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Student Oyster Card: Benefits, Types, Balance Checking And Top-Ups

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Your Ticket to London

Getting a student Oyster Card is one of the first things you should consider when planning to move to or visit London. There are several benefits of a student Oyster Card, and having one makes it easy and affordable to travel around the city by public transport. Our comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about the card and how to use it, along with the various types of student Oyster Cards.

What is an Oyster Card?

An Oyster Card is a smart card or pass that lets you travel on all the modes of public transport in London. The card can be topped up using a credit card, and it is contactless. This card is the most popular way to pay for public transport in London. It allows you to pay as you go by adding money to it. Bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, most Elizabeth line, IFS Cloud Cable Car and Thames Clippers River Bus services all accept pay-as-you-go payments. You would be glad to know that these transport services run through most parts of London, including the best neighbourhoods! Read all about the best neighbourhoods in London !

What is an 18+ Student Oyster Card?

The 18+ Student Oyster card or photocard works exactly like the standard card, with the only difference being the presence of your photo and extra discounts. The card allows you to travel for the three years of your study program at discounted rates. You can avail of the student oyster card for the remainder of your study period. You save 30% on bus and tram passes and travel cards. You also get a 34% discount on low-traffic rail fares . Ensure that you check if you are eligible for the card before applying for it, and pay a one-time application fee of £20 if you are. You must study for at least 15 hours a week and at least 14 hours during the weekdays to be eligible for a student oyster card. This also applies to postgraduate students studying more than 15 hours a week.

Oyster Card Benefits

Getting a card to use public transport in London fast and efficiently has many perks. Here are some of the many student Oyster Card benefits that one can get:

1. The credit on the card will never expire, meaning you don't have to worry about using up the money before you leave town, so you don't waste it as you can use it even years later or whenever you return. 

2. The Pay as You Go feature can be combined with Travel cards. Learn how to check Oyster card balance further in the blog!  

3. Very easy to use and extremely affordable. 

4. Using the student Oyster card, you won't have to purchase tickets every time you travel by public transport. Instead, you can use the card, which is convenient and cheaper than paying for single tickets. 

5. The cards can be used on trains, buses, trams, tubes and other public transport throughout London. 

6. The cap price is present on how much you can spend on the rides, and so once that is exceeded, the subsequent rides are free for the rest of the day. The cap prices vary from zone to zone. 

7. If you have one of these cards you aren't using, you can always just get a refund.

Let the Oyster card take care of your daily expenses, you leave your accommodation needs to amber

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Why should I buy a Visitor Oyster card?

If you’re contemplating buying a card and are only planning on staying in London for a short period of time, you should certainly consider getting a Visitor Oyster Card. When you look at alternative transport options in London, Uber and taxi rentals prove to be quite expensive. For example, the average price of a short Uber drive, i.e. 1-5 miles, is £1 - £15. In comparison, a visitor or student oyster card is relatively more hassle-free and pocket-friendly.

The visitor oyster card prevents the need for constant cash transactions and ensures a smooth experience for visitors experiencing all the things to do in London. Visitor Oyster cards are a great boon for tourists looking to explore all they can in the English capital.

What is the difference between Standard and Visitor Oyster cards?

Although it is similar to a Standard Oyster Card in that they cost relatively the same, use the same Pay As You Go system, and are compatible with the Contactless and TfL Oyster, there are a couple of differences that might make getting a Visitor Oyster Card a better choice for tourists and those on a short stay in London. 

1. Since the Visitor Cards are designed for tourists, they are disposable and pre-loaded with credit, while the Standard Card is reusable and requires top-ups to use. 

2. Another main difference between the two is that Visitor Cards have a daily price cap, unlike the Standard Cards. Only needing to pay a certain amount of money regardless of how many trips you take makes it quite convenient and cost-effective for tourists.

How to Buy an Oyster Card

It is quite easy to buy student Oyster cards as well as regular ones. London has made it incredibly accessible for most people to be in possession of one!

1. The Standard and Visitor Oyster Cards can be bought from the underground stations in London and the airports .

2.  They are often readily available at ticket machines but can be purchased through newsagents or staffed ticket offices .

3. Student Oyster cards can be bought online and delivered directly to your residence before entering the UK. 

4. The Standard Card can only be shipped to a UK address, but a visitor card can be shipped anywhere worldwide . 

5. Before you arrive, you won't have to go out and buy one later on. To spend less money on the tourist centres in London, you can also get a card as part of a London Pass , but this can only be done online. The payment for the card is done through either cash, a debit card, or a credit card.

How to Check the Application Status?

You can check your student Oyster card application status by signing into your Card web account . If you have entered your phone number during the application process, you will receive a text message while your card is delivered.

How Much Does An Oyster Card Cost?

The regular card costs about £5 and the primary deposit can be refunded. The visitor card costs £5 as well, and this includes postage. There are many options with the card charges. There is a pay-as-you-go option, a travel pass option and an option that combines both, but the prices for each trip will differ. 

The student Oyster card and regular prices can be checked online from your location to the one you're heading to. Till the daily cap is used, the cost of the subsequent trips is cheaper. The prices can also be changed by the time of the day. The prices are high compared to the rest of the day in the rush hours or busy hours from 6:30- 9:30 am and 4:00 -7:00 pm .

Oyster Card Student Discount

Students in London can easily get student discounts on their student Oyster cards. This is a highly feasible technique for international students who depend on public discounts while studying in London. A student above 18 can avail of 30% off Travel Cards and Bus & Tram Passes . The card can be utilised while purchasing the tickets monthly and weekly.

How To Check Oyster Card Balance

When you want to check Oyster card balance, it is very easy to do. Usually, when you check Oyster card balance, it is displayed at the ticket gates, but if you missed it, there are other ways to check your Oyster Card balance. It can be checked online or at the ticket machines. The student Oyster card website has an option to check Oyster Card balance. This can only be done for cards that are registered and already in use. Otherwise, the balance can also be checked on the TfL Oyster App. 

If you want to check your Oyster card balance in person at the ticket machines, there is a yellow card reader where you have to hold your card, and it will automatically show you the balance.

How To Top-Up Oyster Cards

Topping up a student Oyster Card is putting in money to be used later during commuting. The following methods can be used for a student Oyster Card recharge: 

1. The first way is to visit a visitor centre , station or ticket desk at an Oyster ticket shop in the city. 

2. The second way is through the Oyster Website , which can only be done if you already have an account. If you do, you can log in and use the auto Oyster top-up or buy season tickets . 

