Student broadband deals

If you’re looking for the best student broadband deal for you, there are three key things to consider:  

1. Price

With student broadband, the cheapest deal isn’t always the best. Paying more for high-speed full fibre broadband could be a wise investment if you’re all gamers or you need fast internet for a file-heavy course like graphic design. But the great thing about a shared house is more people to split the cost of the bills. 

However, unless you really need it, it makes sense not to pay extra for ultrafast broadband. If things change, providers will usually let you upgrade mid-contract. 

Student broadband deal price tips

It pays to shop around and compare deals. Look out for student Wi-Fi offers that:  

• Won’t increase in price mid-contract. 
• Include phone line rental (most do).  
• Give the option of a broadband deal without line rental.
• Don’t charge for set-up or activation. 
• Offer unlimited broadband so you don’t pay extra if you go over your allowance.

A student broadband deal that includes access to TV subscriptions, mobile phone services or money-saving offers could also help you cut costs.  

Splitting the monthly broadband bill helps too. One housemate’s name would go on the broadband contract and they’d be responsible if payments are late. So, to make sure they're not out of pocket, you could send them a monthly direct debit or open a shared account for bills.

2.Contract length

In most cases, you won’t be looking for a long-term student broadband deal unless you’re planning to stay in your accommodation for a few years. So it’s important to avoid paying for more than you need. 

• 30-day rolling contracts – effectively a ‘no contract’ option. This is the most flexible choice for student internet. Just give your provider a month’s notice if you want to leave. Current prices range from around £20-£60 a month, depending on your provider and broadband speed.  
• 9-month contracts – designed to line up with the academic year, these student broadband contracts start between July and September or October, but they’re not always available.  
• 12-month contracts – may work out cheaper than a nine-month contract, though you could pay for broadband you don’t use if you go home during the holidays. Prices range from £20 to £40 depending on broadband speed.  
• 18-month contracts – often the cheapest option, but only worth it if you’re staying in your student accommodation for more than a year. Prices range from around £20 to £35.

3. Broadband speed

With a few of you online for hours at a time, you may need a fast connection. Maximum download and upload speeds vary by postcode, so you’d have to check if your house’s demand lines up with the available packages

Download speed is how fast you can download or stream content from the internet. Upload speeds cover what you send to the internet, such as your social media posts. The average speeds listed by broadband providers are estimates that at least 50% of customers can expect during peak hours (8pm to 10pm).  

Compare student broadband deals to see what’s available in your area before you move in.