Help with travel
University help and support
As a mature student you are more likely to commute for your studies and may be worried about the practicalities and costs associated with getting to your place of study. This needn't be a barrier, and your university or college will be able to provide you with information and advice about what is available to support you during your studies:
- Some providers such as the University of East Anglia have their own Travel Planner Tool to help you identify your travel options.
- Most providers have a dedicated Transport Team you can speak to for advice.
- Commuters' breakfasts and groups may be available where you can share experiences and exchange ideas to support other students.
- Some providers have specific space for commuters, such as a lounge or common room.
- Many providers have partnerships with local transport providers to reduce the costs for students and it's worth asking about any discounts you can get.
If you don't want to commute all the time a lot of mature students decide to live on campus, with some opting to stay part of the week and others staying on campus throughout term. It’s worth seeing what options are available from the providers you’re considering, ensuring you can plan accordingly.
Train travel
A National Rail Card is available to save approximately 30% of train travel costs for mature students even though the cards are sold as 16-25 railcards. Don't let this put you off as they are available to anyone who is over this age as long as you are studying:
- full time over 15 hours per week
- for at least 20 weeks a year
- at a recognised institution (excluding Open University and distance learning)
Note: you will need to provide evidence of your status as a full time student to purchase a student rail card and you can ask your provider administration teams for further information in gaining this evidence.
Bus and coach travel
- Some universities offer their own dedicated Unibus service by working with a local bus company. They tend to travel between campuses, halls of residence and often to town/city centres where you can access public transport to onward journeys.
- Check your provider transport information online or contact the relevant team to learn more about the available services as they tend to differ by county.
- Students can save up to 20% on Stagecoach National Services with an NUS Extra card.
- Student bus passes are available with Stagecoach in the area that you live.
Travelling by car
- Car parking spaces for students are usually very limited but you may be able to get a parking permit if public transport is not a realistic option. Priority is usually given to students with mobility issues, Blue Badge holders and those with caring responsibilities.
- Disabled parking spaces are available for blue badge holders.
- Park and ride schemes are often available, enquire at your place of study.
- Lift share schemes are offered by some providers - enquire at your place of study.
Cycling
If you live relatively close to your place of study you may want to think about commuting by bike if it's a realistic option.
Some universities have a good cycle network and may be able to support in the following ways:
- Subsidised bike schemes that provide students with reconditioned models. e.g. Sheffield University employ a company called Recycle who sell bikes to students for £30 and provide maintenance for repairs at reasonable prices.
- Another option is to hire a bike and some universities offer bikes for as little as £1 a week. Others use local initiatives like Velocampus to rent out sturdy town bikes (with mudguards and rack) for £50 a year. They also provide free workshop space for students to learn basic bike maintenance.
- The charity We are Cycling UK have some useful information about cycling to university.
Financial support
You may be able to apply for additional financial support to help with the cost of commuting to your place of study:
- Student Services/hardship funds may offer discretionary financial support to help students struggling to meet basic living costs.
- Emergency loans may be available to apply for at your place of study.
- Travel Grants - if you’re attending a clinical placement in the UK or studying abroad as part of your course, this grant can help with travel costs and reasonable travel expenses during the academic year. The travel grant is applied for via the Student Loans Company (SLC).