london travel student discount

The Ultimate Student Travel Guide to London

London is one of our favorite cities in the world and one that we recommend every traveler to visit.

If you're a student  heading to London for the first time and want to know what to expect, this article is for you. In it, we share some of our favorite hangouts, how to save money on accommodation, and how to save money on, well, pretty much everything.

Basic Traveler Information

• You need a passport  to travel to England. 
• You do not need a tourist visa in London.
• You do not need shots  before you travel to England.
• You should make reservations in London.

What to Pack

Think of the U.K. as the Pacific Northwest of Europe. It rains, a lot. 

One packing essential, then, is a small umbrella and a light rain jacket that can be rolled into a small ball to fit inside your backpack. Remember to bring a travel adapter with a voltage converter built in so that you don't end up exploding your hairdryer in the hostel dorm. Another good idea is a pair of comfortable walking shoes. London is an enormous city and you'll most likely spend your time walking from one tourist attraction to the next.

Other than that, the U.K. is very similar to the U.S., so you should pack whatever you would take on a domestic trip. If you happen to forget something important, you'll be able to replace it in London without a problem. 

How to Get There

You'll find the best airfare to London from student airfare agencies like STA Travel. Watch for specials and you could easily pick up a return from around $500. Don't be fooled by some airlines' "student airfares" -- student airfare agencies have the real deal. Airfare sales do happen, though -- check student airfares against an aggregator's  roundup of regular ticket prices.

Where Should I Stay? How Much Will It Cost?

One of the cheapest areas of London is the neighborhoods in the east and south of the city. A couple favorites include Hackney, Shoreditch, and Brixton -- they're all hipster areas with fantastic food, bars, and coffee shops. They're a little way outside of the main attractions, but most things are still within walking distance, and using the underground is easy.

Even though there are cheaper areas of the city, London is still one of the priciest places to visit. Opt to stay in a dorm room in a hostel to save money, but you'll still be looking at $20-30 a night if you do so. 

Getting Around

The London tube is a major miracle of modern transportation, and you'll most likely spend a significant amount of time on it. Though it's the oldest in the world, London's subway is clean, safe, and efficient. Although expensive, because... London. If the tube doesn't take you close to your London destination's door, the bus (maybe a double-decker!) will.

Plentiful black London cabs have fixed prices and Uber is everywhere within the city. In short, you'll never struggle to get to where you need to go in London.

British Money and Creating a Realistic Budget

England's currency is the pound and you won't be able to spend any other currency within the country.

London is still expensive, though, so you should plan on spending around $55/day. Food and beds are pricey but museums are free. You can skip out on the food scene by cheaply cooking in your hostel kitchen, but you definitely shouldn't miss out on the food markets like Brixton Village, Borough Market , and Broadway Market if at all possible.

Things to Do

London's history is long and deep -- do tour the Tower of London  for an introductory insight into it. Borrow someone's copy of the Time Out music/film/event guide or check Time Out online for a highly comprehensive list of what's happening in London while you're there.

Consider buying a one-day Original Bus Tour pass to hop on and off at major sites.

Spend whole days hanging out in places like Piccadilly Circus or Covent Garden, and check the top free things to do in London .

Safety, Crime, and Travel Healthcare

The artful dodger does lurk in the London tube. You can feel physically safe in all of London provided you use basic travel safety precautions. Terrorism is not a big concern, despite some U.S. hysteria over the '05 tube bombings.

U.S. travelers get free emergency room care in London; all else is pay as you go, though your U.S. health insurance probably covers you. Food and tap water are perfectly safe in London.

Mail, Internet, and Phone Calls

You can buy local SIM card  for making calls and using data in England for around $20 USD (for 1 GB of data and some calls and texts) in U.K. convenience stores and phone stores, like Vodafone or EE.

London has free Wi-Fi all over the city, so if you don't have an unlocked phone or don't want to buy a local SIM card, you shouldn't have any problem getting connected. Hostels and hotels typically offer free Wi-Fi to their guests, as well. 

Tour Groups

Visiting London is so expensive that going with a tour group is a great idea -- it can be cheaper and much easier than visiting on your own. Several companies specialize in student group travel -- try EF Tours for a very decent experience.

Nearby Destinations

Ireland is home to cheap European air champ Ryanair, which departs from many London airports and gets you around Europe and to Ireland. Take the Eurostar to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam to catch a European train with a Rail Europe pass. Ferries exist, too.

