Revue societies?
what is the access card used for and how much does it cost to acquire one?
Pokka gave a good link for finding out more about the access card but here is the basic info about it:
It means you can join clubs and societies which are groups at uni that underpin the social life of the uni. There are over 200 of them that cater for all different interests (from music to anime to languages to games to food etc). Being part of a club or society and going to events is a great way to meet people, especially in first year. Most have weekly or fortnightly events that may include meeting up in one of the bars, doing activities together, film screenings, playing games etc.
The access card also gives you discounts at stores both on campus and off campus. The standard amount is a 15% discount at on campus stores (newsagency, bars, food stores, academic dress, coffee carts) and discounts vary at off campus locations (full details provided in the link pokka put up).
In the past it has been $110 for first year of membership, and $90 for each additional year (though you can also buy a 3, 4 or 5 year card at discounted rates), but that might change this year depending on where student services funds are spent. I work for the Student Union (who sell the access cards), and I'll be able to tell you sometime in the next 3 weeks how much they'll cost this year.