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Student Oyster Card: Benefits, Types, Balance Checking And Top-Ups

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Your Ticket to London

Ever feel like half your student loan goes straight to the transport gods in London? Bus journeys here, tube rides there – the cost can add up faster. But don't worry! This guide is your ultimate weapon against transport-related budget woes. We'll crack the code on the student Student Oyster Card, reveal all the discounts it unlocks, and show you how to navigate the London transport system like a pro.

What Is A Student Oyster Card?

A Student Oyster Card is a smart card or pass that lets you travel on all the modes of public transport in London. The card can be topped up using a credit card, and it is contactless. This card is the most popular way to pay for public transport in London. It allows you to pay as you go by adding money to it. 

Bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, most Elizabeth line, IFS Cloud Cable Car and Thames Clippers River Bus services all accept pay-as-you-go payments. You would be glad to know that these transport services run through most parts of London, including the best neighbourhoods! Read all about the best neighbourhoods in London!

What Is An 18+ Student Oyster Card?

The 18+ Student Oyster Card or photocard works exactly like the standard card, with the only difference being the presence of your photo and extra discounts. The card allows you to travel at discounted rates for the three years of your study program. You can also use the Student Oyster Card for the remainder of your study period. 

You save 30% on bus and tram passes and travel cards. You also get a 34% discount on low-traffic rail fares . Ensure that you check if you are eligible for the card before applying for it, and pay a one-time application fee of £20 if you are. You must study for at least 15 hours a week and at least 14 hours during the weekdays to be eligible for a Student Oyster Card. This also applies to postgraduate students studying more than 15 hours a week. 

Benefits Of An Student Oyster Card

Getting a card to use public transport in London fast and efficiently has many perks. Here are some of the many Student Oyster Card benefits that one can get:

1. Enjoy endless credit on your card—it never expires, ensuring peace of mind as you can use it anytime, even years later.

2. Seamlessly integrate the Pay as You Go feature with Travel cards for added flexibility.

3. Enjoy the effortless user-friendliness and incredible cost-effectiveness of the Student Oyster Card. Simplify your public transport experience with the Student Oyster Card. No more constant ticket purchases; just tap and go for convenience and savings.

4. Traverse London's extensive public transport network with ease - whether it's trains, buses, trams, tubes, or more.

5. Reach the spending cap and ride worry-free - once reached, subsequent rides are on the house for the remainder of the day, with cap prices varying by zone.Unused card? No problem - simply request a hassle-free refund anytime.

Let the Oyster card take care of your daily expenses, you leave your accommodation needs to amber

Book your student accommodation through amber today!!

Why Should I Buy a Visitor Oyster Card?

If you’re contemplating buying a card and are only planning on staying in London for a short period, you should certainly consider getting a Visitor Oyster Card. When you look at alternative transport options in London, Uber and taxi rentals prove to be quite expensive. For example, the average price of a short Uber drive, i.e., 1-5 miles, is £1 - £15 . In comparison, a visitor or Student Oyster Card is relatively more hassle-free and pocket-friendly.

The visitor Oyster Card prevents the need for constant cash transactions and ensures a smooth experience for visitors experiencing all the things to do in London. Visitor Oyster Cards are a great boon for tourists looking to explore all they can in the English capital.

Standard vs. Visitor Oyster Cards

Although it is similar to a Standard Oyster Card, there is a small difference between them. Here is the difference.

How to Buy a Student Oyster Card?

It is quite easy to buy Student Oyster Cards as well as regular ones. London has made it incredibly accessible for most people to be in possession of one!

1. The Standard and Visitor Oyster Cards can be bought from the underground stations in London and the airports .

2. They are often readily available at ticket machines but can be purchased through newsagents or staffed ticket offices .

3. You can easily apply for a student oyster card online and have it delivered directly to your residence before entering the UK. 

4. The Standard Card can only be shipped to a UK address, but a visitor card can be shipped anywhere worldwide . 

5. Before you arrive, you won't have to go out and buy one later. To spend less money on the tourist centres in London, you can also get a card as part of a London Pass , but this can only be done online. The payment for the card is made through either cash, a debit card, or a credit card.

