Savvy Student Guide

Free Food

• Keep an eye out for events on campus with free food - especially during the 
first few weeks of the semester; events hosted by the Student Success Center 
sometimes have free food too

• UofL Engage - search events on Engage using free food filter; sign-in > click 
on calendar icon on left toolbar > find "Perks" filter option > select "free 
food"

• Cardinal Cupboard - show your UofL ID card when you visit or request Grab 
and Go food packages

• Good Morning Commuters - free donuts, coffee, & hot chocolate in the Red 
Barn every Thursday 8-10 am

UofL meal plans

• Some students qualify to opt out of the meal plan - see website for details 
and deadline to opt out: 
https://louisville.edu/dos/students/studentpoliciesandprocedures/meal-plan-waiver 

• Interested in changing your meal plan? 
https://louisville.edu/cardinalcard/meal-plan-101-1 

• All meal plans revert back to the standard plan each semester. A student 
must change or add their meal plan every Fall and Spring semester.
https://louisville.edu/cardinalcard/spring-2018-meal-plan-upgrade-form#:~:text=A%20student%20must%20change%20or,plan%20to%20their%20student%20account. 

https://louisville.edu/cardinalcard/meal-plan-101-1

Places to Eat That Aren’t Ville Grill or in the SAC 

Cardinal Towne - ~ 5-minute walk 

• Qdoba 
• Noodles & Company 
• Jimmy John’s 
• McDonald’s 
• Insomnia Cookies 

Slightly Further (Still Walkable - ~ 10-15-minute) 

• El Molcajete 
• Chinese Chef 
• Moby Dick Seafood 
• Mocha House 
• Denny’s 
• Granville 
• Dairy Kastle 

Short drive to these places in the Central Station shopping center – ~ 5 min drive 

• Starbucks 
• Little Caesar’s 
• Daniel’s Little Mexico 
• Masa Japanese  
• Buffalo Wild Wings 
• Sam’s Gyros 
• Double Dragon 
• Week End Burgers 

Vegan and Vegetarian Quick Picks Close By 

• Best vegan-friendly spots: Qdoba, Noodles & Company 
• Best overall variety: Qdoba 
• Quick vegetarian option: Jimmy John’s 
• Snack stop: Insomnia Cookies 

Tip: Check out this guide for more information about gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options at UofL. Booklet GF/VV Guide 

P.O.D. Locations (Grab-and-Go) 

• Belknap Academic Building (BAB) 
• Davidson Hall 
• Humanities Building 
• University Tower Apartments (UTA) 

Where to Find Microwaves on Campus: 

• Commuter Student Lounge (2^nd floor SAC West) 
• PODS around campus 

Tip: If something is getting in the way of your success—money, supplies, or anything else—UofL has resources to help. You don’t have to figure it out alone. 

Where should I start? 

• Connect with your Student Success Coordinator 
• They can help you figure out what you need and point you in the right direction 

Tip: Not sure who your Student Success Coordinator is? Check CardSmart. 

What help is available? 

• Need school supplies? 
  • Visit Supplies for Success 
    • Borrow items like calculators, lab goggles, etc. 
    • Get items you can keep such as notebooks, pens and highlighters 
• Struggling financially? 
  • Ask your Student Success Coordinator about emergency funding or short-term support (available in certain situations—don’t wait to ask!) 
• Need everyday essentials? 
  • Cardinal Cupboard - free food for UofL students and employees 
  • Free Store - free clothing 
  • Hire Attire - free professional clothing 
• Need a laptop? 
  You can check out laptops for short-term use at:  
  • Student Success Center (BAB) 
  • Ekstrom Library 
• Questions about financial aid? 
  • Start by contacting the Financial Aid Office 
  • They can help with payment plans or understanding your aid 

UofL Emergency fund

To assist University of Louisville students who encounter a catastrophic event that would jeopardize their continued education at UofL.
 

