If you are a newcomer to London, one of the initial things that will catch your attention is the city's convenient and well-organised public transportation system. Transport for London (TfL) has established an impressive network that ensures easy access to any destination you wish to reach. As a student, the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard is a valuable tool to reduce your travel expenses and make exploring the city both enjoyable and budget-friendly.
What is the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard?
The 18+ Student Oyster Photocard is exclusively tailored for students residing and studying in London. It functions as a card that you simply tap-in and tap-out when using the tube, and tap-in only when boarding a bus to make payment for your travel. Unlike the regular Oyster Card, this card features your printed picture and provides you with discounted fares.
How to apply
To obtain the student photocard, follow these simple steps:
- Complete your Sterling College London enrolment.
- Apply online through the TfL website.
- Pay the £20 fee for the card, which will remain valid until the end of your course.
- Provide necessary information, such as your student enrolment ID, London address, and a digital photograph. Ensure that you follow the photograph guidelines before uploading.
- The university will review and approve your application.
- TfL will then send your card to the specified address. You'll receive email or text updates regarding your application.
- On average, applicants receive their cards within two weeks of applying.
Following these steps will grant you access to the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard, offering you convenient and discounted travel options throughout your time as a student in London.
Why do I need it?
The student photocard offers valuable savings of 30% on adult-rate Travelcards, Bus and Tram Passes. Once you obtain the card, you can purchase discounted travelcards and bus passes conveniently through the TfL website. Additionally, you can load pay-as-you-go credit onto the photocard, although no discounts apply to this option.
For instance, the standard fare for a 7-day bus pass is £23.30, but with the student photocard's 30% discount, the price reduces to £16.30. Similarly, for the tube, a 7-day travelcard covering Zones 1-2 typically costs £38.40, whereas the discounted travelcard using the student photocard costs £26.80.
Another perk of the student photocard is the ability to add your 16-25 Railcard to it. This integration allows you to save 34% on pay as you go fares during off-peak hours. You can easily apply for the 16-25 Railcard online, which costs £30 per year, and if you fall between the ages of 16-25 or are a mature student, you qualify for eligibility. After receiving your Railcard, you can link it to your student photocard at any tube station by requesting assistance from a staff member.
Choosing the right type
The choice between travelcards and pay-as-you-go fares depends on your frequency of using public transport. To make the best decision, compare the prices of the discounted travelcards and pay-as-you-go fares based on the number of journeys you expect to make.
If you anticipate taking more than two rides each day for the entire week (totaling 14 rides or more), the discounted travelcard linked to your student photocard will be the more cost-effective option for you. In this case, the savings you gain from the discounted travelcard will outweigh the cost of individual pay-as-you-go fares.
However, if you estimate taking fewer rides per week, pay-as-you-go fares will likely be more economical. In your case, where you usually take between 6 to 8 rides a week, pay-as-you-go fares would be the better choice since it's less than the 14 rides required for the discounted travelcard to become more advantageous.
Additionally, purchasing 7-day travelcards instead of monthly ones can save you money, especially during months when you won't use public transport as frequently. This way, you can optimize your savings based on your travel patterns throughout the year.
