[Natasha_321]

Hi all,

Regarding open days at universities - bluntly saying - are there any ways of making travel cheaper?

I plan to travel with a couple of my friends and their parent/s to different univerisites, but rather i am looking for any bus or coach companies to the university that would make the cost of travelling any cheaper??

Otherwise, have you benefited other ways, rather than travelling to the uni/campus itself?

Many thanks!!

[Nice.Guy]

I've found it's really pricey too!!
One thing I'm doing, and you could look into, is getting a 16-25 railcard?? I think you get something like 1/3 off train fares.
But obviously it depends how often you're gonna be using trains

[insignificant]

I guess one thing to think of here is that if you find somewhere to travel too pricey, its good to bear in mind that you will be having to do this several times a year back and forth most likely, and to take into account whether this is possible with the amount of money you will have.

[noma5]

(Original post by Natasha_321)
Hi all,

Regarding open days at universities - bluntly saying - are there any ways of making travel cheaper?

I plan to travel with a couple of my friends and their parent/s to different univerisites, but rather i am looking for any bus or coach companies to the university that would make the cost of travelling any cheaper??

Otherwise, have you benefited other ways, rather than travelling to the uni/campus itself?

Many thanks!!

In terms of railways, book WEEKS in advance because that's when it is cheapest. Otherwise if its last minute it can be very expensive, not sure about coaches though.

[edjunkie]

Get a 16-25 rail card, that will lower the last minute fair. If within the south east, then a network railcard could be useful if you are able to travel as a group. That way you could split the £28 cost of the discount card. It has limitations during the week as generally you cannot travel before 10am.

A Network Railcard gives you 1/3 off most standard adult rail fares for travel in the Network Railcard area.

"The added benefit is that up to three adults can travel with you and they will also get 1/3 off their rail fare. Plus, you can take up to four children (aged 5 to 15 years) with you and save 60% on each child fare."

If there is a particular rail operate that serves where you want to go, sign up to be notified of their promotions. I got London to Edinburgh return for £18 on east coast trains. Others send out money off codes.

Check www.hotukdeals.com for details of promotions from different rail companies. Always check if buying two single tickets is cheaper than a return. For full details of how to travel by train for less look at http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/tra...-train-tickets

The coach is generally lower cost, especially if you can get a funfare. The Young Person Coach card at £10, gives a 30% discount on standard fare without time usage restrictions. This is useful, as cheap tickets usually mean you have to use a particular coach and if you miss it you have to buy another ticket. If the open day starts early and traveling same day is expensive, consider traveling up the night before. Travelodge have promotions for rooms, sometimes for as low as £19 a night for up to 3 adults in a room.

Checkout www.megabus.com they often have cheap coach tickets and some discounted rail tickets.

Taking the time, effort and cost to go to an Open Day is important, it could save wanting to transfer or drop out in the first year because you don't like the university location or vibe. Only then you might have spent £9000 discovering you don't want to be there instead of £30 rail or coach ticket.

There are also car sharing sites, which allow you to find someone going in the same destination. This could be a bit hit an miss, as you might be able to get there, but have difficulty finding someone returning when you need to get back.

[SeaNanners]

Private jet or helicopter? I'm rich so get over it. *jokes*

No really, Coach is probally going to be the CHEAPEST out of the ones user stated above me. People ditch the coach because it takes longer to get to their destination. Really? Who gives a ********* if your paying a decent price, who cares. Right?

[Historophilia]

Coach. Seriously.

I got a £10 return from London to Bath once.

However it will take a lot longer to get there than on the train.

I suggest you invest in a 16-25 railcard, I love mine. Also book ages head and travel at less popular times. So if you're willing to get up really early then trains will be much cheaper then.

[Historophilia]

(Original post by SeaNanners)
Private jet or helicopter? I'm rich so get over it. *jokes*

No really, Coach is probally going to be the CHEAPEST out of the ones user stated above me. People ditch the coach because it takes longer to get to their destination. Really? Who gives a ********* if your paying a decent price, who cares. Right?

Well to be fair it does matter if you have to be there and back in a day for an open day. If you're trying to somewhere really far away the logistics may simply not work or you'd have to get up at 3am to get there and not get home till the small hours the next day.

[Natasha_321]

Thank you all very much for your answers - very helpful!

[Dez]

I think you can get a travel bursary from UCAS if you're under a certain income, maybe ask someone at your 6th form? It used to be a thing a few years ago, no idea if it's still around or not.