Five top travel tips for students

Autumn is just around the corner, which can mean only one thing: it’s time for students to head to their digs and start a new term. So, if you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate, fresher or senior, here’s our top five pointers to making it to college on time, in one piece, and without blowing your student loan.

Consider a railcard

Railcards offer value for money, and will last you more than just one trip. If you are between 16 and 25, then you are eligible for a railcard that could save you a third off most Standard Class rail tickets. The 16–25 Railcard costs £30 per year or £70 for three years if you buy online.
16-25railcard.co.uk

Book in advance

Make sure you buy your tickets in plenty of time, taking advantage of the best offers. Advance tickets, for instance, are sold as one-way tickets to help get the best fare available for each leg of your journey. Generally, the earlier these tickets are booked, the lower the fare, but in some instances additional advance tickets will go on sale when there is available capacity on specific trains, so keep an eye out.

Travel off-peak

If you missed the Advance ticket window but still want the best prices on offer, then don’t worry, you can still make considerable savings if you travel off-peak. Look out for Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. What is more, you can purchase these tickets right up until the time of travel.

More is merrier

If you’re travelling in a group of between three and nine, then you can buy a GroupSave ticket and save 33% when you travel together at off-peak times. These tickets will appear automatically when you request tickets for between three and nine passengers. This can’t be used in conjunction with a railcard, however, so check which will work out the best value for you.

Best deals with GWR

Book at GWR.com/student from 5 September to 9 December 2017 for travel between 6 September and 10 December 2017 and you could save up to 50% on Standard Class Advance Single fares. You’ll need a 16 to 25 Railcard, but it’s well worth the investment with these kinds of savings.