Students from the north planning a move to universities in Britain are being offered free ferry travel.
Stena Line has announced an offer for students to travel free on its Irish Sea routes if they do so in a vehicle with an adult paying for an economy or flexi fare.
It is estimated almost 18,000 freshers from Northern Ireland are planning to start studies at universities in England, Scotland and Wales, and the offer from the ferry firm covers travel until January 31, 2026.
However, the fares must be purchased before September 30.
The routes in the offer include Belfast to Cairnryan, Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard.
Meanwhile, Stena Line has also announced the launch of a ‘golden ticket’ competition, offering one student “all they need for the academic year ahead”.
The prize includes five return journeys across the Irish Sea at the start of term, half-term, Christmas, Easter and the end of the academic year, as well as three £1,000 vouchers to be spent at Tesco, IKEA and ASOS.
To be in with a chance of winning, Stena Line is asking students to show themselves taking The Stena Line Way to university.
Students are asked to create an Instagram reel, tagging @stenalineukie and using the hashtag #StenaLineStudents showing how they made the most of their journey.
It is estimated that last year, Stena Line ferried 198,799 students across the Irish Sea.
Stena Line Travel commercial manager for the Irish Sea routes, Orla Noonan, said: “We pride ourselves on being able to support students as they make this major life transition and helping families stay in contact throughout the year either through day trips or longer breaks during term holidays.
“We are delighted Students Go Free and the timing of this promotion means your ‘back to school’ and Christmas break journeys with Stena Line are taken care of. It can be tough financially making ends meet as a student, so we wanted to make sure they get the new term off to a great start.”