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London Public Transport

We realise that being a foreign student in a big city like London can be a bit overwhelming, especially when trying to take public transportation. Do not worry! We have broken everything down for you so that you can get to where you want to go without any troubles and for the cheapest price.

You can buy an Oyster or travel card here:

Planning Your Journey

• Before taking the Tube, always check to see when the first and last trains are.
• The first thing you need to know is what tube station you are leaving from and at which station you will need to arrive at.
• Once you know where you are leaving from, check to see where your station is on the underground line. Locate your destination and the underground line that it is on.
• Remember to check the train's destination, which can usually be found on the front of the train or on the display boards, to make sure that you are getting a train going in the right direction – and that if you need to change lines, you keep going the right way!
• Note: Sometimes trains do not travel all the way to the terminal station and will terminate a few stations before. There will usually be a train that goes to the end of the line shortly afterwards, but it means that you may have to get out and wait at the platform for a while.

Oyster Cards

An Oyster Card is a pay as you go travel pass that you can use for the underground, bus, tram, DLR, London over-ground trains and some National Rail train services.

There are two advantages to having an Oyster Card. Firstly, they are so convenient. When you've just arrived back in London from your summer holiday, the last thing you want is to be messing around buying a Travelcard every day. The other major benefit is that Oyster Cards make travelling much cheaper. It will always calculate the cheapest price for your journey, and paying for a journey with an Oyster Card costs a lot less than buying a paper ticket.

There are two types of Oyster Card: 

Standard Oyster Card

You can pick one of these up from selected high street shops or at most train stations in London, or get it delivered within the UK. They are free but have a refundable £5 deposit. They can have season tickets placed on them, be pay as you go, or auto top-up.

Visitor Oyster Card

If you want to get your Oyster delivered abroad before you arrive in London then this is for you. They have a £3 non-refundable deposit and you can get them already topped up when they arrive.

Order One Now 

Make sure you touch your Oyster Card to the yellow sensor at the start and the end of your journey. If you forget to touch in or touch out, you will be charged the maximum daily fee.

If you travel during peak times, Monday to Friday (4:30–9:30 in the morning) you will be charged more for your journey.

Student Oyster Cards

Student Photo Oyster Cards are available to students over the age of 18 and enrolled at a participating university or institution. Although you can still use the Student Oyster Card for pay-as-you go travel, no additional discounts are available for single journeys, daily travel or 3 day travel. The Student Oyster Card allows you to spend less money on travel in and around London when you purchase Travelcards valid for 7 days, one month or longer periods of time (up to one year). You will end up saving 30% off the adult fare for that Travelcard. Eligible students must apply for a student oyster card online or by post through their university or institution. Contact your Student Union or the National Union of Students for more information.

If you are under the age of 19 and in full time Education in the UK, you may qualify for the 16+ Student Oyster Card, which will entitle you to free transport on London buses and trams and allow you to purchase Travelcards at a child's rate.

You can purchase a Travelcard valid for transport on the underground, London over-ground trains, DLR, tram, schedules riverboat services and some National Rail services for anytime travel or off-peak travel (travel starting after 9:30 in the morning). You can also purchase a travel pass only valid for the bus and tram network in London. This pass will not allow you to travel on the tube or on any trains.

National Rail Cards allow you to have unlimited travel on National Rail services between the zones specified on your card for the duration of your card. Students holding the National Rail 16-25 cards can purchase travel cards at the off-peak rate, which is a great deal and can save you 50% off your travel costs.

Before taking the bus, always check to see what the times for the first and last buses are. It is also a good idea to check if there are any delays or closed routes by using the Journey Planner.

For bus route map and timetable information, check TFL. You can also use the Journey Planner to find out which bus you will need to take in order to reach your destination.

When you arrive at the bus stop, make sure the bus you need to take, stops at that station (bus numbers are listed on white plaques at the stop). If it does not, look to see if there is any other bus stop nearby or ask a local shop owner for help.

When you arrive at the correct bus stop, check the route map to make sure your bus is heading in the correct direction. If you are unsure, check the front of the bus to see if its last stop is in the direction you wish to travel.

If you find that the bus is heading in the opposite direction to the one in which you want to travel, you will probably need to cross the street to take the bus heading in the right direction.

If you have an Oyster Card, make sure to touch in, but you will not have to touch out. Sometimes, you will be allowed to buy a bus ticket on the bus, although not usually in Central London. Check around the bus stop to see if there is a machine to purchase tickets before your bus arrives.