3. The ticket machines at the stations in London, both overground and underground, have machines where you can hold up the card to review your balance and then click on the add top-up feature to add money through cash, credit or debit.

4. The final option is to use the TfL Oyster app , which is almost the same as reloading credits from the site.

The Student Oyster card is a benefit for not only students but also those looking to save up as much as they can on public transport. Despite London’s public transit system being quite accessible, when you take into consideration the city’s cost of living and rent, it is always nice to save up wherever you can. Curious about living in London and what it entails? Get acquainted with the cost of living in London !

So here was the A to Z of Oyster Cards that most people use in London. If you're planning on visiting London or moving there, getting an Oyster Card is definitely something you should look into. Here, we have also compiled a comprehensive guide for you to navigate London zones and public transport . It will make commuting and getting around places by public transport so much easier and cheaper. And of course! Familiarising yourself with the London Underground could certainly help you navigate your way. Or you could just wing it! We hope this blog helped you understand everything you need to know about the Oyster Card. So, what are you waiting for? If London’s won over your heart, why not check out the best neighbourhoods in London so you can plan the perfect trip to the city?

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i do if i lose my student oyster card, can i use my contactless bank card instead of an oyster card, do you need to tap in and out using the card when transferring buses, how long does a student oyster card last, can i use my oyster card outside of london.

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November 30th, 2022

How to apply for and use your 18+ student oyster photocard.

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Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

If you’re new to London, one of the first things you’ll notice is the convenient and efficient public transport system the city has. Transport for London (TfL) has impressive connectivity across the city that helps you get anywhere you’d like to go with great ease. As a student, the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard helps you cut down on travel costs and makes exploring the city fun and affordable. How, you ask? Read on.

What is it?

The 18+ Student Oyster Photocard is specifically designed for students living and studying in London. It’s a card that you tap-in and tap-out (for the tube) and tap-in only (for the bus) to pay for your ride. It’s different from the usual Oyster Card because it’s got your picture printed on it and offers you discounted rates.

How do I apply?

To apply for the student photocard, you have to first complete your campus enrolment and then apply online on the TfL website . The card costs £20 and remains valid until the end of your course. The application process is straightforward and requires basic information covering your student enrolment ID, London address and digital photograph. Be sure to check the instructions for your photograph before uploading.

After application submission, the university approves it and then TfL will post your card to your address. You will receive email/text updates on your application.

I received my card within two weeks of applying.

What are the benefits?

The student photocard helps you save 30% on adult-rate Travelcards as well as on Bus and Tram Passes . Once you receive your card, you can buy discounted travelcards and bus passes on the TfL website. You can also add pay as you go credit but there are no discounts for this.

The adult fare for a 7-day bus pass is £23.30 but with a 30% discount using the student photocard, the price drops to £16.30. For the tube, between Zone 1-2 the adult fare for the 7-day travelcard is £38.40 but the discounted travelcard using the student photocard costs £26.80.

Another benefit of the student photocard is that you can add your 16-25 Railcard to it. By doing this, you can save 34% on pay as you go fares during off-peak hours. You can apply for the 16-25 Railcard online and it costs £30 per year. If you’re between 16-25 years old or a mature student , you’re eligible to apply. Once you receive your card, you can link it to your student photocard at any tube station by asking a staff member.

How do I make my choice?

The choice between travelcards and pay as you go fares depends on how often you plan to take public transport. Compare the prices of the discounted travelcards and pay as you go fares for the number of journeys you will make. If you will take more than two rides each day for the whole week, the discounted travelcard on your student photocard will be economical. If not, you’re better off with pay as you go fares. It’s cost-effective to buy 7-day travelcards as opposed to the monthly ones because during some months you would not use public transport as frequently and so a 7-day travelcard helps you save money.

I usually take between 6 to 8 rides a week. So, pay as you go fares are economical for me.

Any tips for navigating public transport?

• Getting around London becomes super easy with a transport app. Citymapper is a great one that gives you several route options with real-time updates on delays.
• Check for updates from TfL when planning your journeys. This is especially useful when there are planned closures on the transport network.
• Check for weather updates before planning your travel and always leave some buffer time to avoid running late.
• If you can, do check out alternate modes of transport for a change. London is a very walkable city and it also has a great cycling network.

About the author

I’m Aish, an MPhil/PhD student at the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science. I study the impact that personality characteristics can have on performance at the workplace. When I’m not actively PhD-ing, I spend my time cooking, writing, and hula-hooping.

I’m so interested by joining your team how to apply

LSE have rejected my student oyster verification… who can I contact at LSE about this? Thanks

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Student Oyster Photocard

All full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 and over may be eligible for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard , which provides a 30 per cent travel discount on most Transport for London (TfL) services.

The 18+ Student Oyster photocard enables you to buy Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets at 30 per cent off the equivalent adult weekly and monthly fares. These are for use on:

• National Rail trains in the London area
• the London Underground (the tube)
• Docklands Light Railway
• London bus services

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard, you must be aged 18, be living at a London address during term time AND be one of the following:

• a full-time student enrolled on a full-time course, consisting of 15 or more tuition-led and/or structured learning hours a week over a period of at least 14 weeks
• receiving NHS Bursary funds as a full-time student (proof is required)
• a full-time postgraduate student (e.g. studying or writing up for 15 or more hours per week)
• a part-time postgraduate student on a course lasting at least 14 weeks, and receiving NHS bursary funds (you must provide evidence of this)
• a sabbatical officer
• a full-time student as defined above on mandatory work placement in London for a minimum period of 14 weeks

Part-Time Students

Please be aware that part-time students are generally not eligible under the terms of the 18+ Student Oyster photocard scheme, and applications will not be approved automatically.

If you are a part-time student and believe that you qualify for an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard, please contact the Student Funding Office by emailing [email protected] providing your name, King's ID and course details, and let us know which criteria you believe you qualify under. 

How do I apply?

Applying online is the only way to receive your discount entitlement. Your 18+ Student Oyster photocard will be sent to the address you provide and should arrive within five to seven days after approval from King's (this is carried out by the Student Funding Office ). 

Please note that when applying you will need:

• A colour, digital photo
• Your student, enrolment ID from your school, college or university
• A London address
• A valid debit or credit card to pay the £20 administration fee
• An active, valid email address

When applying for your TfL 18+ oyster card please ensure you search for 'Kings College London' and select the entry with address ‘Kings College London, James Clerk Maxwell Building, 57 Waterloo Road.’

