This is a sponsored article in partnership with Santander Cycles.
This month, many new students will move to London to start the next chapter of their lives. And if you’re one of the lucky people who’ll be making the capital your new home, then there’s no doubt you’ll be seeking fun and adventure.
London is home to some of the greatest experiences and sights in the world and now is the time to soak up everything this amazing city has to offer.
London’s a big place, and getting around may seem daunting at first, but with Santander Cycles travelling across the city has never been easier.
With over 12,000 Santander Cycles at around 800 docking stations across London, getting from your student digs to your next lecture is so simple. All you have to do is go to any docking station terminal with your bank card and touch the screen to get started.
For the quickest way to hire, download the Santander Cycles app. You can also check live docking space availability and plan your journey to help you navigate your new surroundings.
For just £2 for unlimited 30-minute journeys in a 24-hour period, Santander Cycles really is a great way to get around. The Santander Cycles app also allows you to easily monitor all your hires and charges - so there are no surprises.
Or it may be best to plan for the year ahead. Students get 25% off a Santander Cycles annual membership, which equates to just £67.50 over a year - or less than 20p a day!
Cycling from A to B is also a great way to keep fit. Choosing to cycle to uni means you can get a workout in before 9am, so you can save money on expensive gym memberships and have more time for studying… or socialising!
There are many cycling routes that are perfect for beginners and fitness fanatics alike, so now is the perfect time to brush up on your cycling skills with TfL’s free online Cycle Skills course.
While you’re still adapting to the city life, we recommend starting out with the quieter routes.
For example, you could start off by cycling around the Outer Circle surrounding Regent’s Park. This short route is just 4km per lap and some lucky riders may get to spot the giraffes from ZSL London Zoo poking their heads up.
Next, why not visit London’s most cycle-friendly park - the absolutely breath-taking Hyde Park? Boasting several Santander Cycles docking stations, it’s easy to hop on two-wheels and admire this huge 350-acre park from its blissful cycle routes.
From tree-lined boulevards to huge open green spaces, these parks will show you a picturesque side to London you might not have thought existed. Free cycle training is available for all abilities, and the TfL website is full of information on how to enjoy London by bike. Search 'TfL Cycling' to find out more.
Once you feel more confident on two-wheels, you can try more adventurous routes - like the 10km journey from King’s Cross to Notting Hill, which will allow you to check out both Platform 9¾ and London’s Little Venice in under 30 minutes.
Why not join up with others to discover more of London? There are plenty of online Facebook groups and student forums dedicated to cycling around London. These are a great way to make new friends and explore new areas of the city in a group. And with Santander Cycles, everybody will have two wheels to hop on to.
Of course you’re here to study, but don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit art and music festivals, museums, food markets, sporting events, historical sights, and some of the most beautiful parks in the country. And thanks to Santander Cycles, it’s never been easier to experience them all.
You can find out more about Santander Cycles and how to benefit from a membership here.