Thursday 24-02-2022 - 10:00

  

There are lots of ways that you can reduce your travel costs and travel – and holiday - more sustainably.

 

 

As ever, Save the Student is a mine of really helpful information about ways to reduce travel costs and trave deals:

www.savethestudent.org/travel

 

Host’s website (Host are a student accommodation provider) has information about the 18+ Student Oyster Card, 16-25 Railcard, Young Persons Coachcard and International Student Identity Card (ISIC) in one handy place:

https://host-students.com/top-travel-discounts-for-students/

 

Fun fact - even if you are over 25 and not officially a ‘young person’ you are still eligible for a 16-25 Railcard or a Young Persons Coachcard if you are a on a full-time course.

 

Do you really need a car? For many students living in places well-served by public transport – or living within reasonable walking distance of campus - a car is a ‘nice to have’ rather than a ‘need to have’. Even leaving aside the environmental impact of fossil fuel use, a car can be a significant drain on your finances, with the cost of repairs, insurance, MOT etc etc.  

 

Consider investing in a bike, or use a bike share scheme. Cycling UK have great information on their site on all aspects of cycling and have a helpful guide to public bike share schemes:

www.cyclinguk.org/article/guide-hire-bikes-and-public-bike-share-schemes

 

When it comes to travel for holidays be mindful of the mode of transport you use and try and opt for less polluting methods, like trains.

 

If you do fly, check out how to reduce the environmental impact – Which? has a useful article about this:

www.which.co.uk/reviews/airlines/article/airlines/carbon-offsetting-how-to-reduce-the-impact-of-flying-abuH44x4FeWn

 

Be aware of the environmental impact of social activities, like camping or hiking – try and leave no trace and follow the Countryside Code:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1014038/countryside-code-summary.pdf

 

Support local communities where you are able and contribute to smaller, local businesses.

Remember to recycle even when you are on holiday!

 

Opt for eco-friendly accommodation - for example look for Green Key certified accommodation.

 

More and more travel agencies and booking companies are highlighting sustainable/eco-friendly options, so factor this in when searching.

 

The Money & Housing Advice Team

moneyandhousingadvice@law.ac.uk