Student broadband deals

All about student broadband

In this guide

1. Student broadband deals
2. Special student broadband contracts
3. Rolling broadband contracts
4. Mobile broadband
5. Frequently asked questions

Going through university without an internet connection isn't an option. Look for the best student broadband deals: Reliable, flexible, and above all, affordable.

Student broadband deals

Students have certain needs that set them apart from most other households. Of course, if you're living at home during university, this doesn't apply. For those of you sharing the typical student flat, here are a few things to look out for:

• Length of contract — A rolling contract is probably the best option if you’re a student and only plan on living in student accommodation during term time. You’re not locked into a contract for 12, 18 or 24 months and you won’t have to pay a fee to end the contract early.
• Type of connection — You'll probably want to go for fibre broadband rather than ADSL for a faster, more reliable connection. That goes double if there are a few of you sharing the flat — especially if anyone's a gamer or enjoys bingeing on Netflix.
• Credit checks — Some providers run a credit check when you sign a contract. Others don't. If your student finances are tight, and you're concerned about your credit rating,NOW Broadband andDirect Save Telecom don’t do credit checks.
• Mobile broadband — If you're bouncing from one flat to another, thenmobile broadband may suit your lifestyle. You'll get a dongle or similar device to create a hotspot, for totally portable broadband. It's generally not worth it for anyone permanently settled in one place - but not many students fit that description!

Remember, one of your first steps should always be to see which providers are available in your area. The broadband provider your family uses at home might not be available in your student flat. Use our postcode checker to get started.

Find student broadband deals near you

Special student broadband contracts

At certain times, you may be able to find a deal specifically for students. While there may be a number of freebies and special perks thrown in, the main thing that sets a student contract apart is its duration. Usually, a student contract will last for 9 months rather than 12, leaving you free during the summer.

Not sure if you should go for a student contract? Consider this:

• Availability— Specifically, student contracts are on offer in September and October - as you'd probably expect. That means they're not so great if you're spending one term abroad, or if you just miss the boat on signing up.
• Student only perks— Providers know that students love freebies. You might find a lot of enticing specials attached to a student contract. Just make sure you'll actually take advantage of them!
• Expensive— It's worth shopping around and paying attention, as you might find that a full 12-month contract is actually cheaper than a student special. It sounds counterintuitive, but providers are always trying to undercut each other, especially at the budget end of the market.
• Summers away— If your summer plans are set in stone, you might want to take advantage of one of these special offers. That way, you can leave your student digs in June without any fuss. However, some students end up staying on in their university town, for work, resits, or social reasons. If this is the case, you might as well get a contract for a full year.

Rolling broadband contracts

Some people call these no-contract broadband deals, but that's not quite accurate. They’re actually contracts that roll over each month. Rather than committing to 9, 12, or 18 months right at the start, you'll have more freedom.

These contracts are great if you're uncertain about your living situation, or you're going to do a term abroad. You have a lot more flexibility, as you can get out of the contract by giving 30 days notice.

Having said that, they're not for everyone, and they may not be the answer to every student's dreams. Here's the lowdown:

• Upfront costs — Some provider’s upfront costs will set you back as much as £80, while others don’t don’t have any at all.
• More expensive per month — Of course, deals vary and change all the time, but in general, you can expect to pay a higher rate for a rolling contract.
• No cancellation fees — You can get out of one of these contracts any time you like, with just a month's notice. When you compare that to the enormous fees you'll often have to pay for cancelling a fixed-term contract, you can see the appeal.
• Short-term contracts — Apart from the 9 month student deals that may appear in September/October, this is it. There are no 3 or 6 month contracts out there. If you know that you'll only need a home broadband connection for a few months, a rolling contract is essentially your only choice.
• Availability — Unlike a special student contract, rolling contracts are available at any time. That's because they're not just for students.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband offers another solution for the student household. The main benefit is its total portability. The only problem is it’s not as reliable as a fixed-line connection. You need to think about how much data you will use as well. Mobile broadband often comes with a set data limit each month but you can find some suppliers who provide unlimited data. Mobile broadband is rarely a good solution if you're living in one fixed location. If you're moving about a lot, though, it can work as an alternative to home broadband.

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