For many students having an ID card on campus may not be the first or most important thing to think about. Although the process of getting an ID card is rather simple, not all students think it’s worth the time.
According to Interim Program assistant, Aaron Jimenez, “The beginning of the semester everyone’s trying to get one so I recommend getting the ID before the start of the semester” he said.
In order to get an ID card, students need to go to the Student Services building in the middle of campus. At the welcome desk, an attendant will help assist.
Nicole Almassy, Director of Outreach and Welcome Services, said, “In order to get an ID students need two things, their schedule, and a passport, or a driver’s license or an ID card.”
Then, students will take a photo and a sticker will be placed on the ID. “Students can use their preferred name by going into settings on Insite and adding in their preferred name and can change it at any time,” said Almassy.
The preferred name will be the one printed on the student ID.
According to the student ambassador of Outreach and Welcome Services, Janzie Rink, the process is important.
“It’s a way for [students] to check out things like library books and it’s a good thing to have to verify you’re a student. I also know it’s good because there are certain places that give discounts like Spotify,” said Rink.
Now what exactly can students get with an ID card? Well, for starters, the Marketplace on campus is similar to a grocery store and allows students to grab 15 items. At the entrance, a student ID is needed in order to sign in. It’s also beneficial to have a school ID to access events on campus or the Science building, as it requires an ID for entry.
Almassy said that IDs are very important for students.
“There are lots of great reasons to get an ID like the library, Athletics classes, financial aid, counseling, and other resources,” said Almassy.
On the Brentwood campus students are also able to get IDs as well.
“In the community, lots of museums, movies, food places, and online places [offer discounts]” Almassy said.
Although outside of campus having an ID card can also benefit.
In San Francisco, most museums give a student entry discount, and can even be free on the last Thursday of every month.
Another thing to consider is having an ID card will give students access to much more than attending places.
Carlos Vargas, a Student Life Ambassador, said that he used his school ID for a student discount. “I got a SoundCloud discount. The original is 10.99 a month but instead, I get it for 5.99” said Vargas. “Chase also has a college checking account”.
Students can access Spotify, Amazon, Walmart, Target, Apple Music, Netflix, Hulu, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Evernote. All of these options will be cheaper and more affordable for those in college or depending on if the school pays for it potentially free.
For example, Los Medanos College pays for students to receive Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud which allows students to be able to send emails or even create inspiring projects, and will next semester only pay for those in courses that use Adobe Creative Cloud.
Student Kirsten Shahan has used her ID for some benefits. “I’ve used my ID number for Spotify, Amazon Prime, and even Hulu and Disney+,” Shahan said. “Normally Spotify is 9.99 but I only pay 5.99 and for Hulu and Disney+ it’s 1.99 a month with an ad plan but I pay 5.99 a month without it. Also, Amazon Prime is only 7.49 per month or $69 a year and I got a 6-month trial free.”
Students also tend to go out a lot during college so having access to student discounts for restaurants can help.
Places such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Papa John’s, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Pizza Hut offer anywhere between 15% to free cheeseburgers and Mcflurries depending on orders. Also, starting this upcoming Tuesday, Jamba Juice will give students a 20% discount when they show ID.
If a student wants to work off the fast food, they are also eligible for 10% off at 24 Hour Fitness. Under Armor, Nike, Champion, and Adidas also give 15% off of purchases when showing a school ID.
In case a student falls at the gym, they can get discounted premium insurance using their school ID with Farmers, Geico, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, and Progressive. As well as 25% off State Farm if good grades are maintained.
If a student wants to travel during break they can even access Amtrak for 15% off, Uber rides for cheaper, Travelosophy for cheaper flights, and also American Airlines for student discounts. Having a school id can be beneficial overall allowing students to get the discounts they need, identify themselves, and use resources on campus.
