Student broadband
Students are typically looking for cheap, good-value broadband with short contracts - often with added extras (e.g. home phone or TV) as part of a bundle deal.
Compare the following great value broadband deals ideal for students.
No BT landline? Compare mobile broadband (for laptops) here.
If required, you can check your home's availability with our postcode checker.
Student broadband explained
Although your parents may try to convince you that all they took to university was a knap-sack filled with sticks and they got along just fine, it’s hard to deny that when you’re a student extra costs such as having broadband in your student home are fast becoming essentials.
Universities are operating more and more on the internet, sending out vital e-mails, leaving important posts on their website, and uploading notes and course content. And don’t forget those websites that are essential to nailing that impossible essay. In fact even without taking the work aspect into consideration, it can pretty difficult just to live without the internet!
Consider the following factors when making your decision
Cost as with all student purchases, cost is a key consideration. The key is not to look solely at this factor however- it is important to bear in mind other factors such as listed below.
Contract length signing up to a 12 month contract is not ideal, if you are planning on going home or travelling during your considerable summer and Christmas holidays. Instead consider a month by month contract that will give you the flexibility you need.
Download allowance will you be using the internet purely for checking emails and surfing the net? Unlikely. Consider whether you will be downloading music and movies with a bit of course work on the side? In which case you will need a good deal more of download allowance and would do well to consider an unlimited package.
Sharing with friends are there other people in your house-share or rooms who would be interested in splitting the cost of broadband with you? There's no need for you and your next-door-neighbour to be paying when you could share.
Package deals If you are living in a flat-share you might consider going for a phone, broadband and TV bundle such as offered by Sky or Virgin Media.
Tips for laptop users
If you are a laptop user, you could save money by doing the core of your downloading in college- using their server and allowance.
Compare our mobile broadband packages and access the internet in cafes, parks, trains, on the go or back in rooms.
Your first University house will probably be the first time you’ve ever had to sort out a house and bills etc, and can seem quite daunting. The best advice is probably just to take your time and do some research. Think carefully about your budget and what you need from a broadband package, and then try to choose appropriately.
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