The card also serves as an identity card for the University, but it is not proof of enrolment. Once you have activated your ULCN account, you can immediately apply for your LU-Card.

Applying for your LU-Card

You can apply for your LU-Card by logging in to uPrefs with your ULCN account details. You can upload your photo under ‘Personal details’. Once your photo has been approved, you will receive your LU-Card within five to ten working days at your postal address.

Your LU-Card is not immediately available for use. It first has to be activated at a LU-Card helpdesk. Take a valid form of identity with you.

Passport photo

To apply for the LU-Card, you need a digital passport photo (300x400) that has to meet a number of conditions. You apply for the LU-Card by uploading your photo. If your photo is rejected, your application for your LU-Card will not be processed, and you will receive a message to this effect by mail. You can then upload a new photo.

The passport photo on your LU-Card will not be used for other purposes.

Applying for a LU-Card for a guest or visitor

If your guest or visitor has a ULCN account with broad facilities such as access to a network disc, they can apply for a LU-Card themselves via uPrefs. If your guest or visitor does not have a LU-Card or has a LU-Card with limited facilities, you can apply for a LU-Card on their behalf via your Guest Management System (GMS) contact person.

Using the LU-Card

More information about using the LU-Card:

Printing and copying

You need a LU-Card at a number of locations to be able to print and copy. Staff at these locations automatically have a credit on their LU-Card. Other staff can credit their LU-Card online or via a PinPoint at a University location.

If you have problems with printing and copying using your LU-Card, please report this as quickly as possible via this form.

Renewing your passport photo

First upload a current passport photo in uPrefs. Then go to one of the helpdesks to block your current LU-Card and to pick up your new LU-Card. There may be costs involved in this. Take your current LU-Card or valid proof of identity with you.

Ending your employment

When you leave the University, your LU-Card will be deactivated. If you are leaving temporarily, don’t throw your LU-Card away because it can be re-activated at a later date.

Problems with your LU-Card

What should you do if your LU-Card stops working or you have some other problem?  Please find below some solutions for problems with your LU-Card:

You didn’t receive your LU-Card 

Have you uploaded your photo? Once you’ve uploaded your photo, you don’t automatically receive a new LU-Card. Go to one of the helpdesks to exchange your existing LU-Card. There may be costs involved in this. Take your current LU-Card or a valid proof of identity with you.

Have you changed your address and uploaded a new passport photo? It takes 24 hours for a change of address to be entered in all the systems. Your LU-Card has therefore in this case been sent to your old address. It is better to wait at least 24 hours after changing your address before uploading your photo.  

Your LU-Card doesn’t work

Do you not have access to a particular building? Or is your LU-Card not working for some other application? If your LU-Card isn’t working, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

• Your LU-Card has not yet been activated. Go to one of the helpdesks.
• Your LU-Card has been activated but doesn’t give you access to a building or other area. For extra access rights, go to the service desk in the building.
• The access rights on your LU-Card have expired. Go to the service desk in the building.
• Your LU-Card is damaged or there is another problem. Go to the of the helpdesks. A new LU-Card costs € 15. If the problem with your card is not due to careless use, you will receive a replacement card free of charge.  

Lost and found

If you have lost your LU-Card or it has been stolen, report this to one of the helpdesks. You can block your old LU-Card and receive a replacement card at a cost of €15. If you can show an official report of the lost/stolen card, there will be no charge for the replacement LU-Card.  

If you find a LU-Card, please hand it in to one of the helpdesks of send the card to:

Leiden University
Attn: LU-Card Administration
Freepost 10368
2300 WB LEIDEN

Incorrect information on your LU-Card

If the passport photo on your LU-Card is not clear, for example it is too light or too dark, or your name has been spelled wrongly, you can have your card replaced at one of the helpdesks. A new LU-Card costs €15.