For the student that has made the commitment to study in UK, careful study should be made in order to learn how to get around in the city, especially in London. The United Kingdom's thriving capital offers a comprehensive set of transportation options. As London is a large and relatively dense city, moving about without the purchase or rental of an automobile is a perfectly viable option. Read on to learn the many ways international students can move around in London.
Oyster Card: The London Oyster card is a convenient system permitting the user to use London's bus system, trains (both underground, overground and travel outside London), Thames Clippers (a system of boats used to move around London, especially for tourist purposes), and trams. The Oyster card is a simple electronic card system, like a credit card, debit or ATM card. Any international student can load up the card with the appropriate amount of funds, scan at the gate, and enjoy easy travel during study in UK.
Tube:
London's Tube is an underground rail system, exactly like the subway systems in New York City, Tokyo, or other massive metropolitan areas. The London railways are some of the most accessible and convenient in the world. In fact, travelling by rail all through England remains a relatively economical and feasible option for study in UK.
Students from outside the United Kingdom that choose to study in UK are strongly encouraged to purchase an Oyster Card. Tube travel can be purchased before boarding in most cases, but Oyster cards offer significant savings.
Bus:
London's bus system runs around the clock, providing incredible convenience for students that study in UK. The famous double-decker busses of England are also extremely accessible: all busses in the city are low-floor busses, enabling individuals with special assistance needs to board the bus with ease. These vehicles are wheelchair accessible as well. International students are advised to study London transport guides for a complete overview of how London's transportation system provides convenient access to all areas of London.
Once again, purchase of an Oyster card provides exceptional savings and convenience to international students who travel by bus during study in UK. These reloadable cards are the perfect way for convenient travel, especially when an automobile is not available.
Taxi:
Taxi is the only public transportation item on this list that is not payable by Oyster card. However, the taxi system in London is both world-famous and highly functional for international students in the United Kingdom. The black cabs of London can be hailed on the street or booked via telephone, text, or Internet.
These cabs provide an exceptional method of street travel for international students to get to any area of the city, especially after a long night of celebrating.
London also has several privatized taxi organizations available for travel throughout the city. Please note that black cabs are the only taxis in England that may be hailed from the street. Other taxi services for students that study in UK must be booked in advance.