If selecting the institution from a list, make sure to select Kings College London, and not the NHS Foundation Trust or “Kings London.”

If you don’t apply to the correct 'Kings College London' your application will be rejected by another institution and you may have to make a new application and incur the £20 administration fee again.

When entering your Course Details (Step 3) you will be asked to provide your Student enrolment (ID) Number. This is the 7 or 8 digit number on your student card. Please do not enter the ID that begins with a “K” as this may cause delays in approving your application.

18+ Student Oyster photocard

Applications cannot be approved until your first day of term, so we will not be able to submit approval before this date. 

We will only be able to approve applications for students who have fully completed registration, including on-campus enrolment and the collection of their student ID card.

If you have any further issues, please contact the Student Funding Office on [email protected]. 

16+ Zip Oyster photocard

As King's is a university, under the terms and conditions of the 16+ Zip Oyster Photocard scheme we are not able to approve applications for this scheme. Students at King's who are not yet 18 will be able to apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard after their eighteenth birthday.

Can I get discount on National Rail?

Students can apply for a National Rail 16-25 Railcard (formerly known as a Young Persons Railcard). It costs £30 and saves students 1/3 on rail fares throughout Great Britain for a whole year. For information about eligibility and how to apply visit the 16-25 Railcard website .

Mature students (over the age of 26 and in full-time education) can also apply.

Changes in Registration

Please note that if your registration status changes (e.g. if you graduate, interrupt or withdraw from your studies or change your study status to part-time), you may no longer be entitled to the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard under the terms and conditions of the scheme. Under these circumstances we are required to report this to TfL and your card will be stopped.

If you have interrupted your studies, then you will need to reapply for a new 18+ Student Oyster Photocard when you have re-enrolled as a full-time student.

Medical students intercalating externally will be considered as interrupted at King's, and will need to apply for a new 18+ Student Oyster photocard with the institution where they are completing their intercalated degree, once their card at King's is stopped.

If you extend your period of study you will need to apply for a new 18+ Student Oyster photocard to cover this additional study time. 

You can find out further information on the TfL website. 

Disclaimer:

King's has tried to give students an early opportunity to begin their research of student funding. Although every effort has been made to ensure that information provided is both helpful to prospective candidates and accurate at the time of its publication, it is possible that some information may be outdated or superseded before the start of the 2022/23 academic year.

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How To Travel Around London

Travelling around London may be costly, so we’ve compiled a list of tips for navigating about the capital city efficiently. Get a student travel card or a student Oyster card sent to your door to help you save money and minimise travel costs daily!

Student Oyster Card For Bus Travel

Get A Student Oyster Card To Save Money On Tube, DLR, Bus And Overground

If you are 18 or older, a student, and live in a London borough, you can use an Oyster Photocard to save money on your journeys. You will save up to 30% on the Adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.  You may apply online by clicking here!

Keep in mind… when your course ends, your 18+ Student Oyster Photocard expires. Your school, college, or university will notify TFL if you are no longer qualified or if the end date of your course has changed. Your Photocard benefits will then end.

If you are in a hurry, you can take a taxi around London. There is the traditional taxi as well as private rental cars known as minicabs such as Addison Lee and local cab businesses. There has recently been a surge in the number of new taxi services, such as Uber, Ola, and Lyft. All of this is accomplished through the use of phone apps. Some individuals may prefer these apps since they allow you to get a cab quickly and without having to plan ahead of time. You can also earn discount codes and credits to help save on your journey.

The cost of renting a Santander Cycle is £2 for unlimited travel of up to 30 minutes. If your journey lasts more than 30 minutes, you will have to pay £2 for every extra 30 minutes. If you do not return the cycle within 24 hours, you will be charged. Simply download the Santander Cycles app or go to any docking station terminal with your bank card and touch the screen to get started. When you’re through with your journey, return it to a docking station.

Use A Student Travel Card

If your route requires you to travel on public transport that is outside of London’s central zones, you may need to obtain a student travel card. The 16 to 25 Railcard is an example of this. This Railcard gives you one-third off train fares. When you make your purchase you have the choice of receiving it in digital or physical form. It just costs £30 each year or £70 for three years. More information about Railcards may be found here !

So, as a student, take advantage of these travel options!

Before you go! Have you read our Magazine?

Welcome to Student Oyster Card Services

Get help here.

Enjoy discounted travel in London with a student oyster card

As a student in London, transportation can be a significant expense. That’s why we offer Student Oyster Card services to help you save money on travel.

With a Student Oyster Card, you’ll enjoy discounted fares on buses, trains, and the Tube. Plus, it’s quick and easy to use, so you’ll spend less time worrying about transportation and more time exploring the city.

Hassle-free student oyster card application

Applying for a Student Oyster Card can be confusing, especially if you’re new to London. That’s why our team is here to help you with every step of the process.

We’ll guide you through the application, help you with any necessary documentation, and make sure you receive your card in a timely manner. With our assistance, you’ll have your Student Oyster Card ready to use in no time.

Affordable student oyster card options

We understand that every student’s needs are different, which is why we offer a range of affordable Student Oyster Card options.

Whether you need a weekly, monthly, or annual pass, we’ll help you find the best option for your budget and travel needs. Our goal is to make transportation in London accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation.

Contact us for student oyster card services

If you’re an international student in London and need help with a Student Oyster Card application or have any questions about the service, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our team is always here to help you make the most out of your time in London by providing affordable and convenient transportation options.

This offer includes:

• Help you apply for a student Oyster card for discounted travel on London’s public transport network.
• Provide guidance on the eligibility criteria and application process.
• Answer any questions you may have about using your Oyster card.

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I'd like to order a Student Oyster Card

What do i need to do.

If you are living near LSE or don't frequently travel on bus, underground or DLR services you may not need a discounted Student Oyster card

What is an 18+ Student Oyster photocard and do I need one?

It is your decision on whether to apply for a Student Oyster card depending on your individual circumstances.

If you're 18 or over, a full-time student and living in a London borough, you may be eligible for a 30% travel discount on most Transport for London  (TfL) services with an 18+ Student Oyster photocard . 

The  18+ Student Oyster photocard can be used to purchase discounted weekly and monthly season tickets. It cannot be used for discounted  pay as you go journeys.

There is an application fee and the 30% discount can only be applied to travelcards or season tickets.