Oyster Card Student Login and Application Status

You can apply for a Student Oyster Card as well as check your application status by signing into your Card web account . If you have entered your phone number during the application process, you will receive a text message while your card is delivered.

How Much Does A Student Oyster Card Cost?

There are many options with the card charges. There is a pay-as-you-go option, a travel pass option, and an option that combines both, but the prices for each trip will differ. 

1. The regular card costs about £5, and the primary deposit can be refunded. 

2. The visitor card costs £5 as well, and this includes postage. 

The Student Oyster Card and regular prices can be checked online from your location to the one you're heading to. Till the daily cap is used, the cost of the subsequent trips is cheaper. The prices can also be changed by the time of the day. The prices are high compared to the rest of the day in the rush hours or busy hours from 6:30- 9:30 am and 4:00 -7:00 pm .

Student Oyster Card Discount

Students in London can easily get student discounts on their Oyster Cards. This is a highly feasible technique for international students who depend on public discounts while studying in London. A student above 18 can avail of 30% off Travel Cards and Bus & Tram Passes . The card can be utilised while purchasing Oyster Card monthly pass student and weekly.

How To Check Student Oyster Card Balance

Usually, the balance is displayed at the ticket gates, but if you missed it, there are other ways. Here are the ways for Oyster Card check balance:

1. Visit the Transport for London (TfL) website.

2. Sign in to your Oyster account .

3. You’ll be able to see the remaining balance on your card.

Please note that Visitor Oyster Cards can’t be registered, so if you want to check your Oyster Card balance, it won’t be available online.

1. Visit any Oyster Ticket Stop, Oyster Ticket Machine, or Visitor Center in London.

2. Touch your Student Oyster Card on the yellow reader of any ticket machine.

3. You can see the balance on the screen.

Remember, you can also see your balance every time you exit the tube.

How To Top-Up Oyster Cards

If London’s won over your heart, Student Oyster Cards are a must as the city has some of the best neighbourhoods ,so you can plan the perfect trip to the city? Topping up a Student Oyster Card is putting in money to be used later during commuting. The following methods can be used for a Student Oyster Card recharge: 

1. The first way is to visit a visitor centre, station, or ticket desk at an Oyster ticket shop in the city. 

2. The second way is through the Oyster Website , which can only be done if you already have an account. If you do, you can log in and use the auto Oyster top-up or buy season tickets . 

3. The ticket machines at the stations in London, both overground and underground, have machines where you can hold up the card to review your balance and then click on the add top-up feature to add money through cash, credit, or debit.

4. The final option is to use the TfL Oyster app , which is almost the same as reloading credits from the site.

18+ Student Oyster Photocards

The 18+ Student Oyster Photocard is specifically designed for students aged 18 and above residing in a London borough during term time and enrolled in a TfL-registered school, college, or university. It features a photo for identification and grants holders a 30% discount on adult-rate travel cards and season tickets. 

Introduced to alleviate commuting costs for London students, it's not valid for leisure travel discounts during vacations. Application is online, requiring a digital photo, student enrolment ID, London address, and a valid debit or credit card for the £20 administration fee.

Eligibility Of An Student Oyster Photocards

1. You must be 18 or over .

2. You must live in a London borough during term time.

3. You must be enrolled at a school, college, or university registered on the TfL scheme or on a mandatory work placement in London.

4. You must also be one of the following:

a. Enrolled inon a full-time course with at least 15 tuition-led or structured learning hours a week. You must attend classes Monday to Friday only (not including evening classes) that span a minimum of 14 weeks on the same course (shorter courses repeated over 14 or more weeks aren’t eligible).

b. Receiving an NHS Bursary as a full-time student. You must give your school, college, or university evidence of your sponsorship so they can validate your application.

c. A full-time postgraduate student , studying or writing up to more than 15 hours a week.

d. A full-time student registered and studying on a higher education course at a school, college, or university not registered with the TfL scheme but on mandatory work placement in London for at least 14 weeks.

e. A sabbatical officer .

f. Enrolled on a part-time course for at least 14 weeks and either receiving an NHS Bursary or a postgraduate student receiving financial help from your education establishment’s hardship fund.

How To Apply For A Student Oyster Photocard?

