Railcard Renewal Advice

DrH_3

Hello all,
I am hoping that some of you may have advice regarding the renewal of my 16-25 railcard. I am over 25 but have been entitled to this card as a full-time PhD student (I usually buy and renew online, scanning a copy of my id as proof of entitlement). The situation is this:

I have now passed my PhD exam and am waiting for the University to formally sign off on my award (which should happen in the next fortnight). I will then graduate in July this year. My current railcard is due for renewal in June.

My query is this: can I renew my railcard online now, prior to the formal approval of my award, and therefore benefit from another year's discounted travel. I dont want to do anything untoward but am I correct in assuming that I officially remain a student until I graduate?

The University supplied me with an ID card after I submitted in Sept (valid until Sept 2012) so that I could use the library etc while awaiting my exam, if this is of any significance?

Many thanks in advance for your opinions and advice.

Livingthedream

I didn't know that a mature students could apply/renew online, but if as you say this is possible then use the ID scan method you described and apply in June or 30 days in advance of its expiry date, whenever you get the reminder from the Railcard website.

Or if your University ID card has got a International Student Identity card logo on it, take it and a passport style photo to the railway station and get a new railcard from there.

And would you be doing anything untoward, the answer is No, as long as your a mature student when you apply/renew the railcard your ok. Works in the same way as you can buy the railcard a day before your 26 birthday and use it for a whole year until it runs out.

HJFrancis

I would personally hold off on applying until the last available opportunity. For example, 25-year-olds can wait until the day before they turn 26, apply for a YP railcard and they're fully entitled to use it until it expires.

I'm 99% you can do the same using your PhD status.

Let us know how you get on!