Freshers’ Survival Guide: Why you’ll want Yoti on campus

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An image of a student using their mobile phone. An illustration shows that they're viewing their Yoti Digital ID.

Going to university is one of the most exciting times in your life. However, we know there’s a lot to juggle with adjusting to a new environment, meeting new people, managing your workload and discovering the freedom of living away from home.

Thankfully, we’ve got the technology to help make your transition to university life smoother. We’ll walk you through how the Yoti Digital ID app can help you with everything from proving your identity for part-time jobs to getting discounts and even future-proofing your social life. 

Here’s how Yoti can help you out.

 

What is a Yoti Digital ID?

Before we dive into all the ways your Yoti Digital ID can help you, it’s worth quickly explaining what it is. A Yoti Digital ID is a free app that allows you to create a digital version of your ID on your phone. Think of it as a secure way to carry your ID without needing to dig around in your wallet or purse.

A Digital ID app is the easier, smarter and safer way to prove your age or identity. After verifying your identity once with your ID, you have a Digital ID for life. With your Digital ID, you can share only the verified details you need to, without needing physical identity documents. 

 

1. Prove your right to work fast

As a student, you might take on a part-time job to support yourself. To do this, employers need to verify your right to work in the UK. Traditionally, this involves showing various physical documents, which can be time-consuming and sometimes a hassle. Often, this involves you handing over a copy of your passport or digging through a stack of paperwork.

With Yoti, you can instantly prove your eligibility to work with your Digital ID. If your future employer uses Yoti, you can prove your right to work in seconds simply by scanning a QR code. This can be especially useful when you’re applying for jobs last minute or need to prove your eligibility on the spot. It’s quick, easy and perfect for the busy student lifestyle.

 

2. No more forgetting your student ID card

Carrying around a physical student ID card can be a bit of a pain. And keeping track of it in your wallet is just one more thing to worry about.

With Yoti, you can easily prove your student status straight from your phone. No more scrambling to find that piece of plastic when you need it most. This can come in handy when you need to access campus facilities, show your student status for discounts or verify your enrolment. Just ask if they’ll accept your Digital ID instead. 

 

3. Instantly get student discounts

Who doesn’t love a good discount? As a student, you’re probably always on the lookout for ways to save a little extra cash, whether it’s on food, shopping, travel or entertainment. With Yoti, you can easily verify your student status to participating retailers, and access exclusive deals and discounts.

Instead of rummaging through your wallet for your student card, simply open the Yoti app, show your Digital ID and enjoy the savings. Lots of businesses already accept Yoti to verify your student status. So next time you’re out and about, make sure to ask if you can use your Digital ID to unlock a student deal.

 

4. Safer online dating

Online dating can sometimes feel a bit sketchy. It’s tricky to know if someone really is who they say they are. That’s where our peer to peer feature comes in. You can use your Digital ID to verify the identity of anyone you match with before meeting them in real life. Simply request the details you’d like the other person to confirm and send the request over to them.

Our verification process ensures that only the information you want to share is visible. You don’t need to give away your full name, date of birth or address. And you always consent to sharing your information with the other person. It’s a secure and easy way to make sure you’re connecting with real people, giving you peace of mind before you meet up for a date.

 

5. Prove your age safely and easily

Sometimes, proving you’re over 18 can be a hassle, especially if you don’t want to carry around your passport or driving licence. With Yoti, you can prove your age in seconds, without showing any other personal information.

Whether you’re booking tickets for an 18+ event or using age-restricted services online, your Yoti Digital ID gives you a quick and privacy-preserving way to prove your age, without revealing your full date of birth or any other sensitive details. Just show your verified Yoti Digital ID as proof of age.

 

6. Keeping your identity in your hands

It’s easy to forget how vulnerable a physical ID makes your identity. And there are some situations where you may still need to use it. But where possible, using a Digital ID can keep your identity much safer. Instead of showing the full document each time, they allow you to only share the information you need, like your age or student status, with businesses and other people.

With a Digital ID, your personal information is encrypted and stored securely on your device. This information can only be accessed by you with your phone – not even we can see it. Our Digital IDs are built with privacy and security at their core, and the technology behind them means that it is impossible for anyone other than you to control your data.

 

7. The future: Buying alcohol with your Digital ID

Student life is packed with trips to the pub and nights out with friends. From December this year, you should be able to use your Digital ID to buy alcohol in stores and venues, thanks to changes in the Mandatory Licensing Conditions (MLCs) in the UK.

Instead of showing a physical ID, you’ll be able to present your Digital ID in the Yoti app. It’s a fast and privacy-preserving way to verify your age, letting you focus on enjoying your time with friends rather than worrying about your wallet.

This update would make your nights out and trips to the shop a whole lot smoother. Plus, you won’t have to remember to look after your ID, keeping your identity much safer.

 

Why Yoti is a must-have for freshers

University life can be chaotic but Yoti can make managing your identity easier and more secure. Whether you’re proving your right to work, showing your student status for discounts or staying safe in the world of online dating, your Digital ID has you covered.

And with future updates, like the ability to buy alcohol and enter licensed venues with your Digital ID, they’ll only become more integral to your life as a student.

Download the app today on iOS or Android, and join the millions already using Digital IDs.

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