Getting a train to uni?

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  1. raechelle's Avatar
    • Respected Member
    • Location: Essex
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    Getting a train to uni?
    I'm starting uni in september but it doesn't look like I'll be able to get a lift up. Would it be ridiculous to attempt to travel on 2 public trains and a tube train on my own with all my stuff (including duvet, tv etc) or is it more manageable than I'm predicting?
  2. steve2005's Avatar
    • TSR Demigod
    • Location: LONDON
    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    (Original post by raechelle)
    I'm starting uni in september but it doesn't look like I'll be able to get a lift up. Would it be ridiculous to attempt to travel on 2 public trains and a tube train on my own with all my stuff (including duvet, tv etc) or is it more manageable than I'm predicting?
    Where are you travelling from and where is the University. You might find someone doing a similar journey.

    I don't think carrying a TV and all your other stuff on a train is practical.
  3. raechelle's Avatar
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    • Location: Essex
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    Essex to Portsmouth. I was thinking of looking into a coach so I've at least got the storage aspect but it'd still take a train and a tube to get the coach
  4. Jelephant's Avatar
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    Quite frankly, unless you're planning on making about 5 trips, yes it would- my mum's car was pretty packed and I certainly would not want to have to lug all of it around by myself somehow. Have you looked at any possibility of getting a lift with someone else you know who's going the same way or at least getting them to take some of your stuff for you, or even posting things? If you're stuck, do you really need a heavy, bulky TV etc?
  5. cardine92's Avatar
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    Two of my housemates managed, having said that neither of them brought a TV. I suggest dragging a family member or two on the train with you and buying some of your stuff once you get there.
  6. raechelle's Avatar
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    • Location: Essex
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    (Original post by cardine92)
    Two of my housemates managed, having said that neither of them brought a TV. I suggest dragging a family member or two on the train with you and buying some of your stuff once you get there.
    yeah i'm definitely considering this option! give them the heavier things of course, their little goodbye present to me haha. it's only a little TV anyway so it's not too much hassle.

    in terms of other replies, the only other person i know heading that way has a little car and probably can only just fit their own stuff in.
  7. charlie9872's Avatar
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    (Original post by raechelle)
    yeah i'm definitely considering this option! give them the heavier things of course, their little goodbye present to me haha. it's only a little TV anyway so it's not too much hassle.

    in terms of other replies, the only other person i know heading that way has a little car and probably can only just fit their own stuff in.
    Can you pay a friend to take you? It'll cost around the same as a train for petrol money and a bit for the effort. If not, any auntie/uncles, grandparents, cousins that could give you a lift? I'd suggest sorting it out, a train would be a huge hassle with all your stuff, you'll take a lot more than you think you will; my sister filled up two small cars (granted she did take a lot of stuff)
  8. Sternumator's Avatar
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    I know people who did it. Don't take a tv or duvet though, you would need to use your space wisely.
  9. raechelle's Avatar
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    • Location: Essex
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    (Original post by charlie9872)
    Can you pay a friend to take you? It'll cost around the same as a train for petrol money and a bit for the effort. If not, any auntie/uncles, grandparents, cousins that could give you a lift? I'd suggest sorting it out, a train would be a huge hassle with all your stuff, you'll take a lot more than you think you will; my sister filled up two small cars (granted she did take a lot of stuff)
    Being horrifically awkward and saying that in terms of the friend route - one offered but hasn't mentioned it since and I feel bad bringing it up. My other family members can't drive long distances either. Jeez! How did she bring that all back at the end of term!?

    Would it be worthwhile a hire car or are their prices extortionate?
  10. charlie9872's Avatar
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    (Original post by raechelle)
    Being horrifically awkward and saying that in terms of the friend route - one offered but hasn't mentioned it since and I feel bad bringing it up. My other family members can't drive long distances either. Jeez! How did she bring that all back at the end of term!?

    Would it be worthwhile a hire car or are their prices extortionate?
    No, a hire car would be at least £100 quid for the day, probably quite a bit more. I'd just mention it on facebook or something, just say you'll pay for petrol and give 20 quid, no doubt someone would do it, but I can understand why you'd be against that - there's only a few mates I'd want to be in a car with for 2 and a half hours She took her car to Uni with her so she was alright, but she took an uncessary amount of stuff with her so it was a bit of a bad example tbh haha.

