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UvA Students UvA Students

Student ID card

Student ID card

A student ID card is an important document that you will need throughout your studies at the UvA. It can be used for everything from entering UvA buildings, to borrowing books from the library, to getting discounts and making payments.

1. Apply for your student ID card 1 month before starting at the UvA

As a new student at the UvA, you must apply for a student ID card. You can do this from one month before you start at the UvA. You will need:

  • your UvAnetID: every new student receives an email with their UvAnetID and password
  • a passport photo: see photo requirements below
Apply for your student ID Card Have your passport photo ready
  • What are the requirements for my passport photo?​

    Please ensure that your passport photo meets at least the following requirements:​

    1. It must be a clear, recent passport-quality passport photo. The photo must be clear and detailed and must provide sufficient contrast (not too light or too dark).
    2. It must be a good likeness of you.
    3. The file must be a JPEG, PNG, GIF or BMP file.
    4. The file must be no smaller than 50 KB and no bigger than 3 MB.
    5. Your face (chin, mouth, nose, eyes and eyebrows) must be fully visible, even with head covering, and you must be facing forwards.
    6. The main part of the photo must be your face.
    7. The photo must be of one person only.
    8. The photo can be colour or black and white.
    9. Photos with a Snapchat (or similar) filter are not permitted.

    Please note: Your student ID card  also serves as a proof of identity. When you use an unclear or unusable picture your student ID card will not be considered valid.

2. Get your student ID card

Your student ID card will be mailed to your home address if:

  • you applied for your student ID card before 3 September
  • you provided a home address in the Netherlands in Studielink
  • you are starting your degree programme in September

Haven’t received your pass by 8 September? Please contact a UvA service point or service desk (see below).

You must pick up your student ID card if:

  • You applied for your student ID card after 3 September
    And/or:
  • You provided a home address in Studielink that is outside of the Netherlands

In this case:

  • You will receive an email in your UvA account telling you where you can pick up your card.
  • Your student ID card will be kept for you to pick up at a UvA Service Point.
  • You must show a valid proof of identity (ID, passport, driver's license) when collecting your student ID card.

3. Activate your student ID card by 1 October

You need to activate your student ID card to be able to make use of all its functionalities. You won’t be able use this card to pay for printing, coffee or other payments until the card is activated.

To activate your card before 1 October:

To activate your card after 1 October:

  • After 1 October you need to go to a UvA Service Point. 
  • You will need to show a valid proof of identity (ID, passport, driver's licence). 
  • When do I use my student ID card?

    You need your student ID card to

    • confirm your identity when attending classes and when using study centres at all UvA locations. 
      Please note: you need a valid proof of identity (ID card or passport) to confirm your identity for exams.
    • borrow books from the university library
    • get entrance to bicycle and car parkings when authorised
    • get student discounts offered by the University Sports Centre (USC), the student cultural organisation CREA, etc.
    • make payments:
      ​- at the vending machines selling hot and cold drinks and sweets
      ​- to use printers
      - at the library information desks (in addition to using a debit card)
      - at the catering locations

Frequently asked questions

  • Where can I find the UvA Service Points for Students?

    You will find the UvA Service Points on each campus. See Locations for the actual opening hours of all buildings.

    Roeterseilandcampus - building B/C/D (entrance B/C)

    Nieuwe Achtergracht 166
    1018 WV Amsterdam

    The REC Service point is at building B/C/D mail hall ground floor,
    It is open Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 20:00 uur and Friday from 08:00 to 18:00.

    Science Park 904

    Science Park 904
    1098 XH Amsterdam

    At the Science Park the library information desk serves as a service point.
    It is open Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 16:00.

    University Library

    Singel 425
    1012 WP Amsterdam

    At the University Quarter the service point is the reference desk of the Information Centre at the UB Singel (first floor).
    It is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:30. On Saturday, it is open from 10:00 to 18:00.

  • What should I do in the event of loss or theft?
    • You can block your student ID card via myuvacard (mijnUvApas), at REC B/C/D and at University Library.
    • Apply for a new student ID card from myuvacard.nl (payment via iDeal). A new student ID card costs €15 (covering production, administration and postage costs).
    • Was your card stolen and did you report the theft to the police? Take the police report to one of the service desks to apply for a new student ID card free of charge.
    • You will receive an email telling you when you can pick up your new student ID card. The credit on your old student ID card will automatically be loaded onto your new card.

Contact Service Desk Facility Services (FS)

T: 020 525 1403
E: servicedesk-fs@uva.nl
WhatsApp: 06 48347669 (Mon. - Fri. 9.00 - 17.00 Hr)

Facility services forms

Access all the forms you need to report malfunctions, submit and keep track of reports: www.uva.nl/fs-meldingen (new window).