In today’s world the most important item for any person is their mobile phone. And, without a SIM Card, mobile phones are practically useless. As an international student residing in student accommodation in UK, connecting with loved ones is essential. 

Old SIM cards from your home country usually don’t work in UK and even if it did, it would be very expensive. However, this is not something that is a big issue as compared to other aspects of students living in the UK. Just like student accommodation in UK – Uninist  bring solutions to every issue of students. Consequently, in this particular blog, we have rounded up all types of SIM Cards in UK has to offer for students. From prepaid to postpaid SIM cards, we have covered everything so that you don’t have student stress on unusual things. So, let’s get into the blog to find you all the answers on the best SIM cards in UK for students!

How to Buy a SIM Card in UK as an International Student? 

When you land in the UK, your first priority should be buying a UK SIM card after settling in. Staying connected is a top priority when you arrive in the UK for studies. A local SIM will help you save on roaming charges. Plus, you can enjoy fast internet to stay connected with everyone, including peers, teachers, family and others. To get a SIM card in UK, here is what you need to do: 

• Research on Service Providers: There are many famous service providers in UK who provide the best quality SIM cards in UK. Some of the top ones include:

1. EE
2. Vodafone
3. Three
4. Giffgaff
5. Lebara

There are the ones that are famous for their student-friendly plans. 

• Choose your Plan Type: Decide which type of plan you want. You can either go postpaid for unlimited data SIMS in UK or prepaid ones. You can also choose “pay as you go (PAYG)” type plans for flexibility or “monthly contracts” for better value if you have a plan of staying for long-term. 
  
• Carry Required Documents: As an international student in UK, when you are going to buy a SIM card in UK, you need to carry all the necessary documents. These documents are usually your passport, visa, and lease agreements for proof of UK address.
  
• Buy from Official Stores or Online: Instead of buying from any third party, directly visit the service providers’ stores. These service providers are usually available in the supermarkets such as Tesco, ASDS, or order online for delivery to your address. 
  
• Compare Student Discounts: Many service providers provide student discount options for college students. Moreover, some networks offer extra data, free international minutes, or lower rates for students. So, always compare different plans before purchasing one. 
  
• Activate your SIM: Follow the instructions provided or ask in-store staff for activating your SIM card in UK. 
  
• Top-up or Manage via App: The last step in this process is to download your provider’s app to check usage, top-up, and pay bills. 

By following these steps you can smoothly buy a SIM card in UK and manage the after-purchase steps and follow-ups. 

What Are the Types of SIM Cards in UK for International Students?

The United Kingdom offers numerous kinds of SIM cards with diverse plans. So, choosing without knowing the best would create a problem. Here is the list of the top types of SIM cards in UK:

1. Pay As You Go(PAYG)
2. Monthly Contract SIM
3. Data-only SIM
4. Student/Youth SIM plans
5. eSIM

Pay As You Go(PAYG)

• How it Works: You top-up credit and pay only for the minutes, texts, and data you use. Basically in this type of SIM, you will only pay what you use.
• Best For: For students who are living in short-term student accommodation in UK. Or someone who are light phone users, and even those who are unsure of their monthly needs.
• Pros: The advantages of this SIM card is that there is no contract, easy to switch providers, and you will have control over your spending. 
• Cons: The rates can sky rocket if you have a higher usage. Basically if you use a lot of data or call time then you have to pay more. 

Monthly Contract SIM

• How it Works: This SIM card in UK is a prepaid SIM card. It works like any other prepaid SIM card wherein you commit to paying a fixed monthly fee for a set allowance of calls, texts, and data.
• Best For: Suitable for students who are in UK for a long-term and who want a consistent service at a lower cost per GB. These SIM cards are one of those cheap SIM cards in UK.
• Pros: More value for money for heavy users, often includes perks like extra data or free international minutes. 
• Cons: To buy this SIM card you will need a proof of UK address and sometimes a credit check. 

Data-only SIM

• How it Works: This SIM card only offers mobile data without calls or texts. Ideal for tablets, portable Wi-Fi devices, or students using internet-based calling apps like WhatApp or Zoom. 
• Best for: This is the best SIM card in UK for students who mainly communicate through online and data-dependent applications. 
• Pros: Higher allowance of data and often cheaper than full plans. 
• Cons: You will not be able to do traditional call or text because of data-only SIM. 

Student/Youth SIM plans

• How it Works: This SIM card has special packages designed for students. Simply put, students often find extra data, social media perks, or International calling discounts. The benefits this SIM card provides to students makes it an ideal SIM card for international students. 
• Best for: Students who need to stay in touch with family abroad and use social media frequently.
• Pros: Benefits tailored to student needs, reduced rates than normal, and flexible terms.
• Cons: These SIM cards in UK are sometimes available only through certain providers or you need proof of student status. 

eSIM

• How it Works: A digital SIM installed directly on your phone, activated via QR code. The best part of eSIMs is that there is no physical card required and the majority of new gen or recently launched phones provide the option for installing eSIM.  
• Best for: Students with newer Smartphones who want to avoid carrying multiple SIM cards. 
• Pros: Instant activation and can hold multiple plans at once. This SIM card is most suitable for international travel and frequent travellers. 
• Cons: Only works on eSIM compatible phones. 

Conclusion 

The life of a student is already full of stress then why add one more thing to worry about, isn’t it? As we have discussed, carrying a UK SIM card can make life easier for students, especially when you are an international student. After all, our guide on SIM cards in UK is the ultimate solution for all your mobile issues. 

Just like we take care of flexible student accommodation in UK, service providers here offer flexibility and affordability. So, get what you want in student housing, SIM cards or lifestyle in UK with Uninist!

FAQ