Scholarships

• ScholarshipUniverse - UofL has teamed up with ScholarshipUniverse to 
provide a streamlined application process to connect UofL students to 
scholarship opportunities. The UofL ScholarshipUniverse Portal is open year- 
round and serves as a central resource for UofL students to access 
information and/or apply for both institutional and external scholarships as 
they become available. 
https://louisville.scholarshipuniverse.com/public/home? 
scholarshipType=public&take=10&skip=0 

• Scholarship and payment plan list put together by the College of Education 
and Human Development in 2022
https://louisville.edu/education/departments/eleod/partners/files/scholarships-and-payment-plans-7-11-22.pdf 

• UofL Finding Free Money online workshop hosted by the Student Success 
Center. Check UofLEngage for more information. 
https://louisville.campuslabs.com/engage 

• Visit the Bursar Office for more information about payment plans. 
https://louisville.edu/bursar/payment

Persistence Grant

One time grant may be available to assist students with financial costs related to university bill or personal needs. Talk to a Student Success Coordinator in the Student Success Center for more info.

Books & Supplies Frequently Asked Questions

Tip: You don’t have to buy everything new—compare options, start early, and use campus resources when needed. 

 
Step 1: Know what you need 

• Use your class schedule (with section numbers) to find your books 
• Books vary by professor and section 

Step 2: Decide if you need it 

• If a book is marked “optional,” you can decide if you want it 
• If it’s not marked optional, plan to buy, rent, or access it another way 

Step 3: Check before you buy 

Your professor may: 

• Provide free materials 
• Mark items optional 
• Allow older/cheaper editions 

Tip: Always check your syllabus first 

Step 4: Choose where to get it 

 Choose what works best for your budget and timeline. 

• Campus Store (UofL Bookstore) 
  • Easiest and most reliable 
  • Easy returns & possible price match 
• Online (Amazon, Chegg, etc.) 
  • Often cheaper (used/rentals) 
  • Order early 
• Buy or sell with other students 
  • Facebook groups (UofL Used Book Exchange, etc.) 
  • Usually cheapest option 
• Ekstrom Library (Course Reserves) 
  • Some textbooks are available for short-term checkout (a few hours or a day) 
  • Helpful for saving money or temporary use 

Tip: compare a couple options before buying – you can often save money 

Step 5: Get materials early 

• Aim for first week of class 
• Earlier = better chance at cheaper options 

Want to Save Money on Textbooks? 

• Some classes use free/low-cost materials (OER)  
• These are free digital textbooks, articles, or online materials instead of expensive books 
• Ask your professor about affordable options. If you’re unsure, you can ask questions like: 
• “Are there cheaper versions of this book?” 
• “Is this required right away?” 
• “Are there free or library copies available?” 

Can’t afford your books or supplies yet? 

You may have options: 

• Financial aid refunds may help cover costs 
• Talk with a Student Success Coordinator for support 
• Use campus resources like Supplies for Success 
• Short-term loans or emergency funding may be available 

Tip: Don’t wait—reach out early if you’re worried about costs 

Other textbook options

• UofL Used Book Exchange (facebook page):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/320138321506497/buy_sell_discussion 

• Louisville Metro Textbook Exchange (facebook page): 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/274257652979131/posts/597762583961968/ 

• Textbook rental ideas and comparisons:
https://walletwiseguy.com/best-college-textbook-rental-sites/ 
https://bookriot.com/cheap-college-textbooks/ 
https://thecollegeinvestor.com/16864/college-textbook-rental-

TARC

TARC/Token Transit 

UofL students and employees can ride TARC for free using the Token Transit app. 

• UofL requires Token Transit for free TARC rides  
• Show or scan your pass when boarding any TARC bus, including the 94 Cardinal Shuttle 
• Your phone doesn’t need a data plan—TARC buses have WiFi 

Here's how to set it up:

1. Download the Token Transit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2. Tap the Token Transit "TT" logo above.
3. Review the transit passes you will receive.
4. Tap "Redeem" in the Token Transit app to finish adding the passes to your account.

