1. Ride Smart: Get a Swapfiets Subscription

If you’re planning to cycle regularly, and in London, many students already know that Swapfiets is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get started. For a fixed monthly fee, you get a high-quality city bike or e-bike with everything included:

• Always-working lights

• Strong double locks

• Free repairs and maintenance

• The option to pause or cancel anytime

You don’t have to worry about buying a bike, fixing it, or replacing it if something goes wrong. And if it’s stolen? With Full Theft Coverage, you’re fully protected.

Students also get special discounts, and there’s a referral program where you can earn credit, perfect for stretching your budget further.

2. Walk more than you think

You’d be surprised how much of central London is walkable. Places like King’s Cross, Soho, Shoreditch, and South Bank are all easily connected by foot. Walking often beats waiting for a delayed tube, and it’s a great way to get to know the city.

Plus, walking is free, flexible, and gives you space to breathe (or think through that upcoming deadline). Pro tip: leave 10 extra minutes and explore side streets, you’ll find hidden gems all over the city.

3. Travel off-peak and save money

London’s public transport pricing isn’t fixed, when you travel matters. If your schedule is flexible (hello, 11 a.m. lectures), aim to travel outside peak hours:

• Off-peak starts after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays

• Weekends and bank holidays are off-peak all day

Use this to your advantage. Tube and train fares are cheaper, and carriages are less crowded. If you take a lot of trains, combine your 16–25 Railcard with your Oyster card to save even more on off-peak fares.

A bit of planning = more money for coffee and nights out.

4. Take advantage of student discounts on public transport

If you still use buses or the tube regularly, make sure you register for the 18+ Student Oyster card, which gives you 30% off adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes.

And if you take national trains for trips home or weekends away, pair your Oyster with a 16–25 Railcard to save even more on off-peak travel.

Bonus tip: Use the TfL Go or Citymapper app to find the cheapest or quietest route, and spot when it’s faster to walk or cycle.

5. Plan ahead for one-off trips

Sometimes you need to go big: IKEA runs, moving flats, or late-night trips outside the city. For those moments, car sharing services like Zipcar, Turo, or even group rides on BlaBlaCar come in handy. They’re way cheaper than daily car rentals—and split between friends, they’re student-budget friendly.

Make sure you have a valid licence, and keep your student ID or Railcard handy for added discounts.

In short?

Getting around London doesn’t have to drain your bank account. A Swapfiets subscription gives you a reliable bike, included repairs, and full flexibility, perfect for everyday use. Combine that with smart walking, student discounts, and occasional rentals, and you’ve got a full transport strategy that’s affordable, flexible, and student-proof.

Book a free test ride with Swapfiets and see how easy it is to get rolling.