Textbooks, car insurance, and food are all pricey necessities for college students. However, there is a card that can save you money on all of those items. It sounds like magic, but it’s actually your student ID — the OneCard.
For modest college students, saving money is a number one priority. It’s a lesser-known fact that many local shops and restaurants offer discounts to students if you bring in your student ID — and who doesn’t love pinching a few pennies to put towards expensive textbooks?
At Salt Lake Community College the OneCard is your official student ID and your key to campus life. Your OneCard provides convenient and instant access to all your financial aid and campus funds. Students must be enrolled in classes to obtain a OneCard.
“The OneCard is easy to use and is necessary for all students,” says Christine Pratt, ID sector specialist at South City Campus. “If students want to take tests in the testing center, they are required to have a OneCard with them.”
OneCard perks on (and off) campus
In addition to being your student ID, the OneCard also functions as a pre-paid Discover debit card. The OneCard can be loaded with money via your Bruin Bucks account for on-campus purchases such as food, bookstore textbooks, as well as for paying tuition and fees. It is a nonexchangeable ID card, meaning only the designated cardholder can utilize the OneCard for purchases and student privileges.
But that’s not all — the OneCard continues to be your one-stop shop to use at all campus retail locations for discounts and incentives. Students may also use their OneCard in campus computer labs for printing assignments.
For other needs, Amazon, Sam’s Club, J. Crew, The Apple Store, AT&T, Jiffy Lube, 24-hour fitness and Esurance also offer student discounts. These discounts range from five up to 50 percent off.
Last but not least, the OneCard also may be used as your bus pass, should you choose to purchase a service with UTA.
Where to get and manage a OneCard
All SLCC OneCards are issued at any one of four ID center locations at the Taylorsville Redwood, South City, Jordan and Miller campuses. The first OneCard issued to a student is at no charge; however, there is a replacement fee for cards lost. To obtain a OneCard, students must provide proper photo identification, such as a driver’s license, State ID, or passport.
Students can check their Bruin Bucks account balance and make deposits by visiting a OneCard self-deposit machine in the Student Center or Library on the Taylorsville Redwood Campus. Additional OneCard self-deposit machines will soon be available at South City, Jordan and Miller campuses as well.
More information and updates, including special offers and discounts, can be found by visiting the Salt Lake Community College Student Life Facebook page.
“If saving money can be as easy as flashing that little blue card,” says Trevor McCollin, a nineteen-year-old SLCC student, “then why wouldn’t you take full advantage?”