Night Buses

Night Buses are run on a limited service, late at night. The Night Bus service usually starts after midnight. The routes are much longer and the stops are less frequent. Students usually take the Night Bus to get home after a late night out because it is the only mode of public transport to run through to the early hours. To find out which Night Bus services your area, check at bus stops near you or use the Journey Planner. Night Buses have an "N" before the route number e.g. N11.

In London, you have two cab options: Registered Black Cabs and Mini-Cabs.

All airports have a Black Cab service. Riding in a Black Cab can be a great experience for a foreigner, as the cab driver will most likely tell you about picking up members of the Royal Family, celebrities and other interesting people. They are also quite knowledgeable about London and if you ask, they will probably tell you what you want to know.

However, if you are not careful, you can run up a hefty bill in a Black Cab. All the cars run on a meter that charges per portion of a mile and per minute stopped. If you hit some traffic, you will be broke in no time! Though they are convenient, they are not the best way to save money.

Mini-Cabs are the way to go if you want discounted taxi transportation. Unlike Black Cabs, you cannot hail Mini-Cabs on the street.

You have to call a Mini-Cab station and they will send you a taxi if you have not pre-booked. Mini-cabs charge for the entire journey, regardless of traffic. When you want to book a Mini-Cab, make sure you call the nearest company to you, as they will most likely be the cheapest.

There are also Mini-Cab companies run by women only for women, so if you are a female and you are wary of cab drivers, know that there is another option for you.

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BEST STUDENT DISCOUNTS IN LONDON 2022/23

Did you know that your student id will be the most precious card you will ever need in london.

London is the home of many internationally renowned universities, and each year it welcomes thousands and thousands of students. Even if London is the student and financial capital, the higher cost of living can put some students off. However, you can still enjoy a fulfilling university experience through careful planning and strict budgeting if you know how.

Before it was hard to spot the best discounts for students , now they have created an app that encloses all the best deals and the companies and brands that have agreed to students discounts. This app is called UNIDAYS , and you can easily download it on IOS and ANDROID at the link here.

On this platform, students sign-up with their student id proving their academic status to enjoy and catch up on the latest discounts from all industries: fashion, beauty, transport, fitness, health, food and restaurants. The majority of brands and restaurants give a student discount between the 10-25% to all students. Let’s dive into the best deals out there at the moment.

• ASOS : This platform has a constant 10% discount on all purchases for students, plus occasional sales up to 45% off.
• UGG : The most comfortable shoes for students while studying and going from their dorm to the library. This brand has put a 30% discount + an extra 10% for all students.
• TK-MAXX : has a 60% off less than retail price.
• Polo Ralph Lauren: Has a general clothing sale of 30% off, but with student discounts, they have added a 10% off to all sales items.
• Curzon: You can Sign up for a free student membership and receive off-peak tickets priced at £6.50 and money off tickets at peak times, no booking fees, and access to member previews and student member events.
• Every Man: This very edgy cinema lets anyone with a valid student ID enjoy it at a discounted price during off-peak times. The cost varies per screening, but it’s usually around £12.
• ODEN : Provides 25% off as a student discount for all cinema tickets.
• London tube student discount : London caters very well for students in terms of discounts and special offers on public transport, with most favouring either buses or the London Underground. You can register for a student Oyster card online to get a 30% discount on all your journeys throughout the year. Of course, if you’re living near your university, you can always walk or cycle while receiving a 20% student discount. You should be able to find this, and many other discounted offers at your freshers’ week or on the NUS website.

VISIT LONDON

Visiting London attractions can be pretty pricey. However, there are plenty of bargains to be had, not to mention a plethora of free things to do. Here’s an overview of London’s best student deals and days out.

• The Tower of London student discount : They offer a 5% discount for students and young adults between 16-17.
• London Zoo student discount : On peak times the average ticket for an adult is around £35.00, but the premises offers a 10% off for students to all other tickets including savers, standard and off-peak
• London eye student discount : London Eye has just launched the £16 student ticket, including your 30 minute trip on the London Eye and entry to the 4D cinema.

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION DEALS

If you’re joining a university in London and still looking for the ideal place to stay, then you’ll love to hear that we’re now offering discounted rates on some of our best student rooms. Enjoy our cheaper rates, deals and cash back offers. Don’t miss out – limited availability! View all student accommodation deals here >

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Everything students need to know about Travel Cards. Get your discount on Transport for London!