Here are the steps to apply for an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard:

1. Complete your campus enrolment: You must complete your campus enrolment1 before you can apply for the photocard.

2. Visit the TfL website: Experience the convenience of our online application process by visiting the Transport for London (TfL) website.

3. Sign in or create an account: If you already have an account, sign in. If not, you’ll need to create one.

4. Provide necessary details: You’ll need to provide a colour digital photo, your student enrolment ID from your school, college, or university, a London address, and a valid debit or credit card to pay the £20 administration fee2.

5. Submit your application: After providing all the necessary details, submit your application.

Please note that your address must match the address that your school, college, or university has on record or your application will be placed on hold. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your 18+ Student Oyster Photocard. This card will unlock a world of savings, allowing you to get 30% off adult-rate travel cards and season tickets.

So here was the A to Z of Student Oyster Cards that most people use in London. You can now easily navigate London zones and public transport . It will make commuting and getting around places by public transport so much easier and cheaper. And of course! Familiarising yourself with the London Underground could certainly help you navigate your way. Or you could just wing it! We hope this blog helped you understand everything you need to know about the Student Oyster Card. So, what are you waiting for?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use my friend's student oyster card, can international students get student oyster cards, who can get a free student oyster card, can i get a student oyster if i don't live in london, do student oyster cards expire.

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How to apply for a student oyster card

Table of Contents

For students studying in London, you’ll no doubt have heard of the Student Oyster Card. It’s a great way to save money while travelling around London, which we all know can get quite expensive normally. Whether you’re dashing to lectures or exploring the city or on a night out, the Student Oyster Card makes every journey more affordable. But how do you go about getting one and who is eligible? Our guide tells you exactly how to apply for student oyster card and the benefits you’ll get from having one. So, get ready to embrace what London has to offer. With your Student Oyster Card in hand, the city’s your oyster (pun intended).

What is a Student Oyster Card?

The Student Oyster Card is just like a travel card, but it’s a budget-friendly option designed for students in London. It offers discounted fares across London’s extensive transport network, including buses, tubes, trams, and more. This card aims to ease the financial burden of travel, allowing students to save up to 30% on adult-rate travelcards and bus & tram passes. It’s a practical and handy way for students who regularly commute to university, part-time jobs, or just want to explore the city to get around without paying a fortune.

What’s the difference between a ‘Student’ oyster card and regular oyster card?

Comparing the Student Oyster Card with its regular counterpart is like comparing a standard gym membership with a premium one. Both give you access to the same facilities (or in this case, the same transport network), but the premium (Student Oyster Card) offers additional perks at a fraction of the cost. The regular Oyster Card simplifies travel with pay-as-you-go capabilities and daily capping, but the Student Oyster Card takes it further by slashing the costs significantly. It’s tailored for the student lifestyle, offering the same convenience with the added benefit of making every penny count. For students juggling academics and budgeting, this card is a game-changer. Read more about whether the Student Oyster Card is worth it to help you decide, which also discussed alternatives.

Eligibility criteria: Who can apply for one?

The Student Oyster Card is a boon for students over 18 living and studying in London. If you’re enrolled in a full-time or part-time educational program in the city, you’re in luck. This card is designed to make your student life easier and more affordable, especially when it comes to navigating the extensive transport network of London. Whether you’re attending lectures, working part-time, or just exploring the city, the Student Oyster Card is your ticket to cheaper and more convenient travel.

To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old. But age is just a number; what’s crucial is your enrolment in an educational institution that’s part of the Oyster scheme. This includes a wide range of universities and colleges across London. The card is tailored for students, ensuring that whether you’re a freshman or a postgraduate researcher, you can benefit from discounted travel as you pursue your academic goals.

What do you need to apply?

When you’re gearing up to get your Student Oyster Card, the first thing you’ll need is your ID. Think of it as the key that unlocks all those travel discounts. A valid passport or your UK driving license should do the trick. They’re just there to prove that you are, indeed, you.

Next up is proving you’re a student. This is where your student ID card or an enrolment letter from your uni or college comes into play. These aren’t just pieces of paper or plastic; they’re your golden tickets to cheaper travel around London. They’re pretty much saying, “Yep, I’m a student, and I’m ready to grab those travel discounts!”

