Getting About
BASICS
Unless you are learning online, you will need to get to university and back (as well as a host of other places).
Better be prepared to travel.
While some courses may offer online learning, it is far more common for students to be expected to attend lectures and seminars on campus. (You can learn more about these HERE.)
Three or four days a week you will have to go to the university. And there will also be other times you need to travel - going to the library, food shopping, social activities, appointments with your GP or Student Services.
How you will travel is something you need to think about before you go.
How far is it?
The first thing to consider is distance. How far is your accommodation from the university campus, the shops or the city centre?
If they all within walking distance, that’s great. As long as it is safe to do so, walking will save you a lot of money.
But it is unlikely that all of them are so easily accessible. You are going to need to plan ahead.
Public transport
Buses will probably be your main mode of transport. They are usually cheap (if not always reliable and convenient).
Check with Student Services which bus routes are applicable to you and download timetables from the bus company website(s). Be aware that prices and services offered can change so make sure you have the latest information.
You should be able to purchase a monthly or student travel card to help keep costs down. Again, check with Student Services and the bus company website(s).
For longer distances, trains are generally convenient (although expensive and often subject to delays).
You should be able to purchase a Railcard which will offer around a third off fares. We would also recommend downloading an app to enable planning ahead, purchasing tickets online and to help keep you up to date with delays and other problems.
TIP
Some Student bank accounts offer a 4-year Railcard as a perk. This may be something to consider when choosing accounts if it is helpful to you.
Cars
Cars are convenient but using them at university is not without problems.
Be sure to check what parking facilities are available and if there are any costs associated.
Also, be aware that cars sometimes break down or can be stolen, so be sure to have some money put aside for emergencies (as well as breakdown cover).
Bikes
Bikes are a cheap method of travel, so they are very popular with students.
In a similar way to cars, it is important to know where they can be stored at your accommodation or parked when on campus. Be sure to have a good lock as well, because bikes are often stolen.
Try to find out if there are any risks associated with local roads. As usual, forewarned is forearmed.
As with walking, consider the weather and make sure you have appropriate clothing.
Also…
You are going to have to get your stuff to university when you go.
That seems obvious, but it is important to think about how you are going to do that!
If someone is giving you a lift, great. But you still need to consider how much to take and how to transport it safely and conveniently to the driver.
If you have the ability to store your household items at home before going, we recommend you take only essential items during your first trip to the university. (You can always bring other items up later on.)
If you are leaving your own home, this is more difficult. We would still recommend taking only essential items where that is possible. You may be able to keep some items in a storage facility, although this can be expensive, so we would recommend asking friends and relatives if they would be willing to store some of your possessions while you are at university.