London is undeniably a metropolitan city with a wide range of transportation tools, however, it can be expensive to commute across different parts of the city. Here are some ways to make commuting affordable:
1.) Making good use of the student kitchen on campus is a useful way to save money
All students are welcome to use the student kitchen in the Michael Sterling Building. You can warm up our food, such as ready meals using the microwave or oven, but you can also eat in the kitchen rather than buying pricey food and drinks on the commute to Brunel.
2.) Getting a Student Oyster Photocard
As long as you're a registered full-time student at Brunel and living in a London borough during term-time, you're eligible to apply for an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard. You can then save 30% on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets. You can apply for the card online with an active email address, student enrolment ID from Brunel, a London borough address and a digital photo. The photocard can be valid for up to three years of your course.
3.) Linking your Railcard to the Oyster Card
If you’re between 16-25 years of age, you are able to get a 16-25 railcard, which provides a one-third discount from the original train ticket price. It costs only £30 for a one-year pass and £70 for a 3-year pass respectively, therefore you'll make your money back in just a few journeys. There are often some promo codes from the official website - https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/great-britain/railcards. Remember to get it linked to your Oyster Card after purchasing.
4.) Getting a monthly pass
A Travelcard (in the zones it's valid for) enables unlimited travel at any time on the bus, tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and National Rail services in London. It can be used on all buses, and if valid in zones 3, 4, 5 or 6, on all trams. You can buy a 7 Day, Monthly or Annual Travelcard depending on your schedule. 7 Day Travelcards give you seven days' travel for the price of only five days and can be activated on any day of the week. To enjoy the student discount, don’t forget to bring your Student Oyster Photocard and tap it on the ticket machine after payment.
5.) Avoid commuting during peak hours
It's much more expensive to travel by railway during peak hours. If you have the flexibility, try not to travel between 06:30 and 09:30; and between 16:00 and 19:00 during weekdays. Besides, you’ll enjoy your journey more if the train is less crowded.
6.) Travelling by a bike on sunny days
Take advantage of the Santander bikes located around Uxbridge and our campus. You don’t need to book before using them. Just download the Santander Bike application on your mobile phone and sign in on the terminal after arriving at the nearest docking station. It costs £1.65 for up to 30 minutes for the Pay as you ride and another £1.65 for each additional 30 minutes.
Act now and save on your commuting cost!!