Hey Lions! Did you know that the YU-card is not simply a card with your name and photo on it? You can do so much with it to make your life easier on campus! As York University transitions from remote back to in-person classes, this is a must-read to find out how to make the most of your YU-card. If you’re new to York (or you’ve lost your YU-Card), apply for your YU-card today to enjoy all the benefits that come with it!
What is a YU-card?
The YU-card is your official photo identification, library card and debit card on campus at York! All in one!
How to Apply?
Students can apply online using the Photo Upload Tool. Simply login with your Passport York account, upload a passport style portrait and you’re good to go! Just wait three to five business days for a confirmation email sent to your York University email account. Once you have received the “YU-card Photo Approval” email, you can pick up your card at the YU-card Office in William Small Centre. Join the virtual line using the QLess queue management system located at the YU-card Office when you get there! Don’t forget to bring one piece of government-issued photo ID.
Alternatively, you can have the YU-card mailed to your address on file. Simply submit a YU-card Mail Request Form upon receiving the “YU-card Photo Approval” email. Make sure your Student Personal Information is up to date.
Pro tip: Apply early in the summer, as the YU-card Office becomes quite packed near the start of the academic year, and mailing can take two to three weeks.
Managing your YU-card
eAccounts
Just like personal online banking, York has its own online banking for the campus debit card called eAccounts. With eAccounts, you can easily make a deposit from your Visa card, Mastercard or debit card. Friends and family members are welcome to make a guest deposit as well. Keep track of all account activities, through the web portal linked above or the mobile app on Apple or Android! You can also make deposits in-person on campus by visiting the YU-card Office.
PHIL Stations
Have some spare cash that you’d like to add to your YU-card? At the YU-card Office and all libraries on campus, you can find PHIL Stations to make a deposit using cash. PHIL Stations take $5, $10, and $20 bills.
Lost or Stolen Card?
In the case of a lost or stolen card, immediately deactivate your account on eAccounts. Doing this will freeze your funds. Email the YU-card Office at yucard@yorku.ca or call (416) 736-5674 to notify them the issue. You can then visit the YU-card Office in person with a government issued photo identification to obtain a replacement card at a $30 cost. If your lost card has been returned to the YU-card Office upon your visit, then you’ll get it back at no cost.
Using Your YU-card
Now that you have made a deposit to your YU-card, where can you use it? Well, you can pretty much use it everywhere on campus.
Dining on campus
Pay with your YU-card at any on-campus eatery at Keele or Glendon. Check out York’s Dining Directory to find out all the places you can eat at while on campus! Download the York University Mobile Ordering app to order on the go. Once you login with Passport York, your YU-card flex dollars and meal plan dollars will automatically be linked. With YU-card, ordering food on campus is easier than ever!
Other locations to use your YU-card
You can also use you YU-card at the York Lanes Dental, Printing and Photocopying services at York Libraries and all vending machines on campus. If you live in any of the residences or York apartments, you will need your YU-card to access the laundry machines too. Check here for a full list of locations.
Special Deals
Scholar Dollars
We all know how expensive textbooks can be, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank! Pay with your YU-card at the York University Bookstore to get the best deal! Get 5% reward in Scholar Dollars for every purchase you make with YU-card. One Scholar Dollar is equal to one dollar. You can use your Scholar Dollars to purchase anything at the Bookstore! Think of all the York merch (or stationery) you can get!
Need to Renew Your Card?
Visit the YU-card Office with a government-issued photo ID to obtain a new card if your YU-card has expired and you’re continuing your study in the upcoming session(s), or if you’re a newly-admitted student who has previously graduated from York University.
Pro tip: Email yucard@yorku.ca in advance just to confirm your eligibility to obtain a new card and any supporting documents needed (e.g. course timetable).
To stay up to date on campus life and events, connect with York on social media. You can follow us on Facebook @YorkUStudents, Twitter @YorkUStudents, Instagram @studentlifeyu and with our weekly This Week @ York emails.
Monica Xiao
Monica Xiao is a second-year English & Professional Writing major at York University. She loves classical music, detective fiction, and just relaxing. She hopes to bring York's student community closer together through writing for the YUBlog.