Some students find that it is cheaper to travel on a pay as you go basis, particularly if they are eligible for a  16-25 Railcard . Railcard discounts can be applied to off peak pay as you go journeys made using Oyster. You will need to register your Oyster card and valid Railcard to a London Underground station with a ticket office and ask a member of staff to set the discount for you.

Transport for London (TfL) have a useful tool to help you work out the best way to pay your fares - visit  what's the best ticket for me .

If you are under 18:

You may be able to get free and discounted travel using a  16+ Zip Oyster photocard .

If you are a part-time student:

You are not generally eligible under the terms of the  18+ Student Oyster photocard  scheme unless you are in receipt of a hardship fund from LSE.

If you are a part-time student and believe you qualify for an  18+ Student Oyster photocard , please contact the Student Services Centre prior to submitting your application, by  submitting an enquiry .

When should I apply for my Oyster card?

You must not submit your application to TfL until you have arrived in London and have campus enrolled. If you apply before this your application will be rejected because the School needs to verify your status.

Refer to TfL's  18+ Oyster card guidance  for further information. 

How do I apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

Top tip: if you are completing the form online you need to choose the school's full name ' the london school of economics and political science ' otherwise you will be made to complete a paperform that will delay you receiving your oyster discount..

1.  Check your eligibility on the 18+ Student Oyster photocard   webpage. It is your responsibility to check you are eligible before submitting an application. You must also review Transport for London (TfL)'s  Terms and Conditions .

2. Create an account with Transport for London (TfL) . 

3. Place your order. You will need:

• A colour, digital photo
• Your LSE student number (as shown on your LSE student card or offer letter)
• Your programme start and end dates
• Choose ' The London School of Economics and Political Science ' in the drop-down. Don't just look for LSE or the London School of Economics .
• A credit or debit card to pay the application fee (see  TfL 18+ Oystercard  webpage for details)
• An active email address (we recommend using your LSE email address)

What happens after I have applied for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

1. Your application will be checked by Transport for London (TfL) before it is passed to the Student Services Centre at LSE for institutional approval.

2. The Student Services Centre will process all applications in the order they are received by LSE, usually within five working days

3. Once we have approved your application, Transport for London (TfL) will post the card to you within 2 weeks 

As part of the application process, you may be asked to print a verification form which you will need to bring to the  Student Services Centre  for completion. 

You can check the status of your application  online .

What if my application has been rejected or placed on hold?

Your application will be rejected if:

• We cannot find your LSE student record based on the name you have provided in your Transport for London (TfL) application
• Your contact/term-time address in LSE for You does not match the address you provided in your Transport for London (TfL) application and must be in London
• Your date of birth is incorrect
• You have not yet campus enrolled for your programme 
• You are a returning student and have not yet re-enrolled

If your application is rejected, you'll need to re-apply and pay the application fee again (see TfL 18+ Oystercard webpage for details).

What if my student/enrolment status changes after I receive my 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

If your registration status changes you may no longer be eligible to use an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard.

Your eligibility is likely to change if you:

• Complete your studies
• Interrupt your studies You will need to reapply for a new 18+ Student Oyster Photocard once you have returned from interruption and meet the eligibility criteria again.
• Withdraw from your studies
• Change from full-time to part-time study For a part-time student to remain eligible you must be in receipt of hardship funding from the School
• Are unot campus enrolled and only registered to take assessments

We are required to report any changes of your student status to Transport for London (TfL) under their terms and conditions. 

What if I have a question that hasn't been answered?

Please contact the Student Services Centre by submitting an enquiry . 

We will respond to your enquiry within three working days.

Further information on SSC opening hours can be found on our webpages here . 

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Get Your Student Oyster Card

London Team

Make sure you're getting discounted travel in London with CUSU's guide to getting your TfL Student Oyster photocard

I'd like to order an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard

Do not submit your application to TfL until you have arrived in London and are receiving teaching in person. Refer to TfL's  18+ Oyster card guidance  for further information.

You can use an  Oyster card  (smart card) to travel  accross Transport for London (TfL) services, including the Underground, Overground,  buses, DLR, and Riverboats. You can also use it on rail journeys that start and finish within the  TfL Travel zones . You can use an Oyster card for  pay as you go travel  or with a season ticket.

What is an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard? Do I need it?

The  18+ Student Oyster photocard  can be used to purchase discounted weekly and monthly season tickets. It cannot be used for discounted  pay as you go  journeys.

You will need to decide if you are travelling often enough to benefit from an  18+ Student Oyster photocard . 

There is an application fee and the 30% discount can only be applied to travelcards or season tickets.

Some students find that it is cheaper to travel on a pay as you go basis, particularly if they are eligible for a  16-25 Railcard . Railcard discounts can be applied to off peak pay as you go journeys made using Oyster. Simply take your Oyster card and valid Railcard to a London Underground station and ask a member of staff to set the discount for you.

Transport for London (TfL) have a useful tool to help you work out the best way to pay your fares - visit  what's the best ticket for me .

As transport in London has been impacted by changes due to COIVD-19 and guidelines can change, please refer to the information on  tfl.gov.uk

Am I eligible for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

• are aged 18 or over
• are registered on a full-time programme of study
• are in London and have booked your campus enrolment slot
• are living at an address in a London borough (and updated your address with the Uni too)
• have read TfL's terms and conditions

There are some additional criteria which you can review at  18+ Student Oyster photocard . 

If you are under 18:

You may be able to get free and discounted travel using a  16+ Zip Oyster photocard .

If you are a part-time student:

You are not generally eligible under the terms of the  18+ Student Oyster photocard  scheme unless you are in receipt of a hardship fund from the University.

If you are a part-time student and believe you qualify for an  18+ Student Oyster photocard , please contact your local campus Student Services team  prior to submitting your application, by submitting an enquiry.  

How do I apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

The application portal will open for the 2020/21 academic year on 1 September 2020, however you can only apply once you have fully enroled at Uni, and arrived in London. If you apply before this your application will be rejected.

1. Read through the information above and check your eligibility on the  18+ Student Oyster photocard   webpage. It is your responsibility to check you are eligible before submitting an application. You must also review Transport for London (TfL)'s  Terms and Conditions .

2. Create an account with  Transport for London (TfL) . 

3. Place your order.

You will need:

• A colour, digital photo
• Your University student number (as shown on your student card or offer letter)
• Your programme start and end dates
• A credit or debit card to pay the £20.00 fee
• An active email address (we recommend using your university email address)

What happens after I have applied for my 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

1. Your application will be checked by Transport for London (TfL) before it is passed to the Student Services team at your local campus for institutional approval.

