Find out about your student ID card, where and when to collect it and what to do if you lose it.

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About your student ID card

You should carry your student ID card with you whenever you’re on campus or at a University event. It’s the size of a credit card.

It’s the card you use to access the Library and is required identification for sitting exams.

Your student ID card has several identifiers and is unique to you, so don’t lend it to anyone else.

Elements of your ID card

Your ID card contains your:

  • name
  • date of birth
  • photograph
  • registration number
  • candidate number
  • person code
  • barcode number.

It also outlines whether you’re full-time or part-time, your level of study and the valid dates of your ID card.

Select the image to view it in a separate tab.

A visual representation of a Sussex student ID card

It’s not a student discount card

Your Sussex student ID card is not the same thing as the TOTUM card you get as a member of the Students’ Union or an ISIC card.

Online Distance Learning

If you are studying remotely as an Online Distance Learning student, you won’t automatically receive a student ID card.

If you want to visit campus or access on-campus services, you can request a student ID card by emailing your Student Success advisor at studentsuccess@sussex.ac.uk.

Getting your student ID card as a new student

You will be asked to upload a passport style photo as part of the online registration process. This photo will be used to produce your ID card. If you decide you want a different picture on your student ID card, or you have uploaded an inappropriate picture, a reprint costs £10. 

If you complete registration before Welcome Week, your ID card should be waiting for you when you arrive. If you complete registration when you arrive at the University, it can take up to 3 working days for your ID card to be ready for collection.

Once you have completed registration, if you don't require a visa, you will be able to collect your student ID card from the Student Centre.

ID card collection is organised alphabetically based on the first letter of your surname. Check the timetable (to be published shortly) to find out when to collect your card. Make sure you collect your ID on the day we tell you.

If you are expecting a maintenance loan, once you have collected your ID card we will tell Student Finance that you have arrived at the University. After we confirm this with Student Finance, it can take between three and five working days for funds to transfer to your bank account. The earliest possible payment date for most students will be Monday 29 September, which is the start of teaching.

Collecting your ID card if you are on a visa

If you are an international student on a student visa, you must come to an in-person registration session to complete the registration process and collect your student ID card. 

If you are on a non-student visa, we will make arrangements for you to collect your ID card once your registration status has been confirmed.

Lost, stolen or damaged cards

You’ll have to pay a replacement card fee for lost or damaged cards. You won’t be charged if your card was stolen and you can provide a crime reference number from the police.

Transferring to a new course

If you transfer to a new course with a different end date, you’ll need to replace your card. You won’t be charged for this.

Withdrawing from a course

If you temporarily withdraw from your course, you can keep your student ID card, but you must inform the library membership services. When you return to Sussex you must get a replacement card which shows the new end date for your course. You will not be charged.

If you are studying at Sussex with a visa, see how changes to your course of study may affect this.

Getting a replacement student ID card

To order a replacement card, fill in this form:

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