Student Discount When I Travel To London?
Jan.07, 2010 in
Student Discounts
I am an American University student and I am traveling to London for 10 days this month.
Since London stuff is expensive … I’d like to know what kind of student discount card can I get and how to get it??
Does it apply to say museums and west end theatres??? Can I get discount on that?
how do I apply?
thank you!
January 7th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Many places in London and Europe offer student discounts. There’s no standard group of venue that offers student discounts, like all museums or all theatres, but some do. Basically it’s best to get an international student id card and ask at places that don’t have posted student rates if they offer a student discount. Museums and tourist attractions that offer student rates will have these posted at the ticket office. Even some shops in London, such as TopShop (clothing store) offer a discount to students with proper ID.
However, you will definitely need an international student ID card. Your American University ID will not be enough. When I studied abroad I had the ISIC card – http://www.myisic.com/MyISIC/ which seems to be the most widely used and accepted international student ID card in London. But I also found the ISE card through a google search – http://www.isecard.com/. You may want to see which is cheaper and which you can get more quickly since you said you are going this month. You may not have enough time to get an ID since I remember having to submit passport style photos and applications.
Worst case scenario if you can’t get an international ID card just mention you’re a student at places and try to get by with your AU ID. Depending on the person working the ticket office you might not get asked to show ID, though 9 times out of 10 I did, and my friends who visited me couldn’t use their school IDs. Good Luck.
January 7th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I agree with Kristen, the other poster about how having an ISIC card is a must-have for travel.
The biggest saver for London is with the theater because you can often get as much as half off the tickets, and the seats still rock. Yes, many of the West End theaters give you student discounts!!!! It’s awesome. Just call their box office & find out their scoop:http://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/
You also can discounts on rail travel & a bunch of other things. Some places accept regular student ID cards, but most want you to have the ISIC. http://www.isiccard.com/London.asp
The ISIC card is only like $24 and you can get it from any STA. It is valid for a whole year, and you can use it anywhere on the planet. I use mine all the time here at AMC for movie tickets. You will totally get your money’s worth. If there isn’t a STA on your campus, then I’m sure there are other locations in DC. You can also order one online, but you might not get it in time before you leave if you’re taking off this month. Ask them. It’s best to just get in the store, though if you can.
Just check out http://www.sta.com
If you don’t get the chance to pick one up before you leave you could probably get one in London. There are several STA locations there. I lost my card earlier this yr & was able to get a replacement in LDN without a hassle. I just showed them my student ID & they whipped a card up for me in like 2 minutes. They’ll take your picture if you don’t have one w you. Just look on STA’s site for locations.
Have an fabulous time in London!
: )