The University Book Shop started life in 1945 with a committee set up in 1944 to consider the place of a dedicated bookshop serving the needs of the University community, particularly in a society with men returning from war, and a renewed focus on education for both men and women after a period of uncertainty and upheavel.
We are known for our thoughtfully chosen selection of books, and our support for contemporary New Zealand authors. If you’re interested in working at the UBS, we have a dedicated jobs portal on our UBS Staff Hub at www.ubsotago.com/pick-me
The UBS has something for everyone, and meets the specialised needs of students and academics. We are also experts at sourcing books – so if you’re finding it hard to track something down then we would love to hear from you!
Our popular book launches and events celebrate international and New Zealand authors.
Our much-loved Children’s Room helps even the littlest booklovers discover the magic of reading. We host a free story-time on The Magic Carpet every Friday at 10.30am and 3.30pm, and Saturday at 10.30am. Keep an eye out for our Bedtime Capers events at the end of the school terms.
Textbooks are an important part of what we do, resulting in some unbeatable collections covering Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy, the Sciences, Law, Commerce and the Humanities.
Our range of books includes contemporary literature and non-fiction, new releases, popular science, and the great works of literature. Our children’s and young adult sections continue to grow and we’re widely known for our leisure and lifestyle books including cook books, interior design, architecture, music and film (among many others!).
University Book Shop: one of New Zealand’s oldest and largest independent bookshops, and proud to be a part of Dunedin’s special UNESCO City of Literature status.
University Book Shop Otago… Dunedin’s best-kept shopping secret
Winter Hours (April-September): Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm | Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm
Summer Hours: (October-March): Monday-Friday 9am-6.00pm | Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
NZ Post: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm | Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
Semester 2 Buy Back List here
We’re buying back a selection of Semeter 2 textbooks, as well as confirmed First Year Health Science texts for Semester 1 2021. Check out the list here
Bring them in to either Great King Street or UBS On Campus. Cash ($50 or less) or Direct Credit straight to your bank account.
Winter Shopping Evening
Back by popular demand – a cheerful and cosy event on any booklover’s calendar!
Wednesday 22nd July, 5.00-7.30pm. 15% discount off all full-priced items (including books, stationery, giftware and chocolate) and winter treats.
2021 Summer Writer In Residence for an Emerging Writer
This annual residency, in conjunction with the Robert Lord Writers’ Cottage Trust and supported by the University of Otago Summer School, is open for applications from 1 July until 20 August 2020. The residency provides 6 weeks’ accommodation at the Writers’ Cottage, an office and administration support at University Book Shop (Otago), access to the Summer School programme, and a $1500 stipend. Visitwww.ubsotago.com/pick-me for background information and application form.