2. The Uni process all applications in the order they are received, usually within five working days.

3. Once they have approved your application, Transport for London (TfL) will post the card to you within 2 weeks 

As part of the application process, you may be asked to print a verification form which you will need to bring to the Student Services team for completion.

You can check the status of your application  online .

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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.

Oyster card or Travelcard in London: How to choose

When planning a trip to London, you need to think houw you’re going to get around and what tickets you’ll need to pay for public transport.

Buying single tickets is simply not recommended, as it works much cheaper to use a transport card or contactless payment. The transport cards that you will need to look into are basically the oyster card and the travelcard. Using contactless payment works out exactly the same as using an oyster card.

However, deciding what works best for you can be a little daunting, so we will explain the main differences and hopefully help you make that decision.

London Oyster card, Travelcard or Contactless payment

One important thing to remember is that every person needs their own card. Unless you are just using buses, in which case, more than one person can use the same card. But for trains, underground, overground, trams, riverboat services or anything else you need one card per person.

London Oyster Card: What is it

The London Oyster Card is a pay-as-you-go plastic card, the size of a credit card. In order to get one you need to pay £7, and you can top it up as many times as you need and use it again and again. It’s valid for travel on the Underground, overground, DLR (docklands light rail), TFL rail, Emirates airline, and some trains. It’s also valid for travel within any of London’s Travel Zones , so you don’t need to choose what zones you will need it for when buying one. Every time you use it, the fare will be calculated depending on the travel zones that you have travelled to and from, and the time of the day you have made the journey (peak / off-peak).

It is the best option if you are visiting London and going to use London’s public transport a few times a day, for example, if you need to travel to get to central London from your hotel, then to get to a different place in London and then back to the hotel.

With an oyster card, you will pay for each journey you make, and there is a maximum daily cap. Once you have reached this daily cap, you will not get charged any more for extra journeys.

⇒ Read More about London Oyster Card

Contactless Payment on London Transport

This is slowly becoming the most popular option for paying for London’s public transport. Contactless payments work exactly the same as the oyster card, with exactly the same fares, and it saves you having to spend £7 on an Oyster Card.

A few things to have in mind if you are travelling to London from abroad are transaction fees and exchange rates. But in this case, you’ll find that nowadays, cards such as Revolut have made travelling much easier.

⇒ Read more about contactless payments on London Transport

London Travelcard

The London travelcard entitles you to unlimited travel for a set number of days within the London Travel Zones chosen.

This card that can be purchased for 1 day, 1 week, 1 month or 1 year, and with it, you have unlimited travel for the London transport zones you have chosen.

Generally speaking, a one-day London travelcard is something I don’t usually recommend as the oyster card’s daily cap is cheaper than the one day travelcard. A 7-day travelcard is helpful if you are going to use London’s public transport a lot (which doesn’t need to be the case if you plan your trip well), if you are going to be travelling outside of zones 1 – 4 every day or if you go are going to spend more than five days in London.

⇒ Read more about the London Travelcard

How to choose between Oyster Card, Contactless or Travelcard

To choose between an oyster card or travelcard to save as much money as possible when planning a trip to London, there are two things that we must take into account: The number of days that you are going to be in London and the travel zones that you are going to travel to and from:

Number of days

As a general rule, after comparing prices, I usually recommend a London Oyster Card or Contactless payment method if you are going to be in London for less than five days. If you are staying in London for more than 5 days, it’s probably worth getting a 7-day travelcard.

Travel zones

If you are buying a travelcard, you need to know what zones you’ll be using. London’s most popular attractions are mostly in zone 1. Some tourist attractions can be found in zone 2, such as Camden Town Market. But you also need to have in mind where your hotel is.

⇒ Read more about London Travel Zones

Oyster Card Daily Capping: Something to keep in mind when choosing between Oyster Card, Contactless or Travelcard

I must mention that the oyster card has a daily cap, and once this daily cap has been reached for certain travel zones, you can travel for free within the same travel zones. You still need to use your oyster card as you normally would, but you won’t be charged.

The cheapest one-day travelcard for costs £15.20. This is the price of the 1-day travel card for zone 1, zones 1-2, 1-3 and 1-4. The maximum daily cap when using an oyster in zones 1 and 2 of London is £8.10, £9.60 for zones 1-3 and £11.70 for zones 1-4. So, if you use an oyster card and travel in zones 1 and 2, once you have reached £8.10 you can travel free within zones 1 and 2.

2023 Fares Comparison: Daily Oyster Card Cap – 1 Day Travelcard – 7 Day Travelcard.

What’s cheaper according to number of days and travel zones, taking into account 2023 fares, what you should never do if you land at heathrow airport.

If you are thinking about buying a London travelcard for your stay in London if you are going to be in London for more than 5 days, and you arrive at Heathrow airport, we wouldn’t recommend that you buy a 7-day travelcard for zones 1 – 6 at Heathrow underground station to use during your whole stay as you will be paying too much.

I would recommend that you buy an oyster card at Heathrow underground station, and add a zone 1-4 travelcard onto it (if you are going to be in London more than 5 days), but use it with pay-as-you-go credit to get to central London on the first day and then again when you return to Heathrow airport.

Transport passes for children in London

Children under the age of 11 travel free within London travel zones. Children over 11 can also benefit from reduced fares; you can find out more about this in our article: Travelling in London with kids .

Find out more

For more information, visit London’s official transport website: Transport For London

Related Posts

London underground, london travel zones, travelling in london with kids, contactless payment on london transport.

What is your recommendation for buying a ticket for an 11 day stay in London (2 adults and children 16 and 13 years old). Hotel accommodation in Sutton with daily travel to and from the city centre, travel within zone 1-2 during the day + a day visit to the Harry Potter Studio. Thank you very much.

Hi Jan, Personally I wouldn’t recommend Sutton if you are going to travel to Central London every day as you would need to combine Underground with trains. We know some people that live near Sutton and most of the times the trains have delays or cancellations. The Harry Potter Studios are located in North London, while Sutton is in the South, so that day you would need around 2 hours to go there and another 2 hours to come back…

Also, depending on the airport that you would be arriving to, I would recommend a different area to find accommodation.

Hope it helps. If you have any questions about any other areas let us know.

Have a nice day!

