When you’re a student in the UK, your budget doesn’t stretch far. Rent, groceries, textbooks, and social life eat up most of your cash - so when it comes to your phone plan, you need something that gives you real value without the extra cost. The good news? There are plenty of cheap mobile plans designed just for students. You don’t need to pay £30 a month for unlimited data and calls. Many providers offer student discounts that cut the price in half - sometimes even more.
What counts as a student plan?
A student mobile plan isn’t just a regular plan with a sticker that says ‘student discount’. It’s a deal built around how students actually use their phones. Most students don’t need 200GB of data. They need enough for WhatsApp, TikTok, Zoom calls, and Google Maps during the day - and maybe some Netflix at night. They also don’t want to be locked into a 24-month contract if they’re moving homes or studying abroad next year.
True student plans give you:
- 5-20GB of data per month
- Unlimited calls and texts
- Discounts only available with a valid student email (like .ac.uk)
- Flexible contracts (12 months or even month-to-month)
- No credit checks or deposits
Some providers even throw in free Spotify or Netflix for a few months. That’s not a gimmick - it’s a real perk.
Top 5 student mobile plans in the UK (2025)
Here’s what’s actually working for students right now. These plans are based on real user reports from student forums, Ofcom data, and direct provider checks as of November 2025.
1. giffgaff - Best for Budget Flexibility
giffgaff is a community-run network that runs on O2’s infrastructure. It doesn’t have fancy stores or TV ads. It’s all online, and that’s why it’s cheap.
Student deal: £8/month for 20GB data, unlimited calls and texts. You can upgrade to 40GB for £12. No contract. Cancel anytime. You get a £5 bonus credit when you refer a friend - so if you and two mates sign up, you’re basically getting free data for months.
Real student review: “I used to pay £25 on EE. Switched to giffgaff in September. My phone bill dropped to £8. I even got free Spotify for 3 months.” - Sam, 20, University of Manchester
2. Tesco Mobile - Best for Families
Tesco Mobile runs on O2 too, but it’s owned by Tesco. If your parents already shop there, they can add you to their family plan.
Student deal: £10/month for 15GB data, unlimited calls and texts. You can get 30GB for £15. No credit check. You can pause your plan during summer holidays - yes, really. You just log in and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Why it works: If your mum or dad has a Tesco Mobile plan, you can join as a secondary user for the same price. That’s a huge win for families.
3. Smarty - Best for Heavy Data Users
Smarty is owned by Three and is known for its “pay only for what you use” model. But their student deal is flat-rate.
Student deal: £12/month for 30GB data, unlimited calls and texts. If you go over, you get 1GB extra for £3. No cap on speed. Perfect if you’re doing online lectures, uploading assignments, or streaming while commuting.
Smart feature: You get a monthly data report via email. If you used only 12GB last month, they’ll automatically downgrade you to the £8 plan next month. No action needed.
4. Lebara - Best for International Calls
If you’re from abroad or have family overseas, Lebara is your best bet. It’s a budget MVNO that specialises in cheap international calling.
Student deal: £9/month for 10GB data, unlimited UK calls and texts. Plus 100 minutes to 15 countries including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines. You can top up international minutes as needed.
Most students use this to call home during holidays. One student told me he saved £40 a month just by switching from EE to Lebara for international calls.
5. Virgin Mobile - Best for Bundled Entertainment
Virgin Mobile runs on EE’s network. Their student deal includes free streaming.
Student deal: £15/month for 20GB data, unlimited calls and texts. Comes with 6 months of Apple Music or Amazon Prime Video free. After that, you keep the data and calls at the same price.
It’s not the cheapest, but if you’re already paying for a streaming service, this cuts your total monthly cost. No need to pay £10 for Spotify and £15 for a phone plan - it’s bundled.
How to prove you’re a student
You can’t just say you’re a student. Providers need proof. Here’s what works:
- Your university email address (.ac.uk or .edu.uk)
- A valid student ID card (usually scanned via app)
- Enrolment letter from your uni (sometimes needed for new students)
Most companies use SheerID or similar verification tools. It’s quick - usually under 5 minutes. If you’re an international student without a .ac.uk email, you can still qualify. Just upload your student visa and enrolment confirmation.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until you’re on campus to sign up. Apply before term starts. Some deals expire after September 30th.
What NOT to do
Students make the same mistakes over and over. Avoid these traps:
- Don’t sign a 24-month contract. You might graduate, move, or change uni. Locking yourself in means you’ll pay early termination fees - often £100+.
- Don’t pick unlimited data unless you really need it. Most students use less than 15GB. Unlimited plans cost £20+ and are rarely worth it.
- Don’t choose a network based on brand name. EE, Vodafone, and O2 are expensive. Their cheaper deals are usually the same as MVNOs like giffgaff or Smarty - just with higher prices.
- Don’t forget to check coverage. If you live in a rural area or your uni is in a valley, check the actual signal. Sometimes a smaller network has better local coverage than the big ones.
How to switch without losing your number
Switching is easier than you think. Here’s how:
- Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 from your current phone. You’ll get a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) in minutes.
- Apply for your new student plan and give them the PAC.
- Keep your old SIM in your phone until the switch date.
- On the switch day, your new SIM will activate. Your number moves over automatically.
It takes 1-2 working days. No downtime. No missed calls. No stress.
What about pay-as-you-go?
Some students think pay-as-you-go (PAYG) is the only way to save. It’s not. PAYG plans like Three’s £10/30GB deal are great - but you have to remember to top up every month. Miss a payment? Your service stops. No calls. No texts. No emergency access.
Monthly plans with auto-renewal are safer. You know exactly what you’re paying. No surprises. And you can pause them during holidays.
Final advice: What to choose?
Here’s a quick decision guide:
- Low budget, light user? Go with giffgaff (£8 for 20GB).
- Need lots of data? Smarty (£12 for 30GB).
- Calling home often? Lebara (£9 + international minutes).
- Want free streaming? Virgin Mobile (£15 with Apple Music or Prime).
- Parents already have a plan? Tesco Mobile - join their family deal.
Don’t overthink it. Pick one. Switch. Save. You’ll thank yourself by the end of term.
Can I get a student discount if I’m not in full-time education?
Most providers require you to be enrolled in a full-time course at a UK university or college. Part-time students, online learners, or apprentices usually don’t qualify. Some exceptions exist - like Lebara, which accepts international students with valid visas. Always check the provider’s terms before applying.
Do student plans include 5G?
Yes, all the top student plans listed here include 5G access at no extra cost. Even giffgaff and Tesco Mobile offer 5G because they use O2’s network. You just need a 5G-compatible phone. Most phones sold since 2020 support it.
Can I use a student plan if I’m studying abroad?
Most UK student plans don’t work overseas. But some offer free or low-cost roaming. Smarty gives you 15GB of EU data for free. Lebara includes roaming in 40+ countries at low rates. If you’re studying in Europe for a term, consider a local SIM there - it’s often cheaper than roaming.
Are there any hidden fees?
No, if you stick to the plan. Some providers charge for extra data or international calls beyond the bundle - but these are clearly listed. There are no setup fees, no activation charges, and no contract penalties if you cancel early on month-to-month deals. Always read the small print before signing up.
What’s the best plan for a first-year student?
Start with giffgaff or Tesco Mobile. They’re simple, affordable, and flexible. You don’t need to spend £20 in your first term. Focus on essentials: data for apps, calls to friends, and maps to find your lectures. You can always upgrade later if you need more.