The Student’s Guide to Traveling Around London on a Budget

hello00721
May 30
4 min read

Smart Transport Tips for Students Living in London.

It's exciting to move to London for school, but there are new responsibilities as well, particularly with regard to budgeting.

Between managing rent, food, books, and daily travel, expenses can add up quickly. If you’re living in student accommodation London provides, learning how to travel smart is essential.

Here, we will guide you on how to travel around the city like a local for little money, so you are able to maximize your holiday in London while spending as little money as possible.

Step 1: Get Your 18+ Student Oyster Photocard

Being a full-time student and aged 18 or over, the best value that you can buy for yourself is the 18+ Student Oyster photocard.

30% discount on Bus & Tram adult-rate passes and travelcards.

Travel on all TfL transport like Tube, DLR, London Overground, buses, and most National Rail trains across London.

How to Apply:

You will need proof of study and UK address
Apply online from Transport for London (TfL) website
Pay a one-time fee of £20

Tip Embedded: Whether or not one resides in a flatshare available for rent in London or a student flat block complete with its own amenities, this card is a necessity.

Step 2: Make the Most of London's Buses

Students have the culture of not using London buses if the Tube is an option, but one of the cheapest ways of getting around London is by bus.

Just £1.75 single fare, and on Hopper fare, all bus and tram travel for an hour's first tap-in—for absolutely nothing.

Why Buses Are Good for Students:

Run 24/7 on most routes, perfect for late evening lectures or split part-time shifts.
Catch some of the city sights along the way (as student accommodation and uni campuses tend to be in the middle of the town)(not like the Underground though).

Perfect for short to medium daily commutes from student flat to university campus in London.

Step 3: Save More with Santander Cycles (or Boris Bikes)

Santander Cycles is a cheap, vibrant way of getting from A to B on short journeys or at the weekend for city breaks.

How It Works:

First 30 minutes = £1.65
Dock at any London station
If you use it frequently, sign up as a monthly member.

Some students use these cycles to cycle from student halls in London to university, particularly where they are located in Zones 1–3.

Step 4: Adopt the Walking Culture

London is a walker's paradise. Camden, Shoreditch, and Stratford are all typical student spots with plenty of cafes, libraries, supermarkets, and markets—within walking distance.

If you have a London student flatshare, walking will be quicker than by public transport in rush hour.

Benefits of Walking:

100% free
No waiting and queuing
Healthier lifestyle
Find gems such as off-the-radar-for-tourists second-hand bookstores, street food markets, or pleasant parks.

Step 5: Download the Right Travel Apps

As a visitor in London, it can be truly overwhelming to get around. These apps will assist you with money-saving choices in the moment:

App

Why It's Helpful

Citymapper must display quickest and cheapest journeys on any transport mode
TfL Go must display quickest bus, Tube line, and service switch
Trainline must reserve national and local trains at a lower cost

Tip: If you're a student in London, weekend trips to cities such as Oxford or Brighton organized for your exclusive student accommodation, students' discounts can also be availed on Trainline.

Bonus: Reserve Accommodation Near Public Transport

When reserving your student accommodation, always choose walking distance to the closest:

Tube station
Bus stop
Overground service

We assist you in finding Acolyte Living students accommodation according to your transport and budget. If you decide to flat-share in London or London student flats near university campuses, we see that you are properly networked.

Some More Budget Tips

Here are some fantastic tips to reduce the cost of travel even more:

Traveling off-peak (after 9:30 am): Lower fare rates.
With travelcards or weekly caps: Your Oyster card capping will pay off if you travel intensively, with extra journeys for free
Check for uni-sponsorship discounts: All universities have specifically tailored discount travel offers with TfL for personal use travel concessions
Split your journey: In some instances, it is less expensive to walk between two cheap journeys rather than stay on the same train

London needn't cost the earth, either. Student Travelcards, bus skips, and value bikes provide you with lots of opportunities to save while still staying on the move. If you're resident in Zone 1 student apartments or flat share inside the Zone 4 radius, these will be making you into a shrewd shopper every day.

Keep One Step Ahead with Acolyte Living

At Acolyte Living, we don't merely get you set up in a room—we set you up for success in a new city.

We'll introduce you to houses that are:

A short drive from main transport hubs
A short stroll from campus
The ideal option for foreign and Indian students enrolled in UK courses

Ready to start?

Visit acolyteliving.com and let us welcome you to a travel-smart, student-favourite home in London.