Sometimes, you might need to show a bit more, like a recent utility bill or a bank statement. This isn’t to make life difficult, but just to make sure everything’s up to date. It’s all about making your application as smooth as possible.

The step-by-step application process for a Student Oyster Card

Applying online

Applying for a Student Oyster Card is a breeze. Start by visiting the Transport for London (TfL) website . Here, you’ll find a dedicated section for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard. The online form is straightforward, guiding you through each step. You’ll need to provide:

• your personal details
• student status
• details of your educational institution.

Ensure you have all the necessary information at hand to make the process smooth and quick.

Submitting your documents

During the application, you’ll be asked to upload certain documents. These typically include a digital photo of yourself (which must meet specific requirements), proof of your student status (like your student ID or enrolment letter), and possibly additional identification documents. It’s crucial that these documents are clear and legible to avoid any delays in your application.

Payment and fees

There is a small application fee for the Student Oyster Card. This fee is paid online during the application process. Have your debit or credit card ready for this. Once you’ve paid the fee, your application is complete. The card is typically valid for up to three years of your course, aligning with the duration of most academic programs.

Using Your Student Oyster Card

How do I top it up?

Once you receive your card, topping it up is simple. You can do this at any Oyster Ticket Stop, which you’ll find in many local shops across London, at tube stations, or online through the Transport for London (TfL) website. When topping up online, you can add credit to your card from the comfort of your home or on the go, making it a convenient option for busy students. It’s essential to keep your card topped up to ensure uninterrupted travel across the city.

Where can I use it?

Your Student Oyster Card is incredibly versatile. It’s valid on all TfL services, which includes buses, tubes, trams, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, and some National Rail services. This wide range of transport options means you can travel almost anywhere within London using your card, making it an indispensable tool for both your studies and leisure activities.

How can I renew my Student Oyster Card?

Renewing your Student Oyster Card is an important step to ensure uninterrupted access to discounted travel across London’s transport network. The card is valid for the entire duration of your course, but it does require an annual renewal. This process is designed to verify your continued eligibility for the scheme and to maintain the card’s active status. To renew your card, the process is straightforward and user-friendly. You simply need to log in to your Transport for London (TfL) account. Once logged in, you’ll find clear instructions and steps to guide you through the renewal process. Following these steps is crucial to ensure that your card remains active, allowing you to continue enjoying the benefits of discounted travel. This annual check-in with TfL is a small but essential task for maintaining your travel benefits as a student in London.

Life can be full of changes, especially during your student years. You might find yourself moving to a new residence or even changing your course. It’s important to remember that these changes need to be reflected in your Student Oyster Card details. Updating your information is not just a bureaucratic step; it’s essential for ensuring seamless service and avoiding any potential issues with your card’s validity. The TfL website provides an easy platform for updating your personal details. Whether it’s a change of address or a change in your educational circumstances, keeping your information up to date on the TfL website is vital. This ensures that your Student Oyster Card accurately reflects your current situation, thereby avoiding any complications or disruptions in using the card. Regularly updating your details helps in maintaining a smooth and hassle-free travel experience as you navigate through your academic journey in London.

What to do if I lose my Student Oyster Card or it gets stolen or doesn’t work?

If your card is lost or stolen, don’t worry. Report it immediately on the TfL website. TfL will typically issue a replacement, ensuring you’re not left stranded without a way to travel.

If your card isn’t working, the first step is to speak with a staff member at any tube station. They’re knowledgeable and can often resolve minor issues on the spot. For more complex issues, TfL’s customer service team is available to assist. You can contact them via phone or email for help with any problems you encounter with your card.

Absolutely! As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you're good to go.

Typically, it takes about a week, but it can vary. Plan ahead to ensure you're not left without a card when you need it

You should inform TfL as your card will no longer be valid, and you might need to return it.

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November 30th, 2022

How to apply for and use your 18+ student oyster photocard.

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Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

If you’re new to London, one of the first things you’ll notice is the convenient and efficient public transport system the city has. Transport for London (TfL) has impressive connectivity across the city that helps you get anywhere you’d like to go with great ease. As a student, the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard helps you cut down on travel costs and makes exploring the city fun and affordable. How, you ask? Read on.

What is it?

