5 Ways For Students To Travel Affordably In The United Kingdom

London Tower Bridge

We all love to travel. Not only does travelling bring out the best in us, we get the opportunity to forge meaningful experiences that will last a lifetime.

For those of us who are tied down with work and our studies in Singapore, we would only be able to spend time travelling whenever we are on leave, or during our study breaks.

But for students in the United Kingdom, you should count yourself lucky. Not only is the U.K. so filled with endless sights to explore, you can always spend your weekends travelling to nearby cities or spend your breaks travelling to farther destinations at a more affordable price than those who are travelling from Singapore.

If you are a student studying in the U.K. and you are looking forward to making the most of your weekends and breaks, here are 5 Ways For Students To Travel Affordably In The U.K.

London St Pancras Train Station

One of the best things that a student is entitled to in the U.K. are the great student memberships with travel companies which give you access to so many fantastic discounts on train tickets, or bus tickets!

If you are between 16 to 25 years old or in full-time study if you are above 25 years old, get your hands on the 16-25 railcard! With this card, you will be entitled to 1/3 off Standard Anytime and Off-Peak fares, including Standard Advance and First Class Advance fares. There is also no limit to the number of times you can use this card. What a steal!

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The 16-25 railcard can be purchased for £30 for 1 year and £70 for 3 years—both can be purchased online for or at a train station or via the phone for the 1-year membership.

16-25 Railcard

Photo Credit: I Am In The UK

Train tickets are not always the cheapest option (even with discounts applied with the 16-25 railcard). If you are feeling the pinch and are comfortable with slightly longer travel routes, the Young Persons Coachcard can be purchased for £10 for one year, or £25 for three years. This coach card would entitle you to 1/3 off all standard fares and 10% off travel to events and festivals!

London Soho Airbnb


#2 ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS


We all know how much high-end hotels and accommodation can cost, so as a student, it would make more sense to seek cheaper alternatives in light of your wallets.

Book your accommodation with Airbnb, but not the option of booking the entire apartment. Instead, opt to stay in a shared residence with your host, which will definitely be considerably cheaper.

This is also a great way for you to interact and make friends with your host, who would be more than delighted to share more about sightseeing attractions in the place you are visiting.

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Couchsurfing

Photo Credit: Anglo Italian Follow Us

For those who are slightly more adventurous, have you tried couch surfing? Couch surfing is a global platform where you can stay with locals and meet travellers from all over the world, and accommodation fees are also incredibly affordable.


#3 BUDGET FLIGHTS


Who says you have to fly fancy all the time? For instance, just ask yourself: is there really a need to fly an international flight to a particular location, when there are just as good, and affordable domestic flights available?

If you are travelling within the U.K., opt for domestic carriers such as Ryan Air or EasyJet and you will be able to reach your dream destination in no time at all and at a more affordable price.

As with always, make sure that you book your flight early to avoid disappoint with expensive and jacked up prices. Also, if you are travelling during your break, try to avoid flights on Fridays or over the weekends as that is the period where most locals will be travelling to and from home for the weekend.

London Natural History Museum


#4 FREE TOURIST SITES


There are plenty of historical and scenic attractions that you can enjoy for free. If you are trying not to spend so much money on your travels, do your research in advance to determine which attractions, for example, museums, have free admission.

Most of the time, nature is free. Instead of focusing on only visiting city attractions and what not, take some time to experience the countryside or the splendid geographical attractions that can be accessed via public transport, or simply, by walking.

Read: 9 best museums in London to check out.

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Marks & Spencer M&S Simply Food


#5 FOOD OPTIONS


There is plenty of good food wherever you visit, such as local pubs or even small eateries.

If you are not such a big fan of spending your money on food, consider visiting local supermarkets such as Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury or Tesco to purchase produce and cook in your Airbnb host’s home or in your self-catered accommodation. They also offer sandwiches and meal deals, which will leave both you and your wallet content. We also love Pret A Manger’s sandwiches, soups and sweet treats.

What is not to love; you will be saving more money for your future travels!


ADDITIONAL TRAVEL TIPS


One additional tip that we can give you for travelling in the U.K. is to travel at night if you are comfortable with night travel.

Think about it, you would be saving on a night’s accommodation fee, and tickets are also priced more cheaply for early morning or night travel.


If you are looking for ideas on where to travel to in the U.K., check out 10 Best Day Trips From London For Under £35 for some recommendations!