By Beds SU
Tuesday, 24 September 2024
For all students managing your finances is a key part of day-to-day life and transportation can be a significant cost, especially for those commuting to campus. Luckily, there are several affordable and discounted transport options available to help students. This article aims to raise awareness of where you can save on travel.
National Student Travel Cards
Student travel cards offer significant savings for students traveling by bus or train, both locally and across the UK.
- 16-25 Railcard give students 1/3 off rail fares across the UK, perfect for students commuting to any of our campuses or when visiting friends or family. Although marketed as the 16-125 railcard, students over the age of 25, studying full-time are also eligible for this discount.
- Unirider by Stagecoach is a bus pass available to students across the UK offering unlimited travel on all Stagecoach buses at a much lower cost than standard fares, providing great flexibility.
- Oyster 18+ card. If you are studying at our London Bridge campus then you can apply for an Oyster 18+ which offers up to 30% off tube, train, bus and tram routes across the city.
Local Bus Services
Local bus services often have student discounts and so worth checking with your local providers. These include:
- Arriva Student Saver Tickets. Arriva’s student passes, available on a weekly, monthly, or termly basis.
- Uno Bus run services throughout Bedfordshire and therefore an excellent option for local and campus-to-campus travel.
*It is worth checking the website or checking with the driver before you travel as to whether you need to purchase a pass before travel to access discount or whether you can use your student ID.
Cycling
Cycling is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for getting to and from campus. Most cities now have cycle routes including those where the University of Bedfordshire has campuses. Luton and Bedford also provide secure bike racks. It is also worth exploring whether community cycle shares are run close to your campus, offering you the opportunity to collect and drop a bike for short journeys.
- University Shuttle Service
The University of Bedfordshire offers a convenient shuttle bus service that runs every hour from Bedford Central Station to the University campus in Bedford. You will need to show your student ID for identification when using the shuttle and you can find the timetable here.
Alongside the above options it worth checking with your local train, bus or tram services as to whether student discounts are available. The discounts available are valid 7 days a week so a great way to get out and explore your University town or go further field.