Essentially, there are two types of universities: campus universities, where you can live in accommodation on the university site, and big city universities, where it is very hard (and often expensive) to get parking. 

There really is no worse period in your life to own a car than when you're a student. From being a taxi service for your friends and having to remain sober to drive them to being woken up at 1am to the words "oi car boy, I need a lift down to the all night petrol station to buy some fags!" Even if you do have a long walk or cycle to university, the exercise can help to compensate for any hedonistic living!

Some advice for car-free living

If possible, reduce your travel needs by getting a hall or flat near the faculty in which you are studying. 

Cycling tends to have the best balance of cheapness and speed as a form of transport. It is a fantastic way to get around, especially to those areas that aren't well serviced by public transport. While the money you save through going car-free can be used for those well deserved trips to the pub please do take care not to cycle drunk. 

Most Universities have decent bike facilities such as bike sheds, cycle paths and often showers in lecture buildings where you can freshen up before class. If you're a cyclist it's worthwhile taking the time to check out these facilities from the start. 

If you do have a long commute to university don't go home whenever you have a gap between lectures. This car prove to be valuable time to go to the library or to socialise with other people on your course while helping you spend less time commuting. 

Check out what's on in your local area, such as the student union, and take advantage of the events that go on there in the evening. Arrange to walk with other people to events in the evening, as well as providing security it helps make the journey more entertaining.

If your parents aren't able to help you move at the end of term or when you finish university why not club together with someone else going in the same direction and hire a car or a man-with-a-van? This is still a far cheaper option than maintaining a car. 

Help going car-free

Sustrans offers lots of great information on walking and cycling, including cycle trails and dates for various sustainable transport related events. Check out www.sustrans.org.uk

Local Authorities often offer information on their websites about local cycle paths and public transport in your area

The Campaign for Better Transport is a fantastic website, go to www.bettertransport.org.uk

London Cycling Campaign is a great website with lots of bike related advice, and information about second hand bike shops in London. Go to www.lcc.org.uk

If you're aged 16-25, or are 26+ and in full time study, you are eligible for a Young Person's Railcard. For just £26 for 1 year, or £65 for 3 years you'll save 1/3 on fares throughout Great Britain. Find out more at www.16-25railcard.co.uk

This page was kindly researched and prepared by Wiz Baines, Kings College London, and Donal Emerson, University of Bristol.