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Orientation & First-Year Programs

First-Year Students

Your U Card

It's important to get your U Card on Day 2 of orientation because your U Card is the University of Minnesota's official student ID card and more!

We've listed a few ways you can use your U Card at the University right away.

You must have your U Card to:

  • order your U-Pass (bus pass)
  • gain access to your residence hall during move-in weekend (and thereafter)
  • access your meal plan at residential dining facilities
  • charge books to your Student Account at the University of Minnesota Bookstores
  • access the recreation center
  • get discounted athletic or arts tickets

Get your U Card one of two ways:

1) Complete and return the U Card Express service forms you'll get in the mail from the U Card Office.

Getting your U Card this way saves you time by letting you avoid long lines when you arrive at the U Card Office during orientation to pick up your U Card.

Please note: We must receive your return information in our office no later than two weeks prior to your orientation to pre-print your U Card and have it ready and waiting for you on your second day of orientation.

2) Visit the U Card Office on Day 2 of your orientation with a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or high school ID) to have your picture taken and receive your U Card.

www.umn.edu/ucard