A doorman at a bar wouldn't accept a college identity. However you can apply for a UK identity card, such as CitizenCard, which means you don't need to carry your passport with you. There is still no legal requirement in the UK to carry your passport with you all the time.

While there is no legal requirement for tourists to carry their original passport at all times in the UK, it is highly recommended to have a digital copy or a physical photocopy on your person. In 2026, the UK has moved toward a more digitalized immigration system with the full implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You generally only need your physical passport for official border crossings, checking into hotels, or if you are stopped by police for a specific legal reason. For daily activities like sightseeing or dining, your original passport is safer kept in a hotel safe to avoid loss or theft, which can be a significant travel headache. However, if you appear under 25, you will definitely need a valid photo ID (like a passport or a high-quality driving license) to purchase alcohol or enter age-restricted venues, as UK "Challenge 25" policies are strictly enforced across all pubs and supermarkets.