Students can now use their iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android to access campus housing facilities and purchase meals across campus through a new mobile ID feature.

To use this feature, students can hold their devices to a reader. It’ll allow them to access residence halls and common buildings, use LionCash, access their meal plan, make purchases at vending machines, and pay for laundry.

“The University is one step closer to a seamless student experience,” David Snyder, assistant vice president for Auxiliary and Business Services, said. “Now, students can use their mobile id+ card to access resources and complete transactions with just a simple tap of their device, giving our students the freedom and convenience of a digital campus.”

For now, students should still bring their physical ID cards, as the new contactless technology will be part of a phased approach at all campuses. Some places may require a physical card to be present in addition to the mobile ID, too.

To set up your mobile ID, follow these steps:

• Watch this step-by-step video for instructions
• Download the Transact eAccounts app
• Select “Penn State” and sign in using your normal Penn State user ID and password
• Add to your Apple or Google wallet

You can also access your ID through the Penn State Go app.

Penn State will host events with food and activities on January 18, 19, and 20 in the HUB to encourage students to set up their mobile ID.

Additionally, Penn State is in the process of providing physical ID cards for community members.