Information for any student (or employee) needing help getting a smartphone due to finance constraints:

Federally-funded Lifeline Assistance Program or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

• KY brochure with additional information about the program: https://psc.ky.gov/agencies/psc/consumer/lifeline.pdf
• Federal site with information about the program: https://www.fcc.gov/general/lifeline-program-low-income-consumers

UofL Bikeshare

UofL offers free bike rentals for students. Bikes are first-come, first-served. 

• Daily checkout (Student Rec Center) 
  • Use your UofL ID to borrow a bike, helmet and lock for the day 
  • Return before closing 
• Longer-term option 
  • Apply to borrow a bike for the semester 
• Check the UofL campus map to find: 
  • Bike parking 
  • Repair stations 
  • Checkout locations 

Carpooling 

• CARDPool - save money, split rides, and make commuting easier 
• Find or organize carpools with other students using Cardinal Directions: 
  https://directions.louisville.edu/#/ 

Passports

Tip: Get a passport on campus - UofL makes it easy to apply without leaving campus 

Passport Photo 

Cardinal Card Office 

• Located in Houchins Building (Room LL05) 
• Offers passport photos on campus 
• $20.00 fee 

Passport Application 

Passport Place (Jouett Hall, Room LL02) 

• Submit your passport application here 
• $35 per application 
• Walk-in services available 
• More info: https://louisville.edu/international/passport-place 

Tip: Before you buy, check to see if the software you want is free for UofL students.   

Software 

• Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) 
• Microsoft Learn 
• Adobe Creative Cloud (varies by program/access) 
• Adobe Digital Academy 
• Adobe Sign 
• LinkedIn Learning (free courses + certifications) 
• MATLAB & Simulink (for certain courses/programs) 
• Gartner Research access 
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) training 
• LinkedIn Learning 
• Digital badges & microcredentials 

Cloud Storage 

• Microsoft One Drive 
• UofL CardBox – students just need to request an account  
• Microsoft Sharepoint 

Uses for Your UofL Student ID 

• Library card at UofL libraries 
• Research databases 
• Meal plan purchases 
• Cardinal Cash purchases 
• Free admission to many UofL athletic events 
• Check out a bike at the SRC 
• Access to the SRC gym and fitness spaces 
• Intramural sports opportunities 
• Campus events, programs and student organization activities 
• Check out equipment and materials (Digital Media Center, etc.) 

Discounts with Your Student ID 

Tip: Always ask: “Is there a student discount?” and keep your student id handy. Many local Louisville businesses offer student discounts, but they vary by location.  

• Speed Art Museum → FREE for students  
• Movie theaters (AMC, Cinemark, Regal) → discounted tickets  
• Louisville Orchestra → student pricing  
• Louisville Zoo → discounted entry or student membership 
• Actors Theatre → student discount nights  
• Muhammad Ali Museum → reduced admission 
• UofL Ice Hockey → discounted tickets  
• Louisville City FC → discounted student tickets 
• Louisville Bats → discounted student tickets on select days  
• Discounts on some cell phone plans (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobil) 
• Retail stores like Apple, Adidas, Amazon and Best Buy 
• Streaming such as: Spotify, Hulu, YouTube Premium, Apple Music 
• Tech: Lenovo, HP, Microsoft 

Check out the UNiDAYS and Student Beans apps for additional discounts. 
 

Tip: Working on campus can make things easier—you’ll be close to your classes, spend less time commuting, and many jobs are flexible with your schedule. 

Largest student employers on campus: 

• Resources for Academic Achievement (REACH)  
• Student Recreation Center (SRC)  
• Natatorium 
• UofL Libraries 
• Information Centers 
• Tour Guides 
• Student Success Center peer mentors 

Metro College 

Metro College is a program that helps you pay for school by working at UPS while attending UofL. 

