16-25 railcards

SephirothX

I turned 26 in February and I know students are still entitled to the 16-25 railcard. My railcard expires in October and I am no longer a student in June.

Do you think they will allow me to buy a new railcard so close to the end of my degree? Has anyone done this?

I suppose the situation can apply to a student of any age 26 and over about to graduate. Trains cost so much without one and I could really use the discount for a bit longer for job searching.

Quentin

All students can get a railcard. Their age is irrelevant.

You need to meet their qualifications on what is a student (attend recognised school/full time student etc)

DaveMacD

I'm confused. Are you saying that your course ends this June, but your railcard expires after this date? Or does your railcard expire this October, but you finish NEXT June? If it's the latter, then you are entitled to buy another one since you are still a student. If it's the former, then, no you can't since you won't be a student when the old one expires.

jrrowleyws

Providing your department will stamp the form then the ticket office will issue a card. Just like you can buy a 5 year rail card when your 23-24... and it still lasts 5 years.

EDIT: appears you can only get 1 and 3 year ones now..

Quentin

DaveMacD wrote: »

I'm confused. Are you saying that your course ends this June, but your railcard expires after this date? Or does your railcard expire this October, but you finish NEXT June? If it's the latter, then you are entitled to buy another one since you are still a student. If it's the former, then, no you can't since you won't be a student when the old one expires.

There is no reason why you can't buy a new one now! (ie even though the current one hasn't expired)

SephirothX

I guess I'm just worried they won't let me get one when it will be like a month (or a week) before the end of my course depending on how late I leave it... You'd think they would have minimums on this kind of thing. I mean, I could leave it right until the end of May, which is pretty much taking advantage of the system.

JenniferF

Hi,

The 16-25 website ( http://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/are-you-eligible/eligibility ) states the following...

If you're over 26 and in full-time education, you'll need:

To prove that you're studying full-time at a recognised school/college.
To attend for over 15 hours a week, at least 20 weeks a year
To show an ISIC card (International Student Identity Card), or complete and certify the 'Mature students only' section of the application form,. This form needs to be certified by the establishment where you are studying.

I know other people who have done this, and as long as you can prove when you go to purchase the railcard that you are still in full-time education, and you've had someone sign it, it doesn't matter if you won't be during the full validity of the railcard. (For example, my sister bought her 16-25 railcard just before her 25th birthday - and I checked with my friend who has worked in a railway booking office!!)

Hope this helps ,

Jen

SephirothX

Ah right thanks.

My course is counted as full time, but I only get 9-10 hours of lectures per week this year plus an hour practical stuff. But at uni you're expected to put in a lot of self study hours. I could hardly say my third year is a part time course.

JenniferF

I think you should be fine - even though you only have 10 / 11 hours of lectures - as you say you are expected to study for a certain number of hours per week which count too I think!?

I'm sure if one of your university lecturers signs it as validation, then there shouldn't be a problem?

jrrowleyws

SephirothX wrote: »

Ah right thanks.

My course is counted as full time, but I only get 9-10 hours of lectures per week this year plus an hour practical stuff. But at uni you're expected to put in a lot of self study hours. I could hardly say my third year is a part time course.

Providing the Uni will stamp and/or sign the form, the railway staff wont care.

SephirothX

Alright, guess I'll get that done in May then.