Hi, I’m Sherica! I’ve put together this guide to share the tips and advice that helped me when commuting to Roehampton. In this guide are practical ways to save money, find calm and supportive spaces, and make the most of opportunities beyond your studies. Whether you’re commuting for the first time or just looking for a few money saving tips, this guide shares real advice and resources that made my student life a little easier.

Our four colleges

Roehampton is made up of four colleges, each with its own character and facilities. All are located within walking distance of each other.

College	Address
Digby Stuart College	Roehampton Lane, London SW15 5PU
Froebel College	Roehampton Lane, London SW15 5PJ
Southlands College	Roehampton Lane, London SW15 5SL
Whitelands College	Holybourne Avenue, London SW15 4JD

Nearest tube and train connections

• The nearest train station to Roehampton is Barnes station, about a 15-minute walk from campus
• From Barnes, there are regular direct trains to London Waterloo, stopping at Putney, Wandsworth, Clapham Junction and Vauxhall along the way
• The nearest tube station is Putney Bridge on the District Line, just a 20-minute bus ride from campus

Bus routes serving Roehampton

Buses are a more affordable option. With Oyster or contactless, you can take multiple bus journeys across London for a daily cap of £5.25 (check for the latest fare). The Hopper fare allows unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour for a single charge of £1.75 (Oyster or contactless, correct as of October 2025).

Buses that stop outside the University’s main entrance:

• 265
• 419
• 493

For Whiteland’s:

• 85
• 170
• 430

Night buses:

• 85 is a 24-hour service.
• N72 and N74 run along Roehampton/Putney.

Step by step- walking your way to savings

Walking is one of the easiest, healthiest, and most budget-friendly ways to get to campus. Campus is just a 15-minute walk from Barnes station and surrounded by green spaces like Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common.

Why walk?

• Zero cost: No fares, no fuel, no maintenance; just comfy shoes!
• Save on peak travel: Avoid expensive peak-time fares and crowded commutes
• Health boost: Walking improves fitness, reduces stress, and boosts mental clarity
• Eco-friendly: Walking produces zero emissions, helping reduce your carbon footprint
• Social and mindful: Walking gives you time to chat with friends, listen to podcasts, or simply enjoy nature

“One thing I wish I knew in my first year was split ticketing. Buying separate tickets for different parts of a journey instead of one full ticket can often work out cheaper, especially when you explore alternative routes or travel off-peak. You can also save by using student discounts like the 16–25 Railcard or Student Oyster card (which can be purchased online on numerous train sites). For more details and the latest fare updates, visit TfL’s website for travel advice across London.”

Sherica

Plan & track- must have travel apps for students

Accessibility- step-free / wheelchair access

• All London buses are low floor and have retractable ramps; there is space for at least one wheelchair user per bus
• For the underground and overground, not every station is step-free; accessibility varies by station. Use TfL’s accessibility settings or “full step-free” option in their journey planner
• At Barnes station, there is a step-free access on the south side exit for Platform 4
• The University’s campuses have cycle parking, shower facilities, and secure storage to support mobility-friendly commuting

Pedal smart- student travel made easy

Whether you’re heading to lectures, exploring London, or just cruising through campus, these bike hire options are perfect for Roehampton students!

The University has 504 cycle parking spaces, many covered and secure. The University supports a bike hire scheme via the Student Union. There are shower and changing facilities in each college site to support cycling commuters. Roehampton is surrounded by quieter roads and bike-friendly routes, including through Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common, and via Danebury Avenue, Sheen Lane.

Top bike hire services:

Santander Cycles:

• Type: Docked pedal & e-bikes
• Cost: From £1.65 per 30 mins (pedal), £3 per 30 mins (e-bike)
• Student deal: 25% off annual pass via Student Beans

Forest Bikes:

• Type: Dockless e-bikes
• Cost: £0.29/min + £0.90 daily fee; bundles available
• Student deal: 20% off via “Friends of the Forest” (check app)

Lime Bikes:

• Type: Dockless e-bikes & scooters
• Cost: £1 unlock + £0.15–£0.20/min
• Student deal: 50% off via Lime Access

Travel perks- Roehampton edition

• Free car parking spaces for students who drive to campus
• Cycling facilities: 500+ bike spaces, showers, lockers
• Free Heathrow pickup for international students

“If you prefer a calmer journey, travelling at quieter times can make a big difference. Fewer crowds mean less stress, more personal space, and a more peaceful start to your day, perfect if you feel anxious or just want a calmer journey. Sometimes, even small adjustments, like travelling 30 minutes earlier or later, can make your trip much more comfortable. If you arrive a bit earlier, you can relax in the library or enjoy a coffee at one of the campus cafes before heading on.”

Sherica