Getting around your city is an important part of settling into life in the UK. As a student, you’ll have access to a range of travel discounts that can help reduce the cost of daily transport.
In London
- Apply for the 18+ Student Oyster Card through the Transport for London website once you have your student ID. This offers 30% off travelcards.
- For train travel, consider purchasing a 16–25 Railcard or 26–30 Railcard, which gives one third off most train fares.
- If you travel regularly, monthly travel passes can offer additional savings.
In Manchester
- Students can access discounted travel on buses, trams (Metrolink), and trains.
- You may wish to consider a System One bus pass or a student tram ticket, depending on how you travel.
- Monthly travel passes can be more cost-effective if you travel frequently.
UK-wide discounts and cost-saving options
- The 16–25 Railcard and 26–30 Railcard offer one third off train fares across the UK.
- Many coach operators, such as National Express and Megabus, also offer discounted student fares.
Other ways to travel
- Walking or cycling: If you live close to campus, walking or cycling for part of your journey can significantly reduce travel costs.
- Driving: In larger cities, driving can be expensive. In addition to fuel, insurance, tax, and parking, you may also need to pay congestion charges or Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees. Some cities outside London also operate clean air zones.