Idaho State University Bookstore - Pocatello - Pocatello, Idaho

Andrew G.

Probably the single worst aspect of the University Of Idaho. All their resources are dedicated to obscenely over priced sweaters and the Book Bundle, which they claim the majority of students like. In truth I haven't met a single person who thinks its a good idea. For the average FT student with 12 credits they're gonna spend $300 per semester for rented materials that they can find online for cheaper. After opting out of the book bundle (for which all students are automatically registered, even when entire colleges tell their students to opt out because it has no value to them.) you'll find they don't even carry required materials for courses that have been in the program for several years. After calling them the best I got was "you'll have to look for this from a third party."
I have no idea how such a program got green lit in the first place, the metrics they use to promote it are spectacularly cherry picked and only represent savings if you intend to purchase hard copies of your materials brand new. For digital platforms like ALEKS you can save around ten dollars just by purchasing your 180 day access license directly and cutting out the middle man. The book bundle seeks to exploit students, many of whom are just coming out of high school. While being bombarded by emails about registration and news letters and many other things on the mailing list many don't take the time to read each one and fail to realize just how bad of an option the book bundle is, and you bet that baby's non refundable.
Granted they do give you an extended period to opt out after classes begin, but you really shouldn't have to look out to protect yourself financially from the University you are trusting with your education.
Book Bundle would have cost me $700 (for RENTED materials that I would have lost access to after each semester) for my fall and spring terms this year, after seeking out materials independently I've only spent roughly 300 bucks for materials that I retain ownership of across both semesters!

jake D.

The ISU book bundle is incredibly predatory and mismanaged. Forcing students to opt out of something they never agreed to with the only communication being our ISU emails that are spammed with adds that look just like the book bundle emails is downright wrong. The fact that there was no leniency to this new poorly communicated policy and that I was charged 150 for textbooks I never received or that the only way to deal with this is to contact the bookstore which doesnt have a working number or through an obscure website link make this one of the most unfortunate programs i have had the misfortune of being a part of.

There is the potential for this to be positive but as it stands its just a predatory cash grab

Steven H.

There is something called the book bundle at ISU. It's this thing where the book store can rent all your text books to you for a discounted price. The problem with it is EVERY student at ISU is automatically enrolled in it. They do send out emails that inform you that you can opt out, but I know students (me included) who brushed the emails aside because we thought they were just trying to get us to buy books. Anyways I ended up paying over 300 for RENTED materials that I never used. Whatever genus at ISU who thought automaticly opting in students was a good idea should be fired.
PLEASE ISU change the book bundle. It honestly seems like a cheep attempt at a cash grab.

Crystal A.

ISU Pocatello bookstore provides outstanding customer service with the best interest of students as a guiding principle. Michael, the manager of the store, has a wealth of knowledge and an endless well of patience. I've rarely received such excellent customer service anywhere, and the efforts made to ensure students are provided with the most economical solutions is rare, especially for a campus based bookstore. After working with Michael and his team to obtain my course materials, this bookstore will always be my go-to for the lowest prices with the most personalized service. This store is truly a gem!

A J. C.

Kind staff, and good service, but sleazy price gouging, censorship, and horrible cash-grabbing practices from ISU admins. This latest "Book Bundle" fiasco was a horrendous idea, and making it "opt-out" was the cherry on top. I am dropping my review to 1 star due to the following reasons:

EDIT, 01/10/25: For Semester 2 of the Book Bundle, this time, I saved $171.95 on ONE textbook by finding it elsewhere. It took 4 minutes.

Also, funnily enough, it appears as though my photos comparing prices with the Book Bundle VS other sites have been removed from this review. They also edited and censored my original review, which detailed my exact savings, the difficulties I had with opting out, and how I had to call the bookstore to figure it out.

I will have to tread carefully so I don't get censored again. Don't think I don't see you, ISU admins. Maybe instead of censoring posts, fix the thing we're complaining about. I'm not the only one. And to the poor student or intern who is forced to edit this, please consider what you are doing. You are helping scam not just poor, indebted, young kids who are trying to learn and grow, but older students as well who don't know or understand how to opt out and are being siphoned of their money for their ignorance.

This time I will provide photos of my original review and the new photos of my savings.

TL;DR: DO NOT SUPPORT ISU BOOKSTORE, THE BOOK BUNDLE IS A SCAM

Jennifer R.

Each time I've needed something in regards to textbooks this is my go to place! They always know exactly what I need (I usually dont!) & their customer service is phenomenal. Hally, I believe, has outstanding patience & comes across as an extremely respectful, young lady. & I only had the pleasure of speaking with her over the phone.

Michele U.

There’s a LOT of construction now and you have to go in through the movie theater part. The staff members were helpful and I was out pretty quickly.

Camry B.

I was recently in, and was struggling on finding what books and or supplies I would need. I can not remember the guys name that helped me but he took at least 20 minutes to help me. He even looked up my schedule through my information to see what I would need. He also pointed out I had a class in Idaho falls that I signed up for my accident. I had help until all my supplies was figured out. Thank you again! He really went above and beyond!!!