Technology & Data Protection

QR Code

The QR code is used to verify the data printed on the card. It can be used to call up a website that confirms the validity of your UniCard.

Chip

Unlike an EC card, you cannot see the chip in your UniCard. The RFID chip is permanently embedded in the card. The chip allows you to use your UniCard as a payment card for the canteen and other services offered by the Studierendenwerk. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. Unlike EC cards, the card does not have to be inserted into a vending machine, but can be placed on the payment terminal. The chip technology is robust. Nevertheless, you should always handle the card with care. A wash cycle in the washing machine can damage the chip in the card – as can leaving the UniCard in a hot car in summer.

TRW strips

The current period of validity is printed on the rewritable TRW strip at the bottom of the UniCard at the beginning of each semester. This works using the thermo-rewrite process, in which imprints can be applied, removed and re-printed on the strip using heat transfer. The strip can be damaged by abrasion if the card is stored loose. If the card is bent, it is also no longer possible to print the validity period legibly on the card.

Data protection

The card serial number, your matriculation number and the validity period are stored on the card chip. It also contains the payment function for services offered by the Studierendenwerk and the copying stations as well as the lending function of the University Library. No other data is stored on the chip.

The chip used fulfils the latest security requirements and the data in the chip is encrypted according to current standards.