Traveling around London can be quite expensive for students. Luckily, all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 and over are eligible for a Student Oyster Photocard (student travel card London). This card gives them a 30% travel discount on most Transport for London services, including buses, the underground and trains.

If you’re 18 or over, live at a London address during term time and in full-time education, or on a mandatory work placement in London, you may be eligible for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard .

If you’re 18 and live in London, you may still be eligible for a Zip 16+ Oyster photocard which offers half-price travel on rail services and free travel on buses.

To apply for student travel card London, you must be enrolled:

• With a school, college or university that’s registered on the TfL scheme
• On a mandatory work placement in London or
• On an eligible full-time or part-time course  

You can top up your pay as you go credit and buy Travelcards for your 18+ Student Oyster photocard online. 

You can only do this via your 18+ Student Oyster photocard account. If you try to buy a Travelcard via a contactless and Oyster account, you will be charged the full adult price. 16-25 Railcard is a perfect solution for students who travel a lot by train. It costs £30 a year and gives you a third discount on all UK rail travel. You can get a 12% discount with the NUS Extra card .

The National Express Young Persons Coachcard costs £10 a year and gives people aged 16 to 26 a 1/3 discount on full National Express bus tickets for travelling to anywhere in the UK.

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Tips and tricks for saving money as a student in the UK

Living abroad is expensive — that’s a refrain any international student is well-acquainted with. Living as an international student in the UK, however, is another matter entirely. It’s been ranked the fourth most expensive study destination in the world, and its capital, London, is among the top 20 costliest places to live in. 

With this, knowing how to manage your money is a must. Fortunately, there are many UK student discounts for you to take advantage of, from getting around the country to shopping at your favourite retail stores. Rest assured that you will find many ways to save money — you just need to know what to look out for. 

Here are the best UK student discounts every international student should know about — we’ve also thrown in some money hacks for good measure: 

UK student discounts: Take advantage of your student card

First and foremost, you should know that your student ID is your golden ticket to saving money. Many retailers and restaurants understand that studying in the UK is extremely expensive, and are quick to offer discounts or deals for those who are on a budget. Some of them even go up to 50% off!

You can approach stores, restaurants, and other services individually for discounts — just show them your student card. McDonald’s offers students a free burger or ice cream when they buy certain value meals. 

Outside of that, you can look at a host of offers online . For example, ASOS offers students 10% off their clothing all year round, and you have access to a six-month free trial of Amazon Prime . Students also get a free month of Spotify Premium and only have to pay 5.99 pounds per month after that, which is almost half the price of what regular users are charged. If you’re hungry, Domino’s Pizza offers 35% off when you order more than 25 pounds worth of food online.

Students have access to special discounts for shopping, food, and more. Source: Justin Tallis/AFP

In other instances, you’ll have to  sign up for a student discount scheme to qualify for deals. Luckily, these are often cheap or free to use. Totum is currently the number one student discount card in the UK, giving you deals for eating out at restaurants, fashion, travel, fitness, and more. You’ll need to pay a small fee to enjoy this service. 

If you’re looking for a student discount scheme that’s completely free , you can consider UNiDAYs or Student Beans , both of which give you access to a wide range of deals when you shop online. These include shopping for brands like Apple, Urban Outfitters, H&M, and restaurants like Domino’s and Las Iguanas.

For travel , you can check your local transport services — they usually offer weekly or daily student passes that you can take advantage of. Students attending universities in London can register for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard , which gives you 30% off adult rate travelcards and bus and tram season tickets. 

For when you’re looking to travel around the UK , you can consider a few other options: 

• The 16-25 Railcard gives you a third off National Rail travel
• A Young Persons Coachcard for a third off for National Express coach travel
• Megabus is similarly known for its cheap coach fares 

Student discounts are common across the country, so if you enter a restaurant or shop, chances are you’ll be eligible for one. If you’re unsure, it’s best to ask. 

Download apps for food discounts

Similar to student discount schemes, you can sign up for many apps and services to access a wide range of reductions on food . Some chains such as Starbucks and Burger King have their own dedicated app that will allow you to collect points or secret deals that are not available to regular customers. 

