Lanyards. Whether you love them or hate them, they’re a mainstay in academic and work environments. Since you’re married to academia for the next few years, you might just have to get used to wearing one of these nifty gadgets.
But don’t worry. By the time you finish reading this article, there’s a chance you’ll warm up to wearing a lanyard whether it’s mandatory or optional at your school.
Who Cares About Lanyards?
You’re probably asking this precise question: Who even cares about lanyards?
Even if you don’t particularly care about them, the faculty at your university does. In fact, some schools in the US require students to wear ID badges around their necks. While it may seem annoying, this rule actually has a purpose.
Safety
Let’s face it: Public places aren’t as safe as they used to be. (Or maybe it just seems this way, thanks to our hyperconnected world.)
Either way, institutions of higher learning don’t want to be held accountable for students gone missing or injured. Also, understandably, both schools and workplaces want to ID someone immediately if they’re posing a threat to the community.
The easiest way to keep track of thousands of students and staff is to ensure that identification is visible at all times. And unless you’re eager to hold your ID in your hand everywhere you go, using a lanyard is a no-brainer.
A Crash Course in Lanyards
You can’t really love something unless you know its history. So in an effort to bond you with your newly issued badge holder, here’s a little background on these low-tech gadgets.
Believe it or not, lanyards have an interesting history. The first ones were actually primitive gun straps.
In 15th century France, soldiers used lanyards to carry their various weapons. These basic neck straps were fitted with leather or fabric pouches designed to hold guns, knives, and even money.
Though the wars died down, people of that time still led nomadic lifestyles, traveling long distances by horse or foot. Lanyards evolved into utilitarian tools for civilians around the globe. They varied in size and could pack in quite a few essentials.
Today, lanyards haven’t changed much, though they’re generally a lot smaller and more discrete than earlier versions of centuries’ past.
Lanyards Are Trending
Don’t listen to the “big guns” on campus. You won’t look like a dork wearing a neck strap for your ID or a set of keys.
Lanyards are actually trending in some circles because people realize their usefulness and potential in terms of style.
How to Look Cool Wearing a Badge
Did your school issue a standard lanyard with your ID badge?
If it’s super ugly, no one can blame you for not wanting to be seen wearing it. However, good news! Most universities don’t care what kind of lanyard you wear, as long as you have one on you.
If the issued lanyard isn’t your style, go out and buy a new one. They come in artsy straps, cool industrial ones, and everything in between. Whether you want a nylon strap or a woven tubular lanyard, all you need to do is browse around.
Another neat idea is to get a few lanyards with interchangeable pouches and key attachments. This way, you can match your neck strap to your outfit. If it’s made into an accessory, your lanyard will complement your look instead of detracting from it.
Get Your School Onboard With Cool
You’re right – Those hideous utilitarian school-issued ID lanyards have to go. So what are you going to do about it?
Convince your college to update to a trendier neck strap. As a student, you’re expected to be the change you want to see.
Start with your university’s student council. Present the suggestion to your representatives, or better yet, join the student council yourself. It’ll look great on your college resume, and you can make sure those last-century lanyards are good and gone.
Be ready to offer a solution to your lanyard problem. Emphasize that you understand they’re issued for security reasons, but being fashionable in college is important as well. Point out that more students will want to wear lanyards if they look good.
Once your school is on board with the idea, explain that some lanyard companies offer custom options, so an artfully displayed school logo is doable.
Selfish Reasons to Wear a Lanyard
It’s not all about safety. Nor is it just about what the people in charge want you to do. Once you wear a lanyard for a while, you’ll find it’s also convenient.
Hands-Free
You’re a college student on the go; of course, you wish you had more than two hands sometimes. Are you that person who rushes into class with your bag, a latte, and a million other things you’re about to drop? If so, imagine how convenient it is to have your essentials right in front of you without having to hold them.
Forget about the ID for a second; some lanyards can hold phones, cash, and other cards. They come with security pouches that guarantee your stuff won’t get lost.
No Bag? No Problem
Why should you always have to carry a bag?
When you’re at a casual party or out to lunch with some friends, you don’t need a bag to tie you up. Yet, you still need your essentials. Use a lanyard with room for your phone and money, and the cumbersome bag can stay in the dorm.
No Missing ID
If you’re not a freshman, maybe you got over the phase during which you constantly misplace your ID. Maybe rummaging for it in the bottomless pit that is your backpack is second-nature to you by now.
Still, it happens to everyone: You lose the essentials when you need them most. Why not foolproof your ID mishaps by ensuring it’s always around your neck?
This can be especially useful if you use your ID as a key card for your dorm. whether you just need to flash the pic at the front desk or you actually use your ID to open your dorm room, having it within easy reach eliminates so much stress.
Loving Student Life?
Are you all about the student life these days? So are we. And no, it’s not just about whether to wear a lanyard or not.
We care about all college matters. If you do too, come back often for more tips and news for students like you.
