Student Mobile Plans UK: Best Deals, Providers, and How to Save

When you’re a student in the UK, your mobile plan, a monthly or pay-as-you-go service for calls, texts, and data. Also known as phone contract, it’s one of the few bills you can’t skip—yet most students pay way too much for it. You don’t need unlimited data or the latest iPhone to stay connected. What you need is a plan that matches how you actually use your phone: scrolling TikTok between lectures, texting flatmates, and occasionally calling home.

Pay as you go, a flexible mobile option where you top up credit as needed. Also known as prepaid SIM, it’s perfect if you don’t use your phone much or want to avoid long-term commitments. Many students start with this because it’s cheap and easy to switch. But if you’re on campus all day, streaming, or using apps like WhatsApp and Zoom, a student mobile contract, a fixed-term deal with discounted rates for students. Also known as student tariff, it can save you £10–£15 a month. Providers like EE, O2, and Vodafone all run student deals—often with extra data, free Spotify, or Netflix. But not all are equal. Some lock you into 24-month contracts with hidden fees. Others give you a £5 discount if you sign up with a student email. Always check the fine print.

Don’t forget MVNOs, mobile virtual network operators that use major networks but charge less. Also known as budget networks, they offer the same coverage as EE or O2 but at half the price. Brands like giffgaff, LycaMobile, and Smarty are popular with students because they’re transparent, no-contract, and let you change your plan every month. Some even offer student-specific bundles—like 20GB of data for £6 a month. That’s less than the cost of a coffee.

And if you’re sharing a house? Group plans are worth looking at. Some providers let you add multiple lines under one account with shared data. That means your flatmates can chip in, and you all get better rates. Just make sure you trust the person managing the account—missed payments affect everyone.

What you’ll find below are real guides from students who’ve been there: how to pick the cheapest plan without getting locked in, which networks actually deliver good signal in student areas (looking at you, basement flats), and how to spot a fake ‘student discount’. You’ll also see how to switch providers without losing your number, what to do if your bill suddenly jumps, and why some ‘free’ perks aren’t worth the hassle.