Yeah that's a really good idea because the queues are really long during Oweek. They will have express stalls for people who have paid online, then you just need to have your photo taken and your card printed out.
Also, this year the union has a whole lot of new partners. If you like clubbing for example, there is free entry to havana, home, the eastern, arthouse yu, oxford art factory and discounted entry to tank, so if you go clubbing more than 10 times this year, you win. THey can also give you a coles and shell petrol station discount, cheaper movie tickets at hoyts and dendy and discounts on food in newtown etc etc
They are also always interested to hear about places you would want as partners - just send them an email because without feedback they are guessing what we want.
Apart from the savings though, you're supporting uni life. Look how boring mac is, they have nothing there. WIthout the union we wouldn't have manning, wentworth or holme, or any clubs or societies, which is a good way for first years to meet people.
I can't remember exactly what the bags have in them but there is some fairly useful stuff like the diary and a pencil case, condoms, food, probably promo stuff as well.