Students are a little different than regular consumers. Students may need to access broadband packages on a short-term basis
In the UK, students are a little different than regular consumers. Students may need to access broadband packages on a short-term basis as they move from one form of accommodation to another. Many students also have to share broadband (and the bills) with a number of housemates.
However when sharing, multiple people may end up needing to use a significant amount of bandwidth at the same time. The question for most students therefore is – how do I get all the flexibility I need on a budget I can afford?
Unfortunately, unless your accommodation provider promises broadband as part of your rent package, it’s your responsibility to find the right connection for you and your housemates. The good news? Student broadband packages can help, and if not there are plenty of other options.
What are Student Broadband Deals?
Providers sometimes offer tailored packages with shorter contracts to suit term times so at the end of the year, you can cancel without paying a penalty.
Some of these deals are broadband-only packages, so you’re not paying for unnecessary line rental.
However, there are some drawbacks. Only a handful of providers offer these kinds of student deals, and so your choice of providers and offers may be restricted. You’ll also find that they are only available for a short period of time each year and if you miss that window they may not be available.
If you can’t find a student package that suits you, there are other options:
- Short-term contracts: Certain broadband companies won’t offer specific student broadband plans, but they will provide short-term contracts, often rolling-monthly deals.
- A regular home broadband deal: A standard broadband package with a contract length of 12+ months may mean you have to pay a fee if it has to be cancelled early, but these packages are also cheap to run and set up. You’ll also find a massive variety of providers, deals, and speeds to suit any requirement.
- Mobile broadband: If you don’t have a landline and you need a simple connection, mobile broadband can be a good choice. However, you will need at least a 4G signal and an unlimited data plan to take full advantage.
Start by searching online with a postcode checker to see what kind of services you can get. Mobile broadband may be an option if you’re in an area with limited options- but make sure it’s still at least 4G.
Choosing The Right Broadband Package
Whether you’re picking a specific “student broadband” deal, or just looking for something that makes sense for your student accommodations, it’s important to do your research. Think carefully about your situation, and how many people are going to be using the internet, then ask yourself these questions:
What speed do we need?
If there are a few people all connecting to the internet at the same time, you’re going to need a faster broadband connection. 1-2 people might be able to get by with an entry-level ADSL connection, but at least 35-50Mb of fibre will be more reliable. If there’s more than 2 people connecting to the web at the same time, a fibre connection offering 35Mb or more is essential.
What’s a reasonable price?
Budget is often a major concern for many students investing in crucial tools like broadband. Fortunately, there are some great deals out there. You can usually find a basic ADSL connection for less than £20 per month. Entry-level fibre typically starts at £20-£30 per month for at least 35-50Mb.
If you’re looking for faster speeds, over 50Mb or so, you can expect to pay more than £30. Make sure you keep an eye out for good deals and packages.
Some deals can include mobile minutes or TV channels. These are potentially useful, but only if you actually need that feature, otherwise you need to avoid paying for any unnecessary extras.
There are also deals with gift cards and other rewards to help you save extra cash, some of which can be pretty valuable.
To figure out whether your bonus gift deal is worth it, multiply the monthly cost by months in the contract, add any setup fees, and subtract the price of the gift.
Are there additional fees?
One way to reduce the cost of your broadband is to find a contract without a setup fee. Some deals for student broadband and short term broadband come with a set-up fee. If this is the case for you, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not getting a good deal. Work out the effective monthly cost with the added set-up fee included. Most of the time setup expenses are low unless you need a new phone line installed.
If your broadband does need a phoneline to be installed, you should definitely speak to the landlord first. They may have rules about what you can do with the property. You may also have to pay to repair anything (like paint work) which might be damaged during the installation.
What if the installation date is weeks after we move in?
The last thing you want is to choose a broadband provider, then discover you’re not going to have your connection installed until weeks after classes begin.
Book a start date before you move if possible, so your connection is ready fast. If there’s a bit of a wait before your connection goes live, you can also link your smartphone to your PC for some extra connectivity, but check your data limits first to avoid a large bill.
Do I need to pass a credit check?
The majority of ISP providers will require you to pass a credit check. However, they won’t be looking for evidence you have an amazing credit score in most cases. There are some deals which don’t require a credit check, but you shouldn’t be too worried overall.
What’s the best way to split the bill?
That’s up to you to decide. Only one person will be able to be named on your broadband contract and they are going to be responsible for making sure it gets paid.
After you choose who that person will be, it helps to set up standing orders among yourselves, or use bill-splitting apps to ensure everyone pays their share.