Then there’s TooGoodToGo , an app that aims to fight food waste by connecting customers to restaurants, cafes and stores that have unsold food surplus. Here, you might find full meals, coffee, or pastries left over from the day at a cheaper price. It’s a great way to save on food whilst also ensuring none of it goes to waste. 

Some of these initiatives are available offline. For example, Starbucks sometimes lets certain unsold food items go at 50% off an hour before closing. Other restaurant chains such as Wasabi and Itsu have been known to offer customers half-priced food half an hour before closing, too. 

Check for deals on local entertainment

You can find great deals on popular West End shows. Source: Isabel Infantes/AFP

You’d be surprised at how many cinemas and theatres offer special discounts for ticketed screenings. Cinemas such as Odeon and Vue offer student prices, and you can check Cineworld online for cheap tickets. Visiting chains such as Picturehouse Cinemas can get you extremely affordable tickets, and Genesis Cinema in Mile End, London, is a great option for catching a movie on a budget.

If you want to visit the theatre, you’re in luck. There are plenty of options to get cheap tickets, even without a student card. A popular option for many Londoners is catching a live performance at Shakespeare’s Globe , where you can get standing tickets for as low as five pounds. 

On top of that, you can find great deals on unsold theatre tickets for the most popular West End shows on websites such as LOVEtheatre and Last Minute . Mobile app TodayTix has rush ticket or lottery schemes for certain shows, which you can enter every day. Even visiting the TKTS booth in Leicester Square can return excellent discounts on same-day performances.

If you want to catch a specific show and don’t have morning classes, you can always queue outside the box office for day seats . These are tickets that many theatres hold to be sold on the day of every performance, and are given off when the box office opens in the morning. 

Not all theatres offer this option and you’re not always guaranteed the best seats, but they’re often let go for as low as 25 pounds — decidedly much lower than usual tickets which usually average around £60. Be sure to check Theatre Monkey for more information on this.

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Unlocking the Best Student Discounts in London: London Student Discounts

Being a student can often mean living on a tight budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the vibrant and diverse offerings of a city like London. Fortunately, London recognises the financial challenges students face and provides a plethora of enticing student discounts across various establishments. In this article, we will explore some of the best student discounts in London, to help you make the most of your time in this incredible city.

1. Transport Discounts

Navigating London’s vast transportation network can be expensive, but as a student, you can benefit from numerous discounted travel options . The most prominent of these is the Student Oyster Card, offering significant savings on buses, trams, the London Underground, and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Additionally, many train companies provide student railcards, granting reduced fares for both local and national journeys.

2. Museums and Galleries

London is home to an array of world-class museums and galleries, housing priceless artefacts and incredible works of art. Many of these institutions offer free entry for students or heavily discounted rates. The British Museum , the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Tate Modern are just a few examples of places where you can expand your knowledge and cultural horizons without breaking the bank.

3. Entertainment and Leisure

London’s vibrant entertainment scene is renowned worldwide, and students can take advantage of discounted tickets to various shows, concerts, and events. The West End, famous for its dazzling theatrical performances, often provides student discounts for select shows. Students can also get discounts at a Leicester Square comedy club or comedy venues in Covent Garden. Cinemas, bowling alleys, and even theme parks like Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures offer reduced rates, ensuring you can have fun with friends without worrying about your budget.

4. Shopping Discounts

Whether you’re looking for fashionable clothing , electronics, or other essentials, London offers an array of student discounts in numerous stores. High-street favourites like Topshop, ASOS, and H&M offer year-round student discounts , while others may have special promotions during key times such as the Back-to-School period. Don’t forget to keep your student ID handy and explore various student-specific discount websites for exclusive deals.

5. Food and Dining

Eating out can be a pricey affair, but with the multitude of student discounts available in London, you can savour culinary delights without emptying your wallet. Many popular restaurant chains , such as PizzaExpress, Nando’s, and Yo! Sushi, offer significant discounts exclusively for students. Additionally, student-specific food apps and platforms provide additional savings and exclusive deals at local eateries.

6. Health and Fitness

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, and as a student, you can enjoy discounts on gym memberships, fitness classes, and sports activities in London. Numerous gyms and fitness centres offer student-specific pricing plans or reduced rates during off-peak hours. These discounts enable you to stay fit and active while managing your expenses effectively.

7. Student Events and Societies

London’s universities and colleges host a plethora of student events and societies that cater to various interests. Engaging with these organisations not only enriches your experience but also often leads to exclusive student discounts. Whether it’s attending a film screening, joining a sports club, or participating in a society event , make sure to take advantage of the student-oriented activities that provide valuable discounts alongside unique experiences.

