Student travel checklist
Starting university is a big moment. Whether you’re moving across the country, commuting to campus or planning regular trips home, student life usually comes with a lot more travel than people expect.
Between open days, move-in weekends, visiting family, seeing friends at other universities and travelling during holidays, transport costs can add up quickly. That’s why getting organised before term starts can make a real difference to your budget.
We know students are always looking for smarter ways to save money. This guide covers the key things to sort before university starts, from important admin tasks to budgeting tips, plus one of the easiest ways to cut travel costs throughout the academic year: a 16–25 Railcard.
Why travel matters at university
When students think about university costs, they usually focus on rent, food and textbooks first. But travel is often one of the biggest ongoing expenses during term time.
You may find yourself:
travelling home during holidays
commuting to campus
visiting friends at different universities
attending placements or part-time jobs
planning weekends away and social trips
If you travel regularly by train, those journeys can quickly become expensive without a student discount in place.
That’s where a 16–25 Railcard can help.
Eligible students can save 1/3 on most rail fares across Great Britain, helping make student travel more affordable all year round.
Your university preparation checklist
1. Sort your university admin early
Before term begins, make sure you have:
your university acceptance confirmation
accommodation details
student finance information
photo ID
your student email set up
online enrolment completed
Keeping digital copies of important documents can also save time later.
2. Plan your move-in journey
Moving to university often means travelling with luggage, boxes and essentials.
Before move-in day:
book train tickets early where possible
check luggage allowances
plan station-to-accommodation transport
confirm arrival times with your accommodation provider
Students travelling long distances can often make immediate savings using a 16–25 Railcard when booking tickets.
3. Build a realistic student budget
Budgeting becomes much more important once you start university.
Your monthly costs may include:
rent and bills
groceries
nights out
course materials
subscriptions
travel
Travel is one of the easiest areas where students can reduce spending without changing their lifestyle significantly.
For many students, discounted train travel throughout the year can lead to substantial savings.
Why students choose a 16–25 Railcard
A 16–25 Railcard is designed to help young people and full-time students save money on rail travel across the UK.
Key benefits include:
1/3 off most rail fares
savings on Advance tickets
discounts on Off-peak journeys
digital Railcard options available
easy use through the Railcard app
Whether you travel occasionally or every week, the savings can add up quickly over the course of a university year.
How to get a 16–25 Railcard
Applying online is quick and straightforward.
To apply, you’ll usually need:
proof of age
a digital photo
student details if applicable
You can choose either:
a digital Railcard
a physical Railcard
Many students choose the digital option so they can start using it straight away through the app.
Other ways students can save money with a Railcard
Alongside rail discounts, your 16-25 Railcard also gives you access to many more offers such as:
tastecard
Virgin Experience Days
Readly
Discounted theatre tickets
Building smart spending habits early can make university life less financially stressful.
Your student travel checklist before term starts
Before university begins, make sure you’ve got these sorted.
University essentials
✅ completed enrolment
✅ organised accommodation
✅ planned your move-in journey
✅ created a monthly budget
Travel essentials
✅ applied for your 16–25 Railcard
✅ downloaded the National Rail and Railcard apps
✅ checked train routes
✅ booked tickets where possible