What is the YU-card?
The YU-card is York University’s Official ID & Debit Card. It’s the one card you need to access services such as the library, recreation facilities, exams, food, meal plans, shopping, events, discounts and more. It is also a debit card you can use across campuses to save time and money – perfect for being on the go.
How do I obtain a YU-card?
Visit the YU-card Office at William Small Centre (WSC) 222, on Keele campus, or the Student Housing at Glendon Campus. You’ll need to take the Glendon-Keele shuttle to get there. Make sure you bring a piece of Canadian photo ID or your passport with you!
How do I add money to YU-card?
You can use a YU-card ‘PHIL’ Station to add funds using cash ($5, $10 and $20 bills) or to check your account balance. There is a YU-card station at Glendon located in Frost library.
You can top up online using the Online YU-card Office. Payments can be made using Visa or MasterCard by login into your Passport York login.
Your family and friends can also add money to your YU-card by going to this page and clicking on “Guest Deposit”. Make sure they have your student number in order to make the deposit.
What Kind of Accounts Can I Get with My YU-card?
Funds on your plan are separated into two accounts – Meal Plan and Meal Plan Plus. Funds in the Meal Plan Plus account can be spent at all locations that accept meal plan as a form of payment, however funds in the Meal Plan account can only be used in specified locations listed here.
How do I budget my meal plan?
If you’re living in residence, you will need to pay for your meal plan in two instalments, for each term you live in residence. For the Fall, typically in September, and for the Winter, typically in January, essentially at the same time as your course fees – however, you will receive ALL of your meal plan dollars up-front when you move in.
Types of meal plans available and how to manage my plan
Are you a York Student (not living in York Residence), Faculty/Staff Member, or York community member who wishes to have a Meal Plan? You can now purchase a Convenience Meal Plan packed with Meal Plan Plus Dollars!
How to cancel my plan
Meal plans are not fully refundable and can only be cancelled if you elect to move out of residence, you will then have to contact the housing office. Please note that all refunds are subject to a $50 administration fee.
If you have leftover meal plan funds you cannot get a refund!
How do I budget my meal plan funds?
Your main goal should be to use up all your meal plan dollars. How can you manage that? You will have to budget your meal plan funds.
Target Monthly Balances
Race to $0! What should your balance be (Meal Plan + Taxable) at the end of each month?
| Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | $2,603 | $3,044 | $3,485 | $3,926 |
| October | $2,169 | $2,537 | $2,904 | $3,272 |
| November | $1,822 | $2,131 | $2,440 | $2,749 |
| December | $1,475 | $1,725 | $1,975 | $2,225 |
| January | $1,041 | $1,218 | $1,394 | $1,571 |
| February | $694 | $812 | $929 | $1,047 |
| March | $347 | $405 | $465 | $524 |
| April* | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Average Daily Spending
How much do you need to spend daily with your Basic + Taxable dollars funds to get to zero?
| If you use your plan… | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days a week | $12 | $14 | $17 | $19 |
| 5 days a week | $17 | $20 | $23 | $26 |
Tips from current students:
- There is a food bank in Residence (D-house Hiliard).
- Look at the prices at the cafeteria and your eating habits to see how they compare to our budget; and make any necessary changes.
- Buy or rent a small fridge; this will allow you to keep snacks or breakfast items in your room.
- Pay attention to sales and student deals available in different locations and YU-card partners.
- Hop on the free shuttle and go to Keele campus to eat; they have a bigger food court and good prices.
- Be aware of how to use the money on your YU-card (taxable vs non-taxable items).
- Go to any residence events (twice a month), you can get free food at the residence events that take place twice a month.
YU-card Offices Hours, Locations and Contact
Office hours, addresses, phone numbers and emails for Keele and Glendon YU-card Offices are available here.