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• / Oyster Cards Guide for Students

Oyster Cards Guide for Students

Samir Badawy

17 July, 2023

5 mins read

Tips and Advice

Many countries worldwide offer transportation cards to facilitate the transportation process; these cards require you to pre-load them with a balance deducted from every check-in and check-out. Sometimes, transportation cards are directly linked to your bank account and deduct funds with every check-in and check-out. The UK has its transportation card in Greater London called the Oyster Card. In this guide, we’ll present information about Oyster Cards, discounts, how to use them, and how the oyster card balance check works for those asking, “How to check the Oyster Card balance?”.  

What Is an Oyster Card and How to Use It?

An Oyster Card is a smart contactless card that can be used across various transportation modes in London , which include: the tube, buses, national rail services, London overground, and Uber boats by Thames Clippers. 

If you are a visitor, consider buying an Oyster Visitor Card, which is half the price of paper tickets. Oyster cards also have a daily spending cap that doesn’t charge you more once you have exceeded your limit; this applies to all transportation systems except for Uber boats.

To use an oyster card, swipe the yellow card reader on the gate of the transportation system and then touch the yellow card reader again after you board out; this will ensure that the amount will be appropriately calculated. If you use the bus or tram, you’ll only be required to swipe once when you start your trip.

How to Buy an Oyster Card?

Buying an Oyster Card is straightforward; you can always buy it online and deliver it to your address. If you are still not a resident, you can do the same for Visitor Oyster Cards. You can also buy Oyster Cards from TFL visitor centres or Oyster ticket shops. The standard price of an Oyster Card is 5£-7£.

How to Check Oyster Card Balance?

To do an Oyster card balance check, you can use various ways, which include using underground ticket machines once you place your card on the yellow card reader; this is the easiest and most common way to check.

Other ways to do an Oyster card balance check are through your online account, the Oyster app, available on Android and IOS, or even through underground station ticket barriers, which only apply to some barriers. Usually, ticket barriers show you how much credit you have when you place your card on the yellow card reader, showing you your balance. Once you check out, it will show you your remaining balance and how much was deducted.  

How to Set Up Your Online Oyster Account?

To set up an online Oyster account, you will need to register with TFL; you will first be required to fill in your personal information and then provide your email address. Once you have submitted your email address, you will have to verify your email address by verifying TFL’s email asking for verification.

Once set up, you can add contactless travel cards and your Oyster card. To add contactless payment cards, you must provide all required billing information, including your card number, CVV, and billing address. Through your new account, you can check your balance, top-up your balance, and see your payment history.

Fees and Transportation Fares

Oyster Fares differ depending on Zone and peak hours; remember that there are also daily caps that will not charge you additional fees once reaching this daily cap. Depending on the Zone where you will commute, prices range from 2.70£ (Zone 1) to £3.60 ( Zone 1-6) for off-peak hours and 2.80£ (Zone 1) to £5.60 ( Zone 1-6). 

Oyster daily caps are the maximum that can be deducted from your credit and start at £8.10 (Zone 1) to £14.90 (Zone 1-6). All the mentioned fees are for Oyster single fares. Buses have cheaper rates compared to other forms of public transportation.

How to Recharge Oyster Card?

To recharge your Oyster Card, you can use the application or your online Oyster Account for maximum convenience. Alternatively, you can use touchscreen ticket machines, Oyster ticket stops, TFL Visitor centres, and London Overground ticket offices, all of which use credit or cash.

Oyster Card Discounts and Packages

There are various Oyster products available which offer travel discounts to specific segments and for specific usage. These are the best discounts and packages that can benefit students.

Starting from 1,710£

18+student oyster photocards.

As a student, you can apply for the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard, which allows you to travel at a discounted rate. 

This Photocard can cover your travel for the three years of your study program. This card allows you to save 30% on all travel cards as well as bus and tram passes, as well as offering a 34% discount on off-peak rail fares. To apply for the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard card, check if you’re eligible and if yes, there is a one-time service application fee of 20£ before getting your card. Once obtained, this card will be available for the remainder of your study period.

To apply, you must be at least studying 15 hours a week and studying from Monday to Friday for a minimum of 14 hours per week. This also applies to postgraduate students that study more than 15 hours a week.

Apprenticeship Oyster Photocard

Like the student photocard, the Apprenticeship Oyster Photocard offers a 30% discount on travel cards and bus and tram passes. To qualify, you must be 18 years old, living in London, in your first 12 months of apprenticeship, and you must meet SASE standards (Specification for Apprenticeship Standards in England). Among the requirements are having an active email address, having a ULN (unique learner number), a London borough address, and a digital photo. Once done, you’ll be required to pay a £20 fee.

Bus and Tram Discount Photocard

The Bus and Tram Discount Photocard gives you a 50% discount on adult bus and tram fares. This card is eligible for people between 18-60, residents of London, and who get no other free or discounted products. You must claim one of the following benefits to be eligible:

Income/Employment Support and Support Allowance.

Jobseeker Support for a minimum of 13 weeks.

Universal Credit for 13 weeks or more and not earning more than the defined cap.

Regent's Park

Starting from 2,964£

At Casita , we urge students to plan their finances before arriving in London, including transportation, accommodation , cost of living , and more. Transportation is also essential as you’ll need to commute, in some cases, to your university or other parts of the city or even throughout the country. With that said an Oyster Card will give you the flexibility to move freely and at a discounted rate.

1. Which Oyster Card is best for students?

The best Oyster card for students is the 18+ Oyster Student Photocard. The 18+ Oyster Student Photocard allows you to get 30% off bus and tram passes.

2. How much is the Oyster Card for students?

Once you have fulfilled all requirements and are eligible for the card, you must pay a one-time administrative fee of 20£.

3. Which Oyster Card is the cheapest?

The Pay-As-You-Go Oyster Card is the cheapest card that is convenient for those visiting London for a short period; it only costs £7 and is more affordable than paying your fare in cash. 

4. Will an Oyster Card save me money?

Oyster Cards are great for saving money, mainly as daily travelling caps apply to them, which limits how much money is deducted daily; once you pass that limit, you will not be charged additionally. Oyster cards are also cheaper than buying tickets and paying in cash. If you are a student, apprentice, or recipient of benefits, you can also use various oyster card discounts.

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What travelcards & discounts can I get on public transport?

