Last year I had my very first car. It was rusty and occasionally let us down at a key moment, but the freedom that your own car brings is incredible. Unfortunately it does end up costing a bomb to keep around, with road tax, MOT, insurance, road cover, parking and petrol, not to mention a repair list on which items could move from ‘I’ll do it another day’ to ‘I’m on fire a bit’ in one teeny tiny explosion. This year I, and the friendly people at the Ministry of Transport, have decided my car deserves a permanent break. So for me and the rest of the car-less this year, here are some other options.

The Bus: Uni-link costs £250 for an annual pass this year, for students who are not in halls. They run regularly during the day, even if they do stop a little early for all but the most lazy, tired and hung-over pubbing and clubbing students, with the last U1A from town at 11:20. Prices rose last year to £1.50 for a single and £2.50 for a day pass, which is fine for tripping around from campus to town, but no longer for when you’re just late or don’t fancy walking up the hill. They also get a little packed during rush hours and Southampton’s rainy season.

Safety Bus: If you’re out at the Cube or Stags, or pulling a late one at the library, the safety bus is only £1.5 AND they will know the way to your house (you do have to tell them where though, safety bus drivers are not psychic).

The Velo: Bikes can be picked up cheap from local papers or sussed, and they work well for many because the cycle routes are good and ‘parking’ on campus is usually adequate. Think of the environment you can boast about saving! If you choose this option remember that it is still a crime to drink drive a pedal bike, and the fashion crime that comes with arriving with bike hat hair in lectures.

Your own plates of meat (feet): The seemingly endless column of students marching to lectures every morning is a stirring sight. Remember to stay near the middle and you won’t be late; if you see them running you only have to run faster than the slowest person in your lecture to avoid the glares from ‘the on-timers’.

This is also pretty popular on the way home from a night out but not always safe, so stay in a big group and see every member to their door. If you’re less than four it might be less trouble getting a taxi, but book in advance and keep a fiver in your sock so you don’t drink it!

Transport is going to be a sizable chunk out of your draining resources this year, so tighten your belt and laces, wrap up and go greener.