cash after finals week during the “buyback” period. As long as the book is in good, usable condition, it can be sold back for as much as 50% of the original price. Learn more about textbook sellback here.

7. Price Match to Lower the Cost

The USF Bookstore price match program is for textbooks (rental, used and new only) that are currently in-stock on the bookstore website as well as the competitor site.

Prices are matched against Amazon, Barnes & Noble or a local campus competitor. Exclusions and restrictions apply, learn more about price matching here.

Click to read more about the USF ACCESS Program

USF ACCESS is Follet’s course materials savings program available only through the USF Bookstore. It is designed to reduce the cost of required instructional materials (up to 50% on digital titles) and ensure students have access on the first day of class.

Students FAQ

  • What is the USF ACCESS Program?  The USF ACCESS program is a partnership between the professor, the publisher, and the bookstore, where we work to offer the student the lowest price for their course materials. Not all classes participate, so check your booklist with your U-number here. You must “opt-in” before the posted date to participate in this program.
  • What is “opt-in”?  Right now, on campus, we are an “opt-in” program. What this means is that the student will receive an email, asking if they want to “opt-in” to the class. They will follow the link, enter their student email, “opt-in,” and the materials will be delivered electronically to them. If you cannot participate or prefer a physical book, we may offer an alternative listed as a “choice” title on our website.
  • How do I opt-in?  You can opt-in by following the link in the automated email you received. You can also use this link here.
  • How long do I have to opt-in?  Opt-in opens 1-2 weeks before classes start and lasts 1-2 weeks into the semester. The exact dates will be sent to your professor and be listed in your automated emails.
  • I just added the class. Why can’t I opt-in?  The system updates overnight so you will not be able to opt-in until the next day.
  • The opt-in portal does not recognize my email and states that I am not enrolled in any courses.If the system does not recognize your email, it could be that you have a different email address associated with your student account. The system pulls directly from OASIS so it will pull any email that is linked to your account there.
  • How do I change the email associated with my account?When you log into your OASIS account, you will select the ‘Personal Information’ section. From there, you will hit ‘Update E-mail Addresses.’ USF put instructions for how to change it along the top.
  • I accidentally opted out. Why won’t it let me opt-in again?  The system needs time to either create or remove access. You will be able to opt-in again within twenty-four hours. 
  • How much does opting in cost?The cost for opting in is posted in the opt-in screen of the Customer portal. We also list the cost in the section note of our website.
  • How do I pay for the program?  The material is billed to your OASIS account under “Tuition and Fees.” This is money that you will pay to the University.
  • Does Financial Aid cover my course materials through this program?  Yes, if you have enough funds and if you opt-in during the Financial Aid period, your material will be covered by your Financial Aid. If not, it will show up on your Oasis account as a “Bookstore Charge.”
  • How do I obtain the materials after I opt-in?  There are three ways to obtain the material, depending on what it is. For courseware items (Connect, MindTap, WileyPlus, etc), you will either receive an access code in your email or the material will deliver through your course in Canvas. Ebooks are delivered through Brytewave. You can look at the notes on our website or instructions from your professor to determine what delivery method your material is.
  • The link I received in my email with the access code does not work.If the link in the email does not work, please redeem your access code through your course in Canvas. The link sent out can be a generic once used for multiple classes, but the links embedded in your course in Canvas should be the specific one for your course. Simply click on your course in Canvas and look for the link for your courseware. It may be under modules. When in doubt, ask your instructor.
  • How do I access my material from Brytewave?  You can go to https://brytewave.redshelf.com and use the “forgot password” feature with your student email. 
  • I dropped the class. How do I opt out and remove the charges from my account?  Dropping the class will automatically revoke access and start the refund process.
  • When will the charges appear/disappear from my student account?  The billing does not happen in real time. Please allow a week or two for the charges to appear or disappear from your OASIS account.

Visit the USF Bookstore campus websites for more information: