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Student Connect

Are you 16-17 and studying full time? You could get a free Student Connect card to help you pay for your season tickets.

Save while you study

If you’re 16-17 and travel on Thameslink to your school or college, you could get a free Student Connect card.

Your card saves you at least 34% on the cost of a monthly or annual season ticket, and covers most schools and colleges in the Thameslink and Great Northern areas.

Apply for a card

Need help? Read our frequently asked questions

Can I get Student Connect?

If your school or college is on the Thameslink network north of Kentish Town, including West Hampstead, St Albans, Luton and Bedford, you can apply for a Student Connect Card.

The Student Connect scheme doesn’t include central London stations to the south of Kentish Town, like King’s Cross and Moorgate, or any Thameslink stations south of London.

Student Connect cannot be used for a discount on PLUSBUS tickets.

Check the Student Connect map to see if your area is covered by the card.

Check our frequently asked questions and terms and conditions below for details of other restrictions.

Apply for a Student Connect card
It’s quick and easy to apply for a Student Connect card. Fill in this simple online form.

We’ll then send your card to your home address and email you the details.

You can then use your card to get your discount when you buy your season ticket online or at your local station.

If you lose your card, you can ask for a new one. There’s a £10 admin fee for the replacement.
Terms and conditions
  1. Your Student Connect Card is not a permit to travel; you’ll still need to buy a ticket
  2. Your card lets you buy reduced rate season tickets for your journey to school, specified on the Student Connect Card, from between one month and a year.
  3. Your card does not give you a discount on PLUSBUS tickets
  4. Your card isn’t valid on LNER services
  5. You must buy tickets for your journey before getting on the train. When you buy your ticket you must show your Student Connect Card. You must have the card with you throughout your journey
  6. You must be between 16 and 18 years old and in full time education. If you turn 18 during the academic year, then you can continue to use the card to buy discounted season tickets until the end of that academic year.
  7. Tickets bought with your Student Connect Card must expire before or on the expiry date of the card
  8. Your Student Connect Card, and any ticket bought with the card, is not transferable and can’t be given or lent to anyone else
  9. You must have your Student Connect Card and tickets ready to present for inspection when asked. If you don’t have both a valid card and ticket with you, you’ll have to pay the appropriate fare and penalty fare for your journey
  10. The Student Connect Card isn’t your property and if asked you must return it to us
  11. The card is not valid if it’s damaged, but you can order up to two replacement cards in a calendar year
    Replace a Student Connect Card
    You’ll have to pay an administration charge of £10
  12. You can’t use your Student Connect Card to buy tickets for, or travel in, First Class
  13. The card is subject to the National Rail Conditions of Travel
  14. Thameslink reserves the right to contact your school to check your age and that you’re a member of the school
  15. We have the right to amend or withdraw this offer giving three months’ notice
  16. Goldcards are not issued for season tickets bought with Student Connect cards

Already have a Student Connect card?

Get your discount applied automatically when purchasing online