Smartcards
Details of how staff, students and visitors with red or white cards can obtain a new University smartcard.
The introduction of smartcards
The new, blue University smartcard for staff, students and visitors began to enter circulation in summer 2011, and replaces old red and white cards. Following recent roadshow events, more than 79% of University card holders are now using the new card, which incorporates modern smartcard technology.
Note that a smartcard will soon be required to access the Main Library, as all swipe access lanes will be replaced by smartcard-operated speedlanes by this summer.
How to get your smartcard
Remaining red and white card holders
If you still have a red or white University card, please come to one of the following Card Replacement Helpdesks to exchange your old card for a smartcard:
- The Main Library, Ground Floor, George Square.
- The Edinburgh College of Art Library, Evolution House, West Port.
- The Darwin Library, The King's Buildings.
- The Lady Smith of Kelvin Veterinary Library, Easter Bush Campus.
Your smartcard will become active the morning after you exchange it. If you need to use your card on the day of exchange, please let the Card Replacement Helpdesk staff know and they will advise you on the procedure for doing so.
Placement and exchange students
Next time you are in Edinburgh please get a replacement card by following the procedure for remaining red and white card holders, detailed above.
Distance learners
If you are currently studying via distance education, you do not need a new card as the facilities it provides are only available on campus. If you are on campus in future you can choose to get a replacement card by following the procedure for remaining red and white card holders, detailed above.
Functionality
The new University card contains a microchip so can be used for cashless catering and contactless door entry, where facilities exist, and speed lane access to the Main Library.
Existing access to services including library facilities, gym membership and building access permissions are automatically carried across to the new card.
Charges
If you bring your old card to exchange, or have never been issued with a University card, there will be no charge for the first issue of your new card. If your old card is lost, damaged or stolen then standard replacement fees apply.
This article was published on Apr 5, 2012