The 18+ Student Oyster Photocard is specifically designed for students living and studying in London. It’s a card that you tap-in and tap-out (for the tube) and tap-in only (for the bus) to pay for your ride. It’s different from the usual Oyster Card because it’s got your picture printed on it and offers you discounted rates.

How do I apply?

To apply for the student photocard, you have to first complete your campus enrolment and then apply online on the TfL website . The card costs £20 and remains valid until the end of your course. The application process is straightforward and requires basic information covering your student enrolment ID, London address and digital photograph. Be sure to check the instructions for your photograph before uploading.

After application submission, the university approves it and then TfL will post your card to your address. You will receive email/text updates on your application.

I received my card within two weeks of applying.

What are the benefits?

The student photocard helps you save 30% on adult-rate Travelcards as well as on Bus and Tram Passes . Once you receive your card, you can buy discounted travelcards and bus passes on the TfL website. You can also add pay as you go credit but there are no discounts for this.

The adult fare for a 7-day bus pass is £23.30 but with a 30% discount using the student photocard, the price drops to £16.30. For the tube, between Zone 1-2 the adult fare for the 7-day travelcard is £38.40 but the discounted travelcard using the student photocard costs £26.80.

Another benefit of the student photocard is that you can add your 16-25 Railcard to it. By doing this, you can save 34% on pay as you go fares during off-peak hours. You can apply for the 16-25 Railcard online and it costs £30 per year. If you’re between 16-25 years old or a mature student , you’re eligible to apply. Once you receive your card, you can link it to your student photocard at any tube station by asking a staff member.

How do I make my choice?

The choice between travelcards and pay as you go fares depends on how often you plan to take public transport. Compare the prices of the discounted travelcards and pay as you go fares for the number of journeys you will make. If you will take more than two rides each day for the whole week, the discounted travelcard on your student photocard will be economical. If not, you’re better off with pay as you go fares. It’s cost-effective to buy 7-day travelcards as opposed to the monthly ones because during some months you would not use public transport as frequently and so a 7-day travelcard helps you save money.

I usually take between 6 to 8 rides a week. So, pay as you go fares are economical for me.

Any tips for navigating public transport?

• Getting around London becomes super easy with a transport app. Citymapper is a great one that gives you several route options with real-time updates on delays.
• Check for updates from TfL when planning your journeys. This is especially useful when there are planned closures on the transport network.
• Check for weather updates before planning your travel and always leave some buffer time to avoid running late.
• If you can, do check out alternate modes of transport for a change. London is a very walkable city and it also has a great cycling network.

About the author

I’m Aish, an MPhil/PhD student at the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science. I study the impact that personality characteristics can have on performance at the workplace. When I’m not actively PhD-ing, I spend my time cooking, writing, and hula-hooping.

I’m so interested by joining your team how to apply

LSE have rejected my student oyster verification… who can I contact at LSE about this? Thanks

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How To Travel Around London

Travelling around London may be costly, so we’ve compiled a list of tips for navigating about the capital city efficiently. Get a student travel card or a student Oyster card sent to your door to help you save money and minimise travel costs daily!

Student Oyster Card For Bus Travel

Get A Student Oyster Card To Save Money On Tube, DLR, Bus And Overground

If you are 18 or older, a student, and live in a London borough, you can use an Oyster Photocard to save money on your journeys. You will save up to 30% on the Adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.  You may apply online by clicking here!

Keep in mind… when your course ends, your 18+ Student Oyster Photocard expires. Your school, college, or university will notify TFL if you are no longer qualified or if the end date of your course has changed. Your Photocard benefits will then end.

If you are in a hurry, you can take a taxi around London. There is the traditional taxi as well as private rental cars known as minicabs such as Addison Lee and local cab businesses. There has recently been a surge in the number of new taxi services, such as Uber, Ola, and Lyft. All of this is accomplished through the use of phone apps. Some individuals may prefer these apps since they allow you to get a cab quickly and without having to plan ahead of time. You can also earn discount codes and credits to help save on your journey.

The cost of renting a Santander Cycle is £2 for unlimited travel of up to 30 minutes. If your journey lasts more than 30 minutes, you will have to pay £2 for every extra 30 minutes. If you do not return the cycle within 24 hours, you will be charged. Simply download the Santander Cycles app or go to any docking station terminal with your bank card and touch the screen to get started. When you’re through with your journey, return it to a docking station.

