Starting immediately from my arrival into the U.K., transportation was at the top of my mind. Getting from the airport to my new flat (apartment) was one thing, but travel only expands from there. Whether arriving at my university's London center on time for class, shopping for groceries or going out on a new adventure, knowing how to get there— and how to get home— is essential. I dearly miss my car back home in the U.S., but traveling around London has given me an unique opportunity to learn the city in different ways through riding the Tube. Read on about my experience below.
One of the most well-known forms of transport in London is the Tube system, also called the Underground. The lines heavily mirror New York City's subway system, with lines running in all directions consistently throughout the day. Unlike N.Y.C., though, the system requires ppasengers both tap to when you arrive at the station and tap out when you exit. This is because the Tube system charges based on the total distance travelled, rather than a flat fee. Since I am a student, I qualified for the Student Oyster Card: I load money on it every week or so, and that card is what I tap whenever I ride the train. Apple Pay is also an option, but using an Oyster Card saves me from additional international fees on my credit card for individual transactions.