Studying in London is a unique experience compared to other universities. Whilst the capital offers an unrivalled amount of things to see and do, it can at first be challenge. Although there are a few discount options available to help reduce costs, understanding which one is best and most suitable can in itself be a confusing process. Most students are aware of the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard, but there are also other, lesser known discount railcards. So, which one is the best? The simple answer is that it depends entirely on you - how frequently you use the transport network, and during which times.

Important to know:   If you’re travelling on public transport in London, check the  Transport for London (TfL) to see which services are running, plus y ou can sign up for email updates from TfL.

What is the 18+ Student Oyster card and how can I get one?

The 18+ Oyster entitles you to 30% off travelcards and Bus and Tram season tickets. It is available to full-time King’s students living in the Greater London area, and you apply online using the TfL website at a cost of £20. You’ll simply need your course dates, the student number on your ID card, as well as a photo and your email. Applying a discounted travelcard to an Oyster gives peace of mind that you won’t spend any more than the amount you’ve already paid. However, bear in mind there is no discount to pay-as-you-go fares with an 18+ Oyster. You could be overpaying for a travelcard if you aren’t using the tube or buses frequently, so it is worth considering the other option before handing over £20 to TfL. We recommend reading the detail of what the benefits are, as well as the eligibility criteria for this travel card at TfL 18+ Student Oyster photocard . If you are eligible and wish to apply, please refer to our specific guidance when applying as a King’s student in the guidance below. Important to know: If you take a break from your studies, you won’t be eligible for the 18+ Oyster card for the duration of your interruption.

How do I apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

Full-time students can apply for a Transport for London (TfL) 18+ Student Oyster photocard, which provides a 30% discount on travel in London. You can  apply online  via the dedicated TfL site and will need a digital photograph and a credit/debit card. You can check your eligibility at  TfL 18+ Student Oyster which also includes important information about how and when applications will be validated. Steps when making your application

When you make your application, please ensure that you select King’s College London as the institution: ‘Kings College London, James Clerk Maxwell Building, 57 Waterloo Road.’ (institution code 0403).

If selecting the institution from a list, make sure to select Kings College London, and not the NHS Foundation Trust or “Kings London.”

If you don’t apply to the correct 'Kings College London' your application will be rejected by another institution and you may have to make a new application and incur the £20 administration fee again.

When entering your Course Details (Step 3) you will be asked to provide your Student enrolment (ID) Number. This is the 7 or 8 digit number on your student card. Please do not enter the ID that begins with a “K” as this may cause delays in approving your application.

Important to know:

Most part-time students and students on a break/interruption of study are not eligible for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard. Please refer to the more detailed guidance at  TfL 18+ Student Oyster and to our guidance on interruptions for undergraduate students or postgraduate taught students .

The King's Student Funding Office confirms whether applicants are registered as full-time for TfL.

Applications  cannot be approved until the first day of term , so the Student Funding Office will begin approving application from then onwards.

How long will it take for my Oyster application to be approved? The Student Funding Office approves all Oyster card applications directly with TfL. It takes a couple of weeks for this to come through at the start of term, but these are approved as soon as possible. 

What is the 16+ Student Oyster card and can I get one?

If you are still 17 on the 31 August ahead of starting your degree course (usually September), you should be able apply for this discount without university approval, and it will remain valid until your 18 th birthday.

Foundation courses can count as level 3; this means that if you are 18 and studying on the King’s International Foundation course, you can apply for this discount but because of your age, you’ll need to get approval from King’s for this.

To apply (for students on Foundation courses):

Submit a Form Request and upload your application form.

We will check your record and ensure you meet the relevant criteria, and then sign and stamp the form for you, returning it to you via email.

If you're eligible, we will then let you know - at which point please book an appointment to come a collect your form in person.

Important to know: When seeking to apply for this discount travelcard, please make sure you read all the information at 16+ Zip Oyster photocard and please refer to the TfL Eligibility criteria before applying . If your application is rejected because you are ineligible, you run the risk of losing your application fee. If you are at all unsure if you are eligible, please seek advice from TfL .

What is the National Rail 16-25 Railcard and can I get one?

Important to know: When it comes to the railcard, there is no discount to peak fares Monday-Friday 06:30-09:30 and 16:00-19:00 or to bus fares. How can I apply?

If you’re aged between 16-25 years , you can do it all online yourself, opting for a digital or plastic railcard at 16-25 Railcard .

If you’re over 25 , you are best to apply for the  26-30 Railcard .

If you’re over 30 and a full-time student , you’ll need to start off your application online and then you’ll be directed to a Mature Student Railcard application form, which we’ll need to sign and stamp for you. Please:

If you would like to collect this in paper form in person, please ensure you have still logged a  Form Request  and uploaded your application form first, and let us know through your enquiry if you want to collect the completed form in person.

• Students studying on a distance learning course don’t qualify for a railcard. Please visit the  16-25 railcard eligibility  for more information.

I’m a part-time student; am I eligible for this railcard?

We will check your record and ensure you meet the relevant criteria by liaising directly with your department for confirmation, and then sign and stamp the form for you, returning it to you via email.

This railcard is not tied to your student status but rather your age; if you’re under 25, you can apply whether you’re a student or not.

Always carry your 16-25 Railcard when buying tickets and travelling.

If you’re unsure if you’re eligible for this railcard, visit 16-25: Are you eligible?

What is the National Rail 26-30 Railcard and can I get one?

A valid passport or UK Driving Licence to verify your identity.

A digital passport-style photo saved to your computer, tablet or mobile phone.

A debit or credit card.

The  Railcard app .

Check when and with which ticket(s) you are permitted to use your 26-30 railcard by visiting  Where and when can I use my Railcard?

Always carry your 26-30 Railcard when buying tickets and travelling.

I’m a mature or part-time student; am I eligible for this railcard?

Both the 26-30 and the 16-25 railcards are dependent on your age, so you don’t have to be a student to apply. Anyone under 31 is covered by either one of the railcards without needing any further approval – you can apply directly through the website. The main difference comes if you are studying and over 30; for this you’re best to refer to details for the 16-25 railcard.

Comparing the 18+ Student Oyster card and 16-25 Railcard: which student travel card is right for me?

