BIRMINGHAM

  • Bike

Where can I buy a bike?
If you are considering purchasing your own bike, you can get decent second-hand or brand new bike here. With Gumtree, you can pay only on collection and in cash. So do not feel the need to advance any money to any seller even if they demand this.

Aston University has a FREE membership bicycle user group called AstBUG. To register to be a member and find out what benefits you get as a member, please email [email protected].

University of Birmingham has an on-campus bike shop where bikes can be bought, hired and/or repairedcalled Gear Up Birmingham and you can find more information here.

  • Bus/Train/Tram

You can map your journey using any of these three modes of public transportation here. As a full-time student, we recommend getting a Student Swift Card which entitles you to discounted travel. Follow these steps to get yourself the one that would suit you best:

      1. Plan your journey and work out the route you are likely to take most days and what mode of transportation you will be using (bus, train or tram).
      2. Then follow this link to be taken to the ticket finder page where you can select (a) you mode of transportation; (b) type of traveller (select ‘Student 18+’); and (c) the duration of your Swift Card (ranging from a day to longer than a month).

  • Train

Can I get Student Discounts on Rail Travel?
Access to Scotland and the wider UK is served by an extensive rail network from Birmingham New Street Staion. There are other stations, such as Moor Street and Snow Hill, but these tend to serve smaller towns and operate a relatively smaller service compared to New Street. The University of Birmingham has its own stop known simply as ‘University.’ We highly recommend you apply for the 16-25 Railcard which saves you 1/3rd off the price of any rail ticket. If you are older than 25, do not worry. You can apply as a mature student. It costs only £30 for the whole year and is renewable if you are staying beyond a year. You can apply here.

Where can I buy train tickets?
Once you have got your Railcard, we recommend you use the Trainline ticketing platform to buy your ticket. You can download the app here and not only get tickets but also check timetables and updates.

REMEMBER!!! Before checking-out, make sure you include your Railcard in order for your 1/3rd discount to be applied. Also remember to carry your Railcard with you (whether physical or digital) as it will be checked on the train by the train conductor.