<p>Bruincard - deposit some money to use in campus
ATM card - get some cash
Credit card?</p>
<p>I suggest that you deposit as little into the BruinCard as possible because getting money out is not easy until after graduation. It’s better to use cash or credit/debit cards because they’re accepted everywhere, including on campus (other than the dining halls, but you have meal plans for that anyway).</p>
<p>Credit cards are optional, but if the student is responsible and pays it off every month, it’s a good way to start establishing credit. Many students don’t get one and use their debit card in place of a credit card. I got a credit card both to establish credit, and because the fraud protection is much stronger.</p>
<p>95% of the time i use my debit card, 4% cash, the other 1% is my bruincard (usually just for printing) one debit card should be all you need tbh.</p>
<p>I have a Bruincard, UCU Debit Card and CA State ID card (drivers license). </p>
<p>The only money I have on my Bruincard is from paid surveys I’ve taken through Anderson. The only places I use it are at vending machines or for printing (but mostly the former).</p>
<p>agreed with not using the bruincard.
its difficult to get money off of and its less secure than a debit card.</p>
<p>All you need is your Bruin Card and a Credit or Debit Card. You’ll, of course, need your Driver’s License as well. </p>
<p>I also carry along a Ralph’s and CVS Card but these do not apply to everyone and come in keychain form. I also carry along my BlueShield insurance card. Get a wallet with lots of pockets. :)</p>
<p>Why do you need your driver’s license?</p>
<p>I normally just carry my Bruin Card and room key. And occasionally my debit and/or credit card, and if I feel like I need it, my driver’s license. (If I’m going shopping, then all my membership cards. xD)</p>
<p>I’ll echo the not putting too much money on the Bruin Card. If it get’s lost and lands in the hands of someone less “compassionate,” it’s a free spend spree for them. (You’d be surprised how many people have no qualms about this.) Besides that, I noticed it also encourages me to buy things on campus and through the vending machines since I’ll always have “cash” around when the impulse hits. Of course, if you can control yourself, you’ve got no problem.</p>
<p>(A side note about credit cards, I also agree with grapesoda on this. I think it’s a good way to get credit established. Having no credit is just as bad as, well, bad credit. [I was surprised how many of my friends were unable to get credit cards when they wanted/“needed” them.] But of course, this would only apply to those who are responsible enough to handle a credit card. For a student though, I can’t think of any situation where a debit card or having a bank account won’t suffice.)</p>
<p>
cause most of us don’t live in the dorms 
i live in westwood, but i just usually stuff everything in my wallet and leave it there.</p>
<p>i carry several cards as well (way more than i stated) but from the OP’s post, i felt as if he was talking about financial cards. in terms of <em>all</em> the cards i carry:</p>
<p>*drivers license
*CA ID (got it way before license)
*bruin card
*ralphs and CVS cards (on my keys)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I just leave everything in my wallet. That way I don’t forget something or have to spend a while looking for something when I actually need it. And I often don’t know exactly when I’ll need something anyway.</p>
<p>This was really good to know, thanks guys :D</p>
<p>
a) If you intend to drive.
b) If you want to use a credit or debit card.
c) if you want to get a job.</p>
<ol>
<li>You’ll definitely need your room card if you’re dorming, so that’s one more card.</li>
<li>The driver’s license is actually pretty important for many things: driving (you never know when you’ll have to be the designated driver), getting into bars, using your credit card, doctors appointments outside the Ashe center, checking out move-in carts, and at the airport if you fly to/from college).</li>
<li>Don’t put more than $40-50 on your Bruincard at a time.</li>
</ol>