Before I leave my house every day, I check to make sure I have my phone, keys, wallet and Blugold ID. Our Blugold, as us insiders call it, has so many purposes. Here is a list of things I have learned my ID is good for over my four years at UW-Eau Claire.
- Meal Plan Access
Every student living on campus is required to have a meal plan. Meal plans are linked to your Blugold and get swiped when entering the cafeteria to show which plan you have.
- Textbook rentals at the University Bookstore
Each semester, every student needs to get new textbooks. Whether you are renting books or buying, you must bring your Blugold. Your Blugold helps keep track of the books you have checked out.
- Borrow material or reserve study rooms at McIntyre Library
McIntyre Library offers many different materials for students to check out such as laptops, cameras, study rooms, and of course, books. To take advantage of these perks, students must present their Blugold at the information desk.
- Sporting events
As college students, we all want to find things to do for free! Using your Blugold at any university sporting event, excluding playoffs or other qualifying matches; gets you into the event for free.
- Campus activities and events
At UW-Eau Claire, we are lucky enough to host many guest speakers, concerts, and forums. When getting a ticket for any activity or event on campus, students must show their Blugold to receive their ticket for a free or reduced price.
- Door access to residence halls
For safety, residence hall doors close and lock automatically. To get into the halls, you need to swipe your Blugold to unlock the door.
- Access to workout classes in Crest
As a student, you have access to a variety of different exercise classes from yoga to cycling in the recreation facilities on campus and with a Blugold, you get in free.
- Gym membership to Crest or Mcphee
The university has two different workout facilities on campus where students can buy a membership for the semester or the year. The membership will become linked to your Blugold so you will need to bring the ID whenever you want to go to the gym.
- To play intramural sports
Everyone player on an Intramural sports team needs to bring their ID to every game to prove they are a UW-Eau Claire student and are on their particular team’s roster.
- Blugold Account debit card system
Every student can put money on their Blugold ID from their debit or credit card and to use for laundry, front desk purchases and even food purchases at Davies.
- Free Use of the Eau Claire Transit System
Just as the caption says, students can use the Eau Claire Transit system for free with their Blugold to get around campus or around town.
As a graduating senior I can honestly say that I would be lost without my Blugold. Now that you know the many powers of your ID, make sure you have it with you at all times and take advantage of the perks your Blugold possesses over your college career.