• You work a part-time shift (usually overnight) at UPS 
• In return, the program helps cover tuition, fees, and offers bonuses 

Why work on campus? 

Tip: On-campus jobs are convenient, flexible and a great way to get connected. 

• Close to everything — near your classes and where you live if living on campus or affiliated properties (saves time and gas)  
• More flexible — most jobs work around your class schedule (and you might even get homework done on the clock)  
• Build connections — meet other students, faculty, and staff 

Where to find a campus job? 

• Check the UofL Cardinal Careers website 
• If you are interested in a specific department or office, just ask if they are hiring 

UofL Free Store

Space for ongoing exchange of clean, functional, durable items like clothing 
and shoes; open to all students and employees during set hours each week 
during the regular academic year.

 Free Sales! Last Tuesdays, August - April 4:30-6:30 pm in or outside the Red 
Barn (everything is free)

https://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/free-store 
Follow on social media: https://www.facebook.com/UlFreeStore

Tip: Don’t spend money on professional clothes until you check Hire Attire first. 

• Check out UofL’s Hire Attire – a free professional clothing for students. Find suites, dresses, shoes, accessories and more.  
• Looking for something more casual – check out the UofL Free Store 

Just stop by either location and get what you need – no purchase required. 

Tip: Stay on campus, start early and ask for help- you’ll save time and stress later. 

Stuck on a paper? Trouble getting started?  

Don’t do it alone. Visit the Writing Center for feedback. A fresh set of eyes can make a big difference.

Long break between classes? 

Stay on campus and get assignments done. Pick a spot you focus and keep study space separate from sleep space. Popular study spaces: 

• Ekstrom, Art or Music Libraries 
• Center for Belonging Engagement and Access 
• BAB study rooms 

Reserve a study space ahead of time if needed. 

• Library 
• BAB 

REACH has free online workshops on studying, note-taking and test prep  

Mail and Packages 

• Mail services are in the SAC (Suite W119, Canon area) 
• Check your mailbox at least once a week 
• Packages à you’ll get an email when ready for pickup 

How to write your mailing address: 

Hall Name 

Student Name 

2100 S. Floyd St., Suite W119 

Louisville, KY 40282 

Weather 

Tip: Check the weather before leaving 

• Bring layers or an umbrella 
• Waterproof boots are a bonus if you have them 

Lost & Found 

If you lose something, check: 

• Student Success Center front desk in the BAB 
• UofL Libraries Service Desk 
• SAC Information Desk (3^rd floor) 

Lost items are often sent to UofL Police a few times a week 

Lost your ID? Check the Cardinal Card Office first 

Tip: If you’ve lost something, check your building or service desk first—then try ULPD later in the week once items have been transferred. 

Wellbeing 

Counseling 

• Students have free access to the UofL Counseling Center 
• Individual, group, urgent support and referrals available 
• Tip: additional services may be available on a sliding scale 

Campus Health Services 

• Basic medical care, flu shots and wellness services 
• Mental & sexual health support 

Appointments recommended 

Tip:  Your student activity fee and/or student services fee pays for services like counseling and campus health – so you can use them at little to no additional cost.  

Student Recreation Center (SRC) 

• Free for students during the fall and spring semesters 
• Gym, fitness classes, courts and equipment 

 
Tip: Looking for a quiet place to work out? Check out the second floor of the SRC. 

Other Free Campus Facilities 

• Natatorium (pool) 
• Free for UofL students 
• Register for a pass at the front desk 
• Bass-Rudd Tennis Center  
• Daily court time for students, faculty & staff 

Find Your Sport at UofL 

• Intramurals – free, fun, casual sports 
• Sport Clubs – competitive sports with practices and games 

Tip: Want to play a sport but don’t have a team? No problem—when you sign up for intramurals, you can join as a free agent and get placed on a team with other students.