University is more than just a stepping stone into professional life; for most students, it’s their first real taste of independence. Suddenly, they’re in the driving seat—deciding when to study, what to eat, how to spend their money. It’s a time of discovery, not just academically but personally. Without the familiar safety nets of school and family, this freedom can feel exhilarating or daunting… depending on the day. Through these ups and downs, students begin to figure out who they are and how they want to tackle the world beyond university. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s where a lot of life’s big lessons are learned.
For many students, this newfound independence can also be a lonely experience, especially if their budget doesn’t stretch to regular trips home to touch base with family and friends.
Recent research from Busbud reveals that the cost of travel is the biggest obstacle preventing students from getting home as often as they’d like, with 71% unable to afford it. As a result, the majority of these students reserve their trips home for holidays between terms (37.5%), while others can only manage a single visit home either at the end of the academic year (35.5%) or during the Christmas or winter holidays (20.83%). Feeling marooned like this can make university seem all the more challenging, compounding feelings of loneliness and homesickness.
The situation is further exacerbated by the high (and rising) cost of living in the UK, which is squeezing student budgets. Many students have already had to cut back on essentials, and rely on additional financial support from parents and family members to make ends meet during their demanding academic lives.
Another significant factor is the high cost of travel itself. For instance, the research shows that 64% of students need to take a flight to return home, 47% rely on trains, and 47% use coaches. The price of airline tickets has risen by 25%, outpacing inflation, while domestic coach travel is four times more expensive outside of London, with bus and coach costs increasing by 6.7% in 2023 according to the Office for National Statistics. Greenpeace also found that UK train fares are around four times as expensive as equivalent flights, making travel home an expensive affair for many students.
And, while only 29.4% of students surveyed said they were worried about how distance from family and friends during the academic year would impact their relationships with them, 70.9% wished they could travel home much more frequently.
The good news, though, is that there are ways to make journeys home more affordable.
Railcards — discount cards that are available for various groups, including students — can offer significant savings on train fares. For example, a 16-25 Railcard allows users to save a third on most rail fares across the UK, and save even more when purchasing a 3-year Railcard. This can make train travel much more manageable for students who rely on trains to return home. For more mature students, there’s a 26-30 Railcard, offering similar benefits. And there’s a Two Together Railcard offering a third off fares when two named people travel together. For students who can buddy up with someone from back home and make trips together, this is a great option.
In addition, many train operators run seasonal promotions, so keeping up an eye out online for these offers is smart.
Students should also consider travelling at off-peak times. Many rail services and bus companies offer reduced fares during less busy hours. Given that students often have more flexible schedules compared to regular commuters, they stand a better chance of planning trips during off-peak times. Bonus: these services also tend to be much less crowded.
Booking travel well in advance is also a good way to save money on tickets. Many transport operators offer cheaper tickets for early bookings. And planning early – before university schedules become hectic – means that students not only grab tickets at lower prices, they also get the pick of the scheduled services.
With careful planning and smart choices, students will find it easier to stay connected to families back home and friends at other universities. Hunting for travel deals and bargains online is a great skill to develop. Loyalty programs, travel websites, and travel apps that aggregate transport options are a good place to start. Travel websites and apps will also show coach trips, which can be significantly cheaper than both air and rail travel. And even though journeys by coach can take a bit longer, the ticket price can make the extra miles on the road well worth it. Especially for students with more time on their hands than money in their pocket.
- Julian Hirst, Regional Director, EMEA at Busbud