Use A Student Travel Card

If your route requires you to travel on public transport that is outside of London’s central zones, you may need to obtain a student travel card. The 16 to 25 Railcard is an example of this. This Railcard gives you one-third off train fares. When you make your purchase you have the choice of receiving it in digital or physical form. It just costs £30 each year or £70 for three years. More information about Railcards may be found here !

So, as a student, take advantage of these travel options!

Before you go! Have you read our Magazine?

Oyster cards, contactless cards and rail discounts

Here you can find information about getting an Oyster card and using your bank card on public transport as well as information about what discounts you may be eligible for.

Contactless payment

Oyster cards, 18+ student oyster photocards.

• 16+ Zip Oyster cards

16-25 and 26-30 railcards

Young persons coach card.

Please note that this information is correct to the best of our knowledge but may be subject to change.

If your bank card issued on Visa, Mastercard, Maestro or American Express shows the contactless payment symbol, you can use it to pay-as-you-go on all Transport for London (TfL) services. 

Using a mobile payment, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, is the same as using a contactless card. You can make mobile payments with devices such as phones, watches, key fobs, stickers or wristbands.

For more information on using contactless payment methods on London transport, please visit the Transport for London (TfL) website.   

Please do not apply for the 18+ oystercard until you are living in London during term time and have updated your Portico record to show this. You will not be eligible for the card if you do not live in London during term time.

What is an Oyster card?

Many people living in London use Oyster cards to pay for public transport. An Oyster card is a plastic smartcard which can hold pay-as-you-go credit (money), Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes. You can load money on to your Oyster card (known as ‘topping up’) at any tube or London Overground station, as well as in any shop where you see the blue Oyster card sign. You can use an Oyster card to travel on bus, tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail, Emirates Air Line, River Bus services and most National Rail services in London.

Most people living in London will have an Oyster card, as Oyster fares are substantially cheaper than buying paper tickets for single journeys. 

You can find out the cost of single journeys using Travel for London’s Single Fare Finder tool.

Where can I get an Oyster card?

You can get an Oyster card from any Tube, London Overground and TfL Rail stations, as well as some DLR and National Rail stations.

How much does it cost?

You have to pay a £7 fee for an Oyster card, and if you bought yours on or after 4 September 2022, it is non-refundable. 

What is an 18+ Oyster card?

An 18+ Student Oyster photocard works in the same way as a standard Oyster card, but looks slightly different as it includes a photo of you. It also entitles you to some extra discounts.

What discounts can I get with an 18+ Oyster card?

If you have an 18+ Student Oyster photocard, you can get 30% off the price of adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.

A Travelcard season ticket gives you unlimited travel for a week, a month or a year. The cost of a Travelcard will vary depending on the length of time it is valid for and which zones you are travelling between. For example, if you are travelling only in zone 1 or between zones 1 and 2, a weekly Travelcard will cost £33. Travelling in zones 1-3 will cost £38.70. You can find a full list of rates on the TfL website .

Am I eligible?

If you're 18 or over, live at a London address during term time and in full-time education, or on a mandatory work placement in London, you may be eligible for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard.

Please find the eligibility criteria outlined on the TFL web page.

You must have fully enrolled at UCL before you will be eligible . If you apply before you have fully enrolled, you risk your application being rejected and losing your application fee. If you are a part-time student, your application will be rejected unless you meet the TfL criteria, which can be found on the TfL website. You must use your correct programme end date from Portico when you apply otherwise your application will be rejected.

How do I apply?

In order to apply online for your photocard you will need to provide:

• an active email address
• your UCL student number (SN on the front of your UCL ID card )
• London borough  address
• Digital photo  which must be a .jpg, .bmp or .gif file and less than 6MB
• Your correct programme of study end date from Portico

You will be required to pay an administration fee of £20 using a credit or debit card. Due to the £20 fee of registering for an 18+ Oyster card, it is worth considering whether or not it will be worth the money for you. Please make sure to select the 'University Course' option and not the 'Work Placement' option, as you may lose the administration fee if you choose the incorrect option. 