    Not much more I can suggest really, I'm sure you could manage on the train, it will be the duvet and tv that'll be the problem. Prehaps just leave the T.V for the time being and buy a duvet while you're down there?
  11. raechelle's Avatar
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    • Location: Essex
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    (Original post by charlie9872)
    No, a hire car would be at least £100 quid for the day, probably quite a bit more. I'd just mention it on facebook or something, just say you'll pay for petrol and give 20 quid, no doubt someone would do it, but I can understand why you'd be against that - there's only a few mates I'd want to be in a car with for 2 and a half hours She took her car to Uni with her so she was alright, but she took an uncessary amount of stuff with her so it was a bit of a bad example tbh haha.

    Not much more I can suggest really, I'm sure you could manage on the train, it will be the duvet and tv that'll be the problem. Prehaps just leave the T.V for the time being and buy a duvet while you're down there?
    Haha she sounds like me! I overpack just in case. The amount of holidays I've gone on and come back with clothes I've not even worn is a joke. I'm just considering how on earth I'd fit shoes... anywhere. I'm currently trying to persuade my mum who's really against me going to university in the first place.

    Yeah, I'm thinking buy things cheaper down there. I am attached to my TV though, using the fact I'm a media student as a terrible excuse. Thank-you so much for your help by the way
  12. shevi's Avatar
    • Junior Member
    • Location: Belgium
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    Well I have to do this considering I'm coming from abroad and it seems manageable enough. Then again I'm not bringing a TV and a duvet. I'm having one of those kits delivered with kitchen supplies/bedding, maybe that could be an option? My uni supplies bedding packs as well (if I remember correctly) so you could always look into that.
    Really though, if you can't find people to drive you down you'll just have to prioritize what to take. Not an easy task I'll tell you that much.
  13. Shelly_x's Avatar
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    How about you have some of the stuff delivered? Like with a moving company sort of thing. I've seen students at York uni doing this... though I'm aware it may be a tad expensive.
  14. Origami Bullets's Avatar
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    The only practical way to do it is going to be delaying buying bulky / heavy things such as bedding and kitchen equipment until you get there, and not taking anything massively bulky such as a TV.

    Essentially, you'd be turning up with some clothes, a toothbrush and a hairdryer.

    When I brought all my stuff up to uni, I filled a mid-sized hatchback. What I brought wasn't excessive, and I've acquired more stuff since, so getting all home again is going to be a bit of a 'mare.

    Have you thought about hiring a car from the car club? My mum uses it, and it works out quite well http://www.citycarclub.co.uk/
  15. tpxvs's Avatar
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    long distance taxis?

    for a rough guide look at petrol prices on google maps, so for 2.5 hours its something like £20? theyd have to do a return so £40 in petrol and pay per hour.. hmm i have no idea how much taxi drivers earn per hours excluding petrol costs.. if we say about £12 thats £100 in total, pretty good deal i think.
  16. internet tough guy's Avatar
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    depends, how many trips are you planning on taking?
  17. insignificant's Avatar
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    Get a hire car if you can drive and are over 21.
  18. raechelle's Avatar
    • Respected Member
    • Location: Essex
    • Posts: 155
    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    (Original post by internet tough guy)
    depends, how many trips are you planning on taking?
    can only afford the one trip!
    solution: portable DVD player! i have no idea what i'll do about the rest of my stuff though
  19. internet tough guy's Avatar
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    (Original post by raechelle)
    can only afford the one trip!
    solution: portable DVD player! i have no idea what i'll do about the rest of my stuff though
    yeah definitely go with someone a bit more portable, I can't imagine anyone carrying a TV through public transport, let alone with their other baggage as well
  20. Mr Dangermouse's Avatar
    • Overlord in Training
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    Re: Getting a train to uni?
    (Original post by insignificant)
    Get a hire car if you can drive and are over 21.
    2 problems here


    You would need to return it. Although I suppose you could drop off your stuff, drive back and return the car and then take the train alone.

    However I doubt she's 21.
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