Tips for Student Travelers

Never leave home without your student I.D. card. Visitors from overseas should arm themselves with an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which offers local savings on rail passes, plane tickets, entrance fees, and much more. Each country's card offers slightly different benefits (in the U.S., for example, it provides you with basic health and life insurance and a 24-hour helpline). Apply before departing in your country of origin: in the U.S. or Canada, at www.myisic.com; in Australia, visit www.isiccard.com.au; in New Zealand, visit www.isiccard.co.nz. U.K. students should carry their NUS card. If you're no longer a student but are still younger than 26, you can get an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC), which entitles you to a more limited range of discounts.

University of London Union, Malet St., London WC1E 7HY (tel. 020/7664-2000; www.ulu.co.uk; Tube: Goodge St. or Russell Sq.), is the epicenter of London's student life. It's the place to go to learn about just about any student activities in the Greater London area. The Union has a swimming pool, fitness center, general store, sports shop, ticket agency, banks, bars, inexpensive restaurants, venues for live events, and a branch of STA Travel. It's open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 11pm, Friday 8:30am to 1pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm, and Sunday 9:30am to 10:30pm. Bulletin boards provide a rundown on events; you may be able to attend many, although some may be "closed door" for London students only.

If you're studying in the city, the International Students House, 229 Great Portland St., London W1W 5PN (tel. 020/7631-8300; www.ish.org.uk) accommodation, at the foot of Regent's Park across from the Tube stop for Great Portland Street, is a beehive of activities, such as live music and film showings, and rents blandly furnished, somewhat institutional rooms at fair prices. Reserve way in advance.