If you will only be making a few journeys on public transport, you may not need to use a Travelcard or Bus & Tram Pass season ticket and therefore would not need an 18+ photocard. You may be better off using pay as you go at the adult rate and not paying the £20 fee. For example, to hit a weekly Travelcard in zones 1-2, you would need to make at least fourteen Tube journeys (which would cost £2.40 each within zones 1-2) or 22 bus journeys (which always cost £1.50, no matter how far you travel) to make it worth buying a £33 weekly Travelcard, and thus benefit from the discount.

You can use TfL’s Single Fare Finder to work out how much single tube journeys would cost you for different zones, and whether or not you are likely to make enough journeys for it to be worth buying a weekly, monthly or yearly Travelcard. If you are buying multiple Travelcards, it may be worth paying the £20 fee to register for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard to benefit from the 30% discount.

Please note:  You must enter your institution name correctly in order for the application to be successful - if the form does not automatically select 'UCL' when you type it in, please click the link to view a list of all eligible institutions and pick 'UCL' from the list. If you extend your period of study, you will need to apply for a new Oyster photocard to cover the additional time. UCL is not responsible for any inaccuracies in your Oyster photocard end date. If your status changes and you are no longer eligible for the 18+ Oyster photocard (because you leave UCL, interrupt your studies or change to part-time status) we are required to report this to TfL.

You should be aware that once your Oyster has a discount attached to it, you can no longer share it with or lend it to other people as it is only valid with the associated discount card.

Apply for an 18+ Student Oyster Card

Checking your application status

Information on how to check your application status can be found on the TfL's 18+ Student Oyster photocard web page

If you have a query about the status of your application for the 18+ Oyster card, you may log an enquiry via askUCL. Please quote your application reference number.

16+ Zip Oyster Card

UCL can sign and stamp a 16+ Oyster card application for eligible students.

To be eligible for free bus and tram travel, the applicant must be aged 16 or 17 on 31st August and be living in a London borough. If the applicant is 18, UCL does not sign the form as a Higher Education Institute (level 6).

Full details of how to apply for the 16+ Oyster card can be on the Transport for London website .

What are railcards?

The 16-25 and 26-30 railcards are plastic cards or downloadable as an app that gives you 1/3 off rail fairs. Many home students consider buying a 16-25 or 26-30 railcard if they are intending to travel by train fairly often, for example, to visit family.

For more information visit the 16-25 railcard web page.

For more information, visit the 26-30 railcard website.

Where can I buy one, and how much do they cost?

You should only buy the 16-25 or 26-30 railcards from the official railcard website . They cost £30 for one year.

Linking your railcard and your Oyster card

You can also add the discount to your standard Oyster card or your 18+ Student Oyster photocard to get a 34% discount on single off-peak pay-as-you-go fares on London Underground and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services.

Peak times are from 06:30 to 9:29 and from 16:00 to 18:59 Monday to Friday. During peak travel times, some journeys cost slightly more. Your railcard will not get you a discount during these times.

For example: a single Tube journey within zone 1 or between zones 1 and 2 outside the hours of 06:30 to 9:29 and from 16:00 to 18:59 or on a weekend would cost £2.40. With a railcard linked to your Oyster card, the same journey would cost £1.59. Journeys made within those hours (during peak times) would cost £2.90, regardless of whether or not your Oyster and railcard are linked.

You can use TfL's Single Fare Finder to work out how much single Tube journeys would cost without being linked to a railcard.

Due to the £30 fee when you buy a railcard, it is worth considering whether or not you would use the discounts it gives you often enough for it to be worth the money.

How do I link my railcard and my Oyster card?

To link your Oyster card and railcard, you need to take your Oyster card and your railcard to an Underground station, Overground ticket office or some National Rail ticket offices and ask the clerk to add your discount entitlement to your Oyster card. It will be valid until the expiry of the railcard.

Young person coach cards are available for all people aged 16 - 26 or full-time students over the age of 26. They give you a third (33.3%) off all Standard and Fully Flexible coach fares with the National Express. 

Find out more information on the National Express website .

Useful links

• TfL info - student travel in London  
• TfL blog - 5 things to do in London on a student budget
• Student Beans (discounts)
• National Union of Students (NUS)
• Endsleigh Student Insurance
• UCL Term Dates
• Students' Union UCL Advice Service