When you start university, you discover that being a student comes with many advantages. One of them is the student ID card, a document that not only identifies you within your university but also gives you access to exclusive services and discounts.
In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about the university student ID card and the benefits offered by some of the main universities in Catalonia.
What is a student ID card?
When you begin university, one of the first documents you may receive is your student ID card. Many people only use it to identify themselves within the university, but this card has many more benefits than simply using it on campus.
Depending on the university where you study, this card may give you access to different facilities and various discounts, such as:
- Libraries
- Sports facilities
- Transport discounts
- Cultural activities
- Academic software
- Offers at partner establishments
If you are going to study in Barcelona, Manresa, Sant Cugat or Girona and would like to live in a student residence such as Unihabit, knowing all these benefits will help you make the most of your university experience.

What is a student ID card used for?
The university student ID card confirms that you are enrolled at a university. For this reason, if you are studying, it is highly recommended that you know what it is used for. It is usually used to:
- Access buildings and libraries
- Book study rooms
- Use sports facilities
- Borrow books and materials
- Access digital platforms and services
- Get discounts on transport, culture and leisure
- Take part in university activities
The card may be digital or physical, so if it is more convenient for you, you can keep it on your mobile phone without any problem.
Student ID card benefits according to your university
Each university has its own benefits, which is why it is very important to know where you are going to study and identify the advantages offered by each university, such as discounts, campus access and different offers. Below, we will show you some of the main benefits offered by universities such as UB, UAB, UPF, UPC, UdG, Blanquerna and FUB Manresa.
University of Barcelona (UB)
If you study at UB, your student ID card will allow you to access many campus services and enjoy different benefits both inside and outside the university.
If you are also looking for student accommodation in Barcelona, the Barcelona Ciutat Vella student residence is an ideal option for UB students thanks to its central location, allowing you to stay close to the university and enjoy all the services the city has to offer.
Among the benefits are:
- Access to all UB libraries
- Borrowing books and digital resources
- Use of sports facilities at reduced rates
- Discounts on cultural activities and training
- Offers at partner shops and businesses
University Autonomous of Barcelona (UAB)
With the UAB student ID card, you can access university services and benefits that make your student life easier. It also includes several discounts that can help improve your overall experience.
If you study at UAB and are looking for a student residence with good connections to Barcelona and the university campus, the Sant Cugat student residence or the Gràcia student residence offers a comfortable environment for students, with spaces designed for studying, relaxing and sharing the university experience.
Some of the benefits include:
- Access to libraries and study rooms
- Sports services at special prices
- Discounts on cultural activities
- Mobility benefits within the campus
- Promotions at partner establishments
University Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
UPF students can use their student ID card to access different academic and cultural benefits.
If you study at UPF and are looking for accommodation in Barcelona, the Unihabit Barcelona Ciutat Vella student residence is an ideal option thanks to its central location and proximity to different university campuses, allowing you to save time on commuting and enjoy university life even more.
Its main benefits include:
- Access to libraries and study spaces
- Borrowing equipment and materials
- Discounts on cultural activities
- Access to sports services
- Benefits in mobility programmes and university activities
Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC)
UPC offers a very beneficial student ID card for students studying engineering, architecture and other technological fields.
If you are going to study at UPC and are looking for student accommodation, the Gràcia and Sant Cugat student residences are ideal options for students who want to live close to their study centres, with spaces adapted for studying and university life.
Its benefits include:
- Access to laboratories and libraries
- Use of technological resources
- Academic software licences
- Discounts on sports activities
- Promotions with partner companies in the technology sector
University of Girona (UdG)
The UdG university student ID card gives access to different benefits designed to make everyday student life easier. Here, you can also take the opportunity to stay at the Girona student residence.
These include:
- University libraries
- Sports facilities
- Cultural activities
- IT services
- Discounts at partner organisations
Blanquerna – Ramon Llull University
If you study at Blanquerna and stay at the Barcelona student residence, you will find the campus just a few minutes away, making your daily journey to university much easier. In addition, you will be able to use all the university services available.
With your student ID card, you can enjoy:
- Access to libraries
- Sports facilities
- Academic and cultural activities
- Discounts on training and events
- University services
FUB Manresa (University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia)
If you are going to study at FUB Manresa and are looking for accommodation close to the university, the Manresa student residence is an ideal option for living near the university, saving time on commuting and enjoying an environment designed for students.
Its benefits include:
- Access to libraries
- Use of study rooms
- Sports facilities
- Activities organised by the university
- Discounts on selected services and partner organisations
How to make the most of your student ID card
Many students do not know where to find all the information they need about student ID cards. For this reason, to get the most out of it, we recommend the following:
- Check your university’s website
- Review the promotions that are updated throughout the academic year
- Make use of the campus sports and cultural services
- Take advantage of free software licences
- Always carry your physical or digital student ID card
If you study in a city such as Barcelona, Girona, Sant Cugat or Manresa and choose a student residence such as Unihabit, you will have a great opportunity to live close to your university, make the most of its facilities and benefits, and enjoy your university experience.
You can also find more student tips on our Unihabit blog.
Frequently asked questions about the student ID card
Is the student ID card free?
At most universities, yes. It is usually issued once you have enrolled, although some institutions may charge a fee if the card is lost or if you request a replacement.
Can I use my student ID card outside the university?
Yes. You can access university services, museums, cinemas, bookshops and many other places. In addition, many businesses offer discounts to students with a valid university student ID card.
What should I do if I lose my university student ID card?
You should contact your university’s student services or administrative office to request a replacement. At some universities, you can also block your digital student ID card through the official app.
Is it compulsory to carry my student ID card?
Although it is not always compulsory, it is recommended that you carry it with you or have the digital version available, as it may be required to access certain buildings, libraries, activities or exams.





