There are many discount cards and schemes available that can help students to save money, especially if you are planning to travel frequently. You can buy cards for coach and rail travel that will save you up to 30 per cent on each journey you make. Full details are in the sections below.  

You may also want to invest in an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC), which can save you money on travel, both in the UK and overseas, as well as discounts on fashion, music, entertainment, eating out and much more. You can apply for a card online at www.isiccard.com

Travel agents offering cheap deals to students can be found in most towns and cities with a large student population. They can arrange student discount cards for you as well as reduced cost flights for students. See www.statravel.co.uk

Train stations can be found all over the UK from the largest cities to the smallest villages. Trains that travel between cities ('Intercity' trains) usually have a buffet carriage or food and drinks trolley, depending on the length of the journey. Trains running along local routes do not always offer food or drink services, so you may wish to take your own with you.

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The price of a ticket depends on the type you buy. There are many different types of tickets available, including single, same-day return and open return, which enables you to buy a ticket without having to commit to what date and time you will return on.  Buying tickets in advance generally saves you money, as does specifying the date and time that you will travel.  Please ensure you buy a ticket for your entire journey, as ticket inspectors impose immediate fines if your ticket is not valid.

Tickets can be bought in advance online at www.thetrainline.com or you can purchase your tickets at any train station, either on or before your date of travel.  It is always worth trying to plan your travel and reserve a seat on your train journey.  At peak times if you do not reserve a seat you may have to stand for all or part of your journey.

If you plan to do a lot of travelling it is worth investing in a Young Person's Railcard (YPR) which costs £20 a year and enables anyone aged between 16 and 25 (and mature full-time students of any age) to get a third off most rail fares anywhere in Britain. You will need a passport sized photograph for your application.  Cards can be purchased at any railway station or you can apply online at www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk

You can travel by coach to and from most parts of the UK and many other European destinations. Coach journeys usually take longer than those by train but the fares are cheaper and, if you travel at night, you may be able to sleep through the journey. As with train travel it is best to book your ticket in advance.  Coaches have a specific number of seats, but, unlike train travel you are guaranteed a seat at the time of booking.  So once the seats on the coach are sold you will not be able to buy a ticket for that particular journey and will have to travel, either by a different mode of transport or at a different time.

As with trains, it is possible to secure student discounts on coach journeys. National Express, the main coach company in the UK, with an extensive UK network, offers a Young Person’s Coachcard for young persons aged between 16 and 26 and full-time students. The card gives savings of up to 30 per cent on all National Express journeys. A one-year card costs £10 and a three year card is £25. You can apply online at www.nationalexpress.com or through most UK travel agents.

Another coach operator that is particularly popular with students is Megabus, due to exceptionally reasonable promotional fares. The Megabus network links more than 40 towns and cities across England, Scotland and Wales from Inverness to Southampton and fares start from as little as £1 plus 50p booking fee. For more details visit www.megabus.com

Rural areas and small towns are serviced by local bus routes. Buses on these routes can be relatively infrequent and, as they make many stops journey times can be quite long. City bus routes, however are generally more frequent. Fares vary, dependent on the length of your journey and tickets are usually purchased from the bus driver.  In London tickets must be purchased before you start your journey from ticket machines situated at all bus stops.  In most cities a weekly or monthly tickets are available that can considerably reduce your overall travel costs.

You can drive a car or motorbike in the UK if you have a valid licence and are aged 17 years  or over (16 years and above to drive a moped). For further details about licensing requirements in the UK, contact the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) at www.dvla.gov.uk.

Journeying by car can be a convenient option if you prefer to leave you itinerary flexible, want to visit remote areas or are travelling in a group.  If you do not have access to a car you may consider hiring one, with most major towns and cities offering car hire services.  Distances in the UK are given in miles.  1 mile is the equivalent to 1.6 kilometres.

Bicycles are a great way to get around at no cost, with the added benefit of helping you to keep fit.  Many cities have bicycle lanes on major roads, so that you don’t have to cycle alongside other traffic.  

Wearing a bicycle helmet is not compulsory in the UK, but you are strongly advised for your own safety and well being.  Wearing reflective clothing and using lights if cycling at night is also recommended, as is using a strong bike lock.  Some local authorities or police stations offer road safety courses for cyclists.  Your Students' Union may be able to give you details of courses in your area.

One of the best way to see most UK cities is on foot, especially as many town centres have now been pedestrianised. You will find that in most towns and cities all the local attractions are within a short walk of one another and walking around at your own pace will allow you to focus on the things that particularly appeal to you, and you can stop whenever and wherever you like.  

When visiting somewhere for the first time make the local Tourist Information Centre you first stop.  They are often located near to the railway station or in the centre of town.  They will be able to provide you with a map of the local area, help with accommodation, if you need it and suggest places of interest to visit.

Many towns and cities offer tickets, such as one-day, three day and weekly travel cards that generally are better value than buying individual tickets and will allow you to use most public transport in the city.

As well as travelling independently around the UK, you may find that your college or university also offers opportunities for you to see more of the country. Students' Unions often offer day trips to places of interest, which can be a fun day out and a good way to meet people. This may be especially true of international student societies during induction periods.

You will also find that many student societies provide opportunities for travel. Joining a sports team that competes against teams from other institutions can be a good way to see other towns and cities, while outdoor activity societies such as walking or rock-climbing groups will give you a chance to see some beautiful countryside. Choirs may perform in churches and cathedrals around the country, while drama and dance groups may often undertake theatre tours during the holidays.