Unlocking the Best Student Discounts in London: London Student Discounts Conclusion

London is a city bursting with opportunities for students, and the availability of numerous student discounts makes exploring and enjoying the city more accessible. From transportation to entertainment, shopping to dining, and everything in between, London offers an impressive range of discounts tailored specifically for students. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can stretch your budget further while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and diverse offerings of this incredible city. So, don’t forget to carry your student ID, keep an eye out for exclusive deals, and make the most of your time in London with the best student discounts available!

Before you go! Have you read our Magazine?

Getting around and travel discounts

• Oyster cards, contactless cards and rail discounts

Use our searchable maps to find out where everything is on the UCL campus. 

Oyster cards and rail discounts

Information about Oyster cards and rail discounts, including how to get an 18+ Student Oyster photocard.

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A Guide To Student Travel Discounts In The UK

By Rebecca Maher on August 12th, 2022

Benefits of Student Travel Discounts in the UK

Who doesn’t love a discount card! Especially when you are a student, and the cost of living is on the rise! Some of the best student travel discounts in the UK include travelling via train, tube, and bus. We want to help you save money so that you can enjoy student living with Downing Students as much as possible. So, we have put together our top tips to save money when travelling around the UK with student travel discounts.

Student Discount on Trains

You will be happy to hear that all cities home to Downing Student’s accommodation are situated in the best central locations with access to public transport links close by.

Including: London , Liverpool , Leeds , Coventry , Cambridge , Newcastle , Glasgow , Edinburgh and Exeter .

16-25 Railcard

If you’re between 16-25, good news! You can save money by applying for a railcard, saving 30% off train travel. This student travel card is ideal for students regularly travelling to and from university campuses, or those UK students that are looking to travel home at weekends.

How To Apply For A 16-25 Railcard

Just £30 a year, 16-25 railcards can be purchased either online or at staffed ticket stations. You can also buy your student travel card online, providing you download the Railcard app to access your 16-25 railcard. If you know you will be doing a lot of traveling over the next three years, a 3-year 16-25 railcard costs just £70.  All you need to do is purchase your railcard by having a valid debit card, valid UK driving license or international passport and a digital passport style photo to upload for your discount card.

16-17 Saver Railcard

Heading to college and not sure what transport methods to look at? You can save yourself 50% off all train travel by applying for a railcard. This includes season tickets, standard, off-peak and anytime travel. Ideal for travelling to campus, fun days out and even traveling home too.

How To Apply For A 16-17 Saver Railcard

To get your hands on a 16-17 travel card, you need to provide evidence of age, (national ID, passport, UK Driver’s License), have a good photo for ID purposes and finally a debit or credit card to secure your student travel card. TIP – if you move to university and you’re not quite 18, make sure you purchase one of these. It could be the month before your 18 th birthday and it will see you through for 12 months with a 50% saving.

London Underground Student Discount

Staying with us at Vega London , The Lyra or Atlas for the 22/23 term? Make student living that much easier and benefit from student travel discounts UK. Or maybe you know friends who will be living in London and you plan to visit them, this saving can help you then.

18+ Student Oyster Card

Get yourself an oyster card for your student travel in and around London. You will save 30% with this student deal, providing you live in a London Borough during term time. An oyster card is super beneficial allowing you to buy discounted travelcards, bus and tram season tickets.

How To Apply For A 18+ Student Oyster Card

To get your 18+ oyster card, apply online by providing an email address, student enrolment ID, a London borough address and a digital photo.

16+ Zip Oyster Photocard

Fresh out of school or college? This one is for you! Get 50% off adult pay as you go fares on bus, Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line (excluding between West Drayton and Reading) and most National Rail services in London.

How To Apply For A 16+ Zip Oyster Photocard

A parent or guardian is required to apply for an oyster card for students under the age of 18 . If you are 18 or over, you will need to apply online and create a photocard in keeping with the 16+ zip oyster terms and conditions.

Coach Student Discount

Travelling by coach is considered one of the most low-cost ways of travelling. Sure, on some occasions it may take a little longer to travel, but using a young persons’ coach card will definitely help you save money – meaning you can focus more on studying and ultimately, enjoying student life!