If you are not using public transport frequently but instead walking or cycling to university and only using the tube occasionally, the 18+ Oyster may not be worthwhile. To check fares for travel across the different zones using the various payment methods, refer to TfL 18+ Student fares . Unless you travel very regularly on pay-as-you-go fares, a 16-25 Railcard may be more appropriate to save money on off-peak fares, when using the tube or city trains to see friends or explore London for leisure. Even if you use the tube frequently on one day, fares automatically cap at the zone rate, ensuring you can’t spend any more than this in one day. Caps can increase year on year, so if you think you might stick to standard pay-as-you-go, we recommend checking TfL’s Pay as you go caps . The 16-25 railcard offers an additional ⅓ off daily caps when using the tube off-peak bringing the cap down further. On the other hand, if you are regularly using transport to travel into university and at peak times, the discounted travelcard allows for unlimited journeys on a weekly or monthly basis, and so may make the 18+ Oyster better value. If you do opt for the 18+ Oyster, you can still apply a 16-25 railcard discount allowing for the best of both worlds. You can opt for a discounted travelcard in the weeks you use public transport frequently whilst allowing for a pay-as-you-go discount when not using transport frequently outside of term time. If you are living in Zone 2, you may opt for a Zone 1-2 weekly travelcard to get to university, but use the 16-25 Railcard when you make journeys to Zone 3 and beyond to explore areas outside of Central London. A combination of the two allows for maximum flexibility. In the end, it depends entirely on your personal use. It’s a good idea to check how much you are using public transport to see if the total regularly exceeds or is below the cost of a travelcard for your zone. To work out what you’re spending your money on to help you budget better, refer to our guide on managing your money .

Additional support for students with disabilities  

I’m a disabled student living in London, can I apply for a freedom pass?

If you live in a London borough and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass, which can provide free access to public transport across the Transport for London network. For further guidance on how to submit an application, visit the London Councils webpage ​​​​​​.

Step 1: Make sure you're using either an Oyster or Contactless Card

Paper ticket fares are incredibly expensive in London, and nowadays often unnecessary when so many credit and debit cards have the contactless feature.

You will know if your debit card is contactless depending on whether it has the contactless symbol. Though contactless removes the need to top-up, discounts cannot be applied and it can be more difficult to keep track of spending.

Adult Oyster cards are available at ticket machines at any Tube station for a £5. Even if you opt to apply for an 18+ Oyster, it is worth paying this while you wait for your 18+ Oyster, because it can sometimes take a couple of weeks for the university to approve this for you.

Step 2: How much are you using transport and when?

To keep track of usage, make sure to register your Oyster Card online following the instructions on the TfL website. Once you have done this, you can view journey history and see daily expenditure.

You may wish to set up a Contactless and Oyster account which also has a matching app , which allows you to check your journey history, easily top-up credit and you’ll get notifications when your credit runs low.

Keeping track of your journeys and your spending means you can total the weekly and estimate the monthly and annual costs, and compare this with the cost of discounted travelcards for each zone. For details on fares across a range of transport types in the capital visit TfL Find fares .

Step 3: Apply for the discount cards

If you find you are exceeding the cost of a travelcard via pay-as-you-go fares it is likely that an 18+ Oyster is a sound investment and can be applied for online. Please refer to our guidance in How do I apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard?

If you are only occasionally using public transport and therefore coming in below the cost of a travelcard, or simply want both discounts and the option of discounts on trains throughout the UK, you can apply for the 16-25 Railcard online .

Buses are almost always cheaper than the tube and the Hopper Fare gives you unlimited journeys, made within 1 hour of touching in.

Remember to tap in and tap out at all stations even if there are no barriers. Forgetting to tap both in and out on the tube will lead to a penalty fare .

King’s Student Funding Office confirm student attendance to TfL for applications to be approved. September and October are very busy periods as many students apply for the 18+ Oyster card, so bear in mind you may need to wait; please allow at least 3 weeks for processing.

How can I travel around London on a budget?

If you’d like to minimise your travel on public transport and want an alternative cheap mode of transport, you could try  Santander Cycles . This is an easy bike hire system with no need to book in advance. You can simply hire a cycle by going to your nearest docking station terminal with a debit or credit card. Be sure to take your card with you; while contactless cards are accepted, but contactless devices including phones and smartwatches, are not .

You can also download the free Santander Cycles app  and pay for the hire using the app instead. For up to 30 minutes, you can ride an unlimited journey for just £2. Every additional 30 minutes will be charged at £2. Remember to return your cycle within 24 hours to your nearest docking station terminal. Otherwise, you may be charged.

The Money Mentors have also put together some tips in their blog  Getting around London: practical tips .

Related Articles (1)

• Renew my Railcard
• Manage my Railcard

Valid for anyone aged 16-25 years old  and mature students in full time study*

How to get 1/3 off rail fares.

*If you’re a mature student in full time study, you’ll need to submit a proof of age or study when buying your 16-25 Railcard. Find out more here .

About 16-25 Railcard

If you live in london, you can even get 1/3 off tube fares on oyster.

Once you’ve bought your Railcard, go to a London Underground station with your 16-25 Railcard and ask a member of staff to add your discount to your Oyster card.

Please note:

1. The Railcard is available to residents of Great Britain aged between 16 and 25 years of age and mature students in full-time study. You will be required to provide details of your valid passport of UK driving licence as proof of age and mature students need to prove eligibility.

2. Railcard to be carried on all journeys and used when purchasing discounted tickets.

3. A minimum fare applies for all journeys between 4.30am-10am Monday to Friday. If you travel regularly before 10am then a weekly or monthly season ticket may be more appropriate (Railcard discount will not apply). However there is no minimum fare in July or August, on Public Holidays, and at weekends.

4. A full set of 16-25 Railcard Terms & Conditions is available from any staffed station ticket office or at www.16-25railcard.co.uk .

5. The Railcard and train travel are subject to the National Rail Conditions of Carriage.

Before you withdraw

Accommodation, council tax and oyster cards, fee liability for interrupting and withdrawing students, funding information for interrupting and withdrawing students.

• Visa and immigration requirements for interrupting students

UCL and Student Finance can offer funding information and advice for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Find out more about your fee liability if you interrupt or withdraw from your studies

Learn how interrupting your studies can impact your accommodation, council tax and Oyster card.

Visa and immigration

Visa and immigration requirements for interrupting and withdrawing students

Help and Support

Askucl student enquiry system.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Log an enquiry via askUCL , our student enquiry system and self-help centre.

UCL Student Support and Wellbeing

Our team of expert wellbeing, disability and mental health staff provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space, in which you can discuss any issues that may be affecting your ability to study.

Find out more about how Student support and Wellbeing can help you.

Students’ Union UCL Advice Service

The Students’ Union also offers a free, confidential and independent advice and support service.

Find out more about the Students’ Union UCL Advice Service.