Hey there, newbie Londoner! Whether you are a new student looking to navigate London like a local, or returning for another round of lectures, we’re here to help you make the most of our fantastic transport network 👇
✨ Newbie Essentials: Your Oyster Card Is Your Best Friend
First things first: as a new student in London you’ll need an Oyster card or a contactless payment method (like your bank card or phone). An Oyster card is a smart little piece of plastic that you can load with credit or travelcards to zip around London. You can grab one at any Tube station, newsagent, or online. Plus, if you’re a student, you can apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard, which gives you a sweet 30% discount on Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes. It’s a must if you’re planning to commute daily.
🚇 Navigating the Tube: London’s Iconic Underground System
The London Underground (or just “the Tube” to us locals) is a reliable and efficient way to get from A to B. It can seem quite fast paced at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it and be cruising through the underground like a local. A few pro tips:
- Be considerate when using the Tube; stand to the right on escalators, give up priority seats if needed, and let passengers off the train before boarding.
- Mind the gap between the train and the platform edge. You’ll hear this a lot, and it’s good advice—no one likes losing a shoe (or worse).
- Plan your journey with our TfL Go app. It shows you the best routes, live updates, and even how busy the stations are.
- Night Tube runs all night on selected Underground and Overground lines on Fridays and Saturdays. Perfect for getting home safely after those late weekend night outs.
🚎 Buses: See the City Above Ground
Buses are a great way to see London as a newbie. They’re frequent, cover a huge range of routes, and best of all—you get a nice view of the city from the top deck. It’s a great way to get your bearings! Here are some bus basics:
- Tap in with your Oyster or contactless card when you board. You don’t need to tap out when you leave.
- Night buses run all night, so they’re perfect for getting home after a night out. Look for buses with an ‘N’ in front of the number.
- Hopper fare: If you need to switch buses, you can hop on another bus or tram for free within an hour of your first tap. Remember to use the same payment method when you tap in and out for this to apply!
🚲 Cycling: Your Ticket to Ride
London is becoming more and more cycle-friendly, and it’s a great way for new students to explore the city. If you don’t have your own bike, you can hire one easily. Santander Cycles are available all over central London. For students over 18 (and those who’ve graduated within 5 years) we offer 25% off our Annual Subscription (usually £120). With this you can get as many 60-minute rides as you want all year, at any time of day, with a small surcharge for e-bike usage. Tips for cycling like a local:
- Signal. Use appropriate hand signals to indicate that you’re turning left or right
- Always pay attention. Stay focused on what’s going on around you so you can see what other road users might do
- Use cycleways. They’re designated lanes for cycling that make your journey faster and safer, and navigating London like a local. Find more safety tips on our website.
🚗 Taxis: Mini or Black Cab Essentials
For journeys where getting a taxi is the best option, you can either get a licensed black cab (the ones with the orange ‘taxi’ light) or book a minicab with a licensed minicab company. Always remember:
- Licensed black cabs can be booked in advance, hailed on the street or picked up from designated taxi ranks.
- Only get in a minicab that you have booked via an app, phone or at a minicab office.
- If the driver and vehicle do not match your booking confirmation, do not get in the vehicle – it isn’t safe.
- In case of an emergency dial 999, or report by calling 101.
🗓️ Unmissable events for fresher’s week and beyond
Whether your vibe is taking in riverside sights while raving to silent disco at Silent Sounds Boat Party or meeting up with friends for a drink at Mercato Metropolitano, Design My Night has all the latest fun experiences and never-before-seen events.
Head there now to find out what’s going on in London.
🙏 Ready to navigate London like a local?
You’re going to have an amazing time in London! It’s a rite of passage to get lost on the network. You might take the wrong Tube or bus or end up going round in circles cycling through the streets of Soho, but it’s all part of the fun! You’ll be navigating London like a local before you know it, and our staff are always happy to help if you ever get stuck or need advice.
Welcome to London, and happy travels! 💙