Young Persons’ Coach card

For just £12.50 for the year or £30 for three years, you will save a third of the price on coach travel on standard and fully flexible fares. Even better, you will save money travelling to events and festivals too – winner!

How To Apply For A Young Persons Coach card

A young persons’ coach card can be purchased using the online registration form, with the travel card then delivered to your home address within 7 days. Alternatively, you can call National Express who can arrive delivery of your student travel card for you.

With student living throughout the UK, Downing Students accommodation is located within the best city central locations to ensure our students have easy access to nearby transport links for student travel. Take Vega London for example, a quick 5-minute walk away from Vauxhall Underground.

Looking to study at University of Warwick, Coventry? You are in luck! When you book your next home away from home at City Village   student living you get a FREE, yes FREE bus pass! Hurry, this offer won’t be around for much longer!

Like to learn more? We would love to hear from you!

Join in the Downing Students fun right here

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Student Travel Discounts

Oyster cards or contactless payment cards are the cheapest way to pay for single fare journeys on the underground, buses, DLR and some trains in London. 

Pay as you go

If you don't travel frequently, you may find pay as you go is the cheapest option. If you visit a tube ticket office, you can also link a 16-25 Young Persons Railcard  to your Oyster card to save money on off-peak travel.

16+ Zip Card 

Students aged 16 and 17 can apply for a 16+ Zip card and request to have the form stamped at the Student Hub. Students aged 18 and over need to apply for a 18+ Student Oyster card

18+ Student Oyster Card

With an 18+ Student Oyster Card, you can save 30% off adult-rate Travelcards & Bus/Tram season tickets.

Eligibility

To get an 18+ Student Oyster Card you must be:

• A student aged 18 or over
• A registered, full time student for a minimum of 14 weeks course duration
• Living at a London address during term-time

 How to apply

Once you have enrolled, applications can be made online with  TFL

You will need:

• A colour digital photo to upload
• Your CID number from the College
• Your course start and end dates
• The full postal address of your London based term-time address
• A valid debit or credit card
• To use the end date on your student card

 You can find more information, including full terms and conditions on the  Transport for London website

Frequently Asked Questions

Are part-time students eligible for the 18+ student oyster card.

Part-time students are not eligible.

When will my card expire?

Your 18+ Student Oyster Card will expire on your course end date.

How long will it take to get my card?

After the College has confirmed your student registration to TFL, you should receive your card within two to three weeks. 

You can track the status of your application by signing into your 18+ web account with TFL.

What information does the College release about me to TFL?

Once you have made an application for the 18+ Student Oyster Card, the College is required to confirm that you are a registered student, and the expected end of your course.  

If you make an application for an 18+ Student Oyster Card, you are agreeing to the College releasing this information to Transport for London and its agents.

Am I eligible for a 16+ Zip Oyster card?

Only students aged 16 and 17 can apply for the 16+ Zip Oyster card. The application form can be stamped by staff at the Student Hub,

Students aged 18 and over can only apply for the 18+ Student Oyster Card. 

Where can I find out more information about the 18+ Student Oyster Card?

You can find out more information on the  TFL website

Get student discounts on KAYAK .

We get it, you’re on a tight budget. As in, instant ramen is one of your main food groups. But just because your bank account got blown on textbooks this year, doesn’t mean an epic trip is out of the question.

That’s why KAYAK partners with travel companies that offer discounts on flights specifically for college students and travelers under the age of 26. Kick off a flight search to see if a sweet discount is available for your trip.

How to find cheap flights for students on KAYAK .

Enter your origin, destination and select “students” instead of “adults” as your traveler option.

Sort by cheapest to see which partners offer the lowest price. If it’s one of our student providers, they’ll rise to the top.

Check out all the flights our partners offer and book the one that is best for you.

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KAYAK searches for flight deals on hundreds of travel sites to help you find the cheapest options. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute flight or planning ahead, you can find flight deals on KAYAK.

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Who is StudentUniverse?

StudentUniverse empowers young adults to experience the world with discount travel. For students and young adults, our cheap flights, hotels and tours make it affordable to travel anywhere you want to go. Although we specialize in student and youth discounts, most of our promo codes apply for all ages.

How do we get the best student travel deals?

StudentUniverse has negotiated with more than 90 airlines from United Airlines to British Airways to Air China and more. We offer exclusive student flight discounts that can’t be found anywhere else and offer steeper flight and travel deals when we know students want to travel. Become a FREE member to access our exclusive student travel discounts. 💯

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