Published on: Tuesday, 2 October 2018
Last updated: Tuesday, 2 October 2018
University is a scary time for many first year students, with new pressures of making friends, starting a new course and moving away from friends and family for potentially the first time in their lives. To make the transition easier, Greater Anglia knows that sometimes having a ticket home booked in advance can make anxious students feel more at ease, as they know they can easily return to the nest for some home comforts.
To help students combat those nerves and prepare for one of the most exciting years in their lives, Greater Anglia have shared their three top tips to make the booking process as simple as possible.
- As soon as you know your dates when you want to visit home or a friend at another university, book your train tickets online and in advance. Booking online and in advance can save you 1/3 OFF each rail ticket
- Purchase a National Rail 16 - 25 Railcard. For just £30 per year, students and young people can receive 1/3 OFF most rail fares with the Railcard https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/tickets-fares/discounts/railcards/16-25
- If you and a few friends are travelling together, use the GroupSave offer to get 1/3 OFF all Off-Peak rail fares. These tickets can be booked at the station or online and are also perfect for making day trips to nearby destinations such as Southend, Cambridge, Norwich and London
As well as making travel home as easy as possible, with these great savings, students can focus on the things that really matter - making new friends, exploring the local area and, of course, learning everything about their new course.
Cocktails & crazy golf
Burgers, beer and crazy golf – three reasons to visit the brand-new Caddies bar in Southend. With a unique fusion of 70’s retro décor and tunes, a delicious British BBQ menu, inventive cocktail list and the main attraction – a 9-hole crazy golf course - Caddies makes for a perfect day trip to Southend with friends. When booking with a 16-25 Railcard, tickets start as low as £3.30 from London to Southend Victoria so you can eat, drink, dance and putt your day away.
Closest station: Southend Victoria – Please check for disruptions before travelling as there are weekend/mid-week engineering works
Tickets: £5pp per round on one of the two 9-hole courses
Calling all art lovers
After a two-year £11 million renovation, Kettle’s Yard art gallery now boasts an impressive selection of exhibitions and facilities, ranging from much loved, original collections to 20th and 21st century contemporary pieces by the likes of Henry Moore and Richard Pousette-Dart. Why not take a wander through the cobbled streets in the heart of Cambridge before heading home – it’s not all about punting! Book your tickets with a 16-25 Railcard from London to Cambridge online or from the station for as low as £7!
Closest Station: Cambridge
Tickets: Free admission
Stroll round a medieval market
Take a trip into the heart of Norwich to one of the largest and oldest open-air markets in the country. Wander through the hustle and bustle of stalls and discover an incredible range of jewellery, flowers, clothing as well as locally sourced meat, fish and freshly baked bread. With a lively, friendly atmosphere, and free entry, there’s something for every student. Visit Norwich from London for just £6.60 when booking rail tickets at the station or online with a 16-25 Railcard.
Closest station: Norwich
Tickets: Free entry – open Mon-Sat
From hops to the shops
Follow the journey of Greene King beer through the beautiful and historic working brewhouse before making your way to a spectacular view of Bury St Edmunds. You’ll learn how real beer is brewed and gain an insight into traditional brewing methods. Of course, no beer tour would be complete without relaxing at the cosy Beer Café and leaving with a free bottle of your choosing. Quench your thirst and travel from London to Bury St Edmunds from just £8.60 when booking with a Railcard.
Closest station: Bury St Edmunds
Tickets: £16 per person, £18 on weekends and evenings
Not travelling from London? Great Anglia have put together an alternative list of travel options for students travelling from elsewhere with a 16-25 Railcard:
- Colchester to Norwich - from £5.30 one way
- Chelmsford to Norwich - from £5.30 one way
- Ipswich to Norwich - £12 Off-Peak Day Return
- Cambridge to Norwich - £12.30 Off-Peak Day Return
- Ipswich to Cambridge - £12 Off-Peak Day Return
- Chelmsford to Southend - £8.30 Super Off-Peak Day Return
- Colchester to Bury St Eds - £14.65 Off Peak Day Return
- Ipswich to Bury St Eds - £7.20 Off-Peak Day Return
- Cambridge to Bury St Eds - £7.45 Off-Peak Day Return