7 Alumni Benefits You Should Be Taking Advantage Of
Going to University means a lot more than just attending class: it is a life-changing experience, and you belong to a community for life. As a former student of a University, you are entitled to some benefits after studying all those years for your degree. Alumni benefits include traveling discounts, access to your old University’s premises, academic services… all of this thanks to your alumni card.
Here are 7 alumni advantages you should be taking advantage of.
1. Accommodation discounts
Thanks to your alumni card, you can get up to 10% discount in hotels and holiday properties or Hall of Residence accommodation outside term time. You will have to reach out to your University to know with which hotels they have agreements – UCL in London has agreements with hotels in the Bloomsbury area – beautiful and central area at the heart of London.
If you previously lived on campus and are looking forward to move into your own studio, you can turn to your University for advice. Get access to the best renting agencies.
2. Network
One of the biggest perks of University is the possibility of creating contacts. Want to catch up or contact somebody for business? The alumni system makes it so much easier. From LinkedIn and Facebook, you can built your personal profile and connect to alumnis all around the world. Usually, you are provided with the e-mail address of the University, and you can use it to stay in touch with your classmates. This e-mail for life looks great on CVs and gives a solid first impression. You might also get access to a professional portal: find yourself a mentor or a new job opportunity!
3. Academic and Cultural Services
Get access to translation services for businesses or individuals, get discounts in Lifestyle or Travel boutiques, discounts on posting and shipping services… Participate in lunch hour lectures that include informative, entertaining and often controversial talks by academics. Even after graduation, you never stop learning and expanding. Use that possibility to learn even more !
4. Access to E-journals & Library
Get access to thousands of academic journals available on data banks such as JSTOR and Project Muse. You can borrow books at your University’s libraries. This comes with the privilege of being an alumni. It is useful in your professional life, especially if you decided to stay in the academic sphere.
5. Bars & Cafes Discounts
Get discounts in bars and cafes on your previous campus. You can hire meeting rooms and bars for private functions. Keep in touch with your University to be updated on latest news, events, special offers, and new opportunities. Who knows? Maybe you’ll want to plan a reunion…
6. Professional Support
Get professional support to help your development thanks to the alumni system. Participate to professional networking events, free online mentoring, CPD courses and more. You can also enjoy a variety of short courses. Alumnis are eligible for discounted rates on some courses such as evening language courses. Your relationship with Uni continues well after graduation, and you can participate in the life of your University through volunteering and mentoring, for instance.
One of the alumni benefits might include some form of financial support as well: it may be banking support or scholarships.
7. Fitness/ Gym Offers
Your Alumni status gives you the opportunity to join different gym memberships on a discounted rate. Get access to your favourite cardiovascular and weight-training equipment. Get fit, and keep in touch with your friends!
