A STUDENT card is provided to each university student as an identification document to verify his status.
It is one of the first things that students receive upon enrolling at a tertiary education institution.
Apart from identification, student cards serve a very important purpose in helping students to save.
By flashing the cards,they are eligible for a plethora of financial benefits from their universities and retailers.
The benefits are available across different categories ranging from education, transportation, food and beverages to entertainment.
Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation student Ryan Yap Mun Fai, 19, owns three student cards — namely the APU student card, Kad Diskaun Siswa from Bank Rakyat and MyRapid student concession card.
Students are provided with cheaper options, said Yap.
“The cards allow me to save while I can, which is extremely important if you’re a student.”
His student identification cards entitle him to a number of benefits on campus.
“With my APU student card, I can get access to many facilities at university, such as the gym,e-Library system and shuttle bus.
“I can also preload the card and use it to pay for printing services and purchase food or any items at the cafe and convenience store on campus,” added Yap.
While the privileges and rewards exist, it begs the question: do varsity students in the country make the most of the student cards?
FOR Abdul Hakim Abdul Rahim, 19, from Universiti Malaya, his university student card offers him more convenience and flexibility in his studies.
“The card gives me access to the UM library and the 24-hour study area. I can also borrow any books from the library for free.”
Lim Jia Hao, 22, from Universiti Putra Malaysia said that he uses his student cards frequently.
“To get around campus, I need to show my student card before boarding the UPM bus. I also use the card to access the university library.
“Not only that, the credit inside the card can be used to buy textbooks in UPM, as a part of the university’s book plan.”
Lim said he makes full use of MyRapid student concession card and KTM i-card to board public transportation.
“I use the KTM i-card every week as well as to get to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan to return to my hometown in Johor.”
Lee Wai Yen, 21, from APU said: “My student card enables me to access the parking facilities, gym and meeting rooms. I can also track my expenses and use the card for the shuttle bus services.”
GET GREAT DEALS
All work and no play is not the healthy way to live. Students need to find a balance between studies and social life.
With the student cards, attending a university in the city does not stop Abdul Hakim from being cost-savvy when it comes to entertainment.
“I often use my student card to buy movie tickets at MBO and TGV for a cheaper price which is a huge money saver.
“There is also a discount for students subscribing to digital platforms like Apple Music. On average, I can save about RM50 to RM70 a month,” said Abdul Hakim.
According to Lim, entertainment serves as an affordable form of a stress-reliever.
“During my free time, I watch movies and go bowling where I can get discounts with my student card.
“I also enjoy going out to sing karaoke with my friends at Neway Karaoke and Loudspeaker which offer a special price for students,” said Lim.
Students can also score great deals at certain food outlets.
Lim said: “As a student, I am entitled to discounts at popular restaurants such as Kenny Rogers Roasters and Bar BQ Plaza. In total, I can save up to RM50 each month.”
“I have experienced getting a student discount for a buffet treat at Seoul Garden,” added Abdul Hakim.
Yap pointed out that students can also get special deals at The Chicken Rice Shop as well as five per cent off at KFC.
Apart from being a means to unwind, going out is also essential to purchase necessities for their studies.
Lee said: “I can use my student ID to buy books and stationery at Popular bookstore and Apple products for a lower price. Students are entitled to RM500 discount for electronic devices like laptops and iPads.”
Yap added: “There are student discounts at Times bookshop and Orange Technology where I can get up to 15 per cent off for computers. After making use of these deals, my monthly savings can increase by RM80 to RM100.”
It is important for students to look presentable in class especially when there is a presentation.
“To buy clothes for university, I can get discounts from outlets like Cotton On and Forever 21,” said Lee.
LACK OF AWARENESS
However, some university students are in the dark about the various perks of a student card.
Universiti Teknologi Mara chemical engineering student Sofea Jasmeen Johari, 21, said that she seldom uses her student cards.
“I only use the card for discounts when buying books and to gain access to the Society of Petroleum Engineers which is a paid journal, for free.
“Personally, I have yet to use the card for
food or lifestyle. Except for the ones that I mentioned, I don’t really know much about the use of the card. That is why I don’t use it more often,” added Sofea.
Danial Azman, 23, from International Islamic University Malaysia said that there is a lack of awareness among students.
“Many students do not know about the special discounts or the process of getting the transportation concession cards.
“As a user since 2015, the tedious renewal process can be a reason why students do not use it that much,” said Danial.
According to Lim, it is unfortunate that some students do not appreciate the advantages that come with owning the student cards.
“It’s a pity and a waste that they don’t make good use of the student card. They should be more aware about the benefits while they are at university.”
Lim added: “Today, it should be easy for students to gain information online from social media. They can find out about student promotions offered by stores easily, especially on food and beverages.”
Meanwhile, Abdul Hakim said that the lack of use may be due to insufficient information and promotion.
“We rarely see universities informing students about the benefits or other companies actively reaching out to promote their products to students. Students will only know about the discounts whenever we discover them ourselves.”