london public transport - best options for me?

QatariCat

Hi there, I expect this is something that comes up often, I've had a look around but I apologise if there's some big guide I've missed. Basically I'm starting my third year of university in London and I'm trying to figure out the cheapest public transport option for me (I didn't need it in first year and didn't really bother in second year, found myself paying quite a bit). I'm living in zone 2, my uni is in zone 1 and I will probably take the tube (15 minutes according to tfl) but may have to take the bus when the tube inevitably breaks down (~30 mins according to tfl but possibly longer in horrible rush hour traffic). What I've gathered so far (correct me if I'm wrong):
-Since I'm a student I can get a 18+ student photocard which means I can then apply for a travelcard at 30% discount at £78/month (I think they also do trimonthly travel cards instead of monthly that may be cheaper)
-I have a 16-25 railcard so I could instead use that to get 30% of single fares and just use pay as you go, though I think this works out to around £100 a month for the tube (and, unlike a travelcard, I'm not protected from tfl ripping me off with their stupid improper scanning charges)

However I don't think either of these options affects the bus, only the tube, meaning I'd have to pay the £1.35 on the occasions I use the bus (which isn't that bad). I could instead get a bus pass that works out to be £50 a month and just use the bus to get back and forth to uni, but as I said before I think the bus might take much longer in rush hour. (I will know for certain when I get there)

But I'm not sure if my understanding of the options is correct, or if there are any cheaper possibilities available to me. Does anyone have any advice to offer? I know for £78 I could probably buy a decent bike and all the necessary gear and save £600 that would have gone on a tube travelcard instead for the remaining months, but I have no experience cycling in london. However if any cyclists want to chime in then you're more than welcome

dacouch

Which stations are you travelling between?

Marco_Panettone

Your journey is short. Cycling is free (once you have the kit and a decent lock!). There are many routes you'll be able to take that will be low-traffic, and you can use bus lanes on busier roads which are pretty much traffic free.

Where's the journey? I'm sure people can recommend suitable routes.

QatariCat

Putney Bridge to South Kensington. About an hours each way (otherwise I would just walk to and from uni if it were shorter). Truth is I really do like the idea of the freedom afforded by having a bike and might end up getting one (it looks to be about a 20 minute journey along two main roads, probably some safer backstreets I could take) but it'll take a bit of time to get used to the roads and learn cycle safety (and necessary road laws) for which I'll still be using public transport.

Hoho I do love the giant 'newbie please be gentle' sticker