FAQs
What is the University card?
The University Card is a credit card sized card we issue to all students and staff. You use your card to access buildings on campus, print documents from our centralised printing system, and borrow library books.
For students, the card details your student number and examination candidate number. You will need your card when sitting examinations as well as for handing in assessed work.
Who needs a University card?
Anyone working or studying at the University needs a University Card so that they can access buildings and some of our systems. There are three different types of card issued and your use of the card depends on whether you're a student, member of staff or an associate.
- Staff use the card for door access and for centralised printing.
- Students use the card for door access, photo ID, exams ID, as a library card and for centralised printing.
- Associates use the card for door access and centralised printing.
I am a student and a member of staff - do I need two cards?
In most cases you should only require your student University card. Any functionality you require as a member of staff can be added to your student University Card.
Can I punch a hole in the card to wear around my neck?
Please don't! The card contains an antenna which is used by the chip and this may get damaged. Lanyards and card holders are available from Ron Cooke Hub reception on Campus East, the Information Centre on Campus West or the UniCard team.
Can I use my card to get discounts?
This is at the discretion of the retailer. The University card is not intended to be a discount card. Excellent discounts from many services and businesses in York (and in other places) are available if you have a National Union of Students (NUS) TOTUM Card. Find out more from University of York Students' Union.
Any discounts offered by retailers to York students are independent of the University and outside of the scope of the terms of use of this card.
Can I use my card to prove I study at the University?
Yes. Your card is set up as an ID card and you will be able to use the card to prove your identity and the fact that you study at the University.
Will I have to show my card to get into examinations?
Yes. Your University Card will be required when you go into an examination. It is used as proof of your identity.
Are you collecting data about me on the card?
No personal information will be collected on the card chip – only reference numbers for use by internal University systems.
The information needed to log your library books, open the rooms where you have access and open car parking barriers and prompt printing will be stored. This is not information about you; it is information necessary for you to carry out your day-to-day activities.
Cards will be issued in accordance with the Data Protection Act which prevents any misuse of information and guarantees you will always be informed of exactly what information is collected and for what purpose the information will be used.