There’s one thing that all international students could relate to.
The need to make a quick call back home after a long and stressful day.
But then a thought crosses your mind: How much will this call cost?
If this happens to be you, then this article is going to help.
It explores the importance of international calls for students living away from home, how to choose the right mobile plan, some mobile plan recommendations and a few tips on how you can save on international calling. Continue reading.
What Makes Cheap International Calls So Important for Students?
Leaving your family and friends and moving to a new country is a big change.
You’re going to be on your own in a foreign country with new people. You might also be managing your own money for the first time.
A voice or a video call back home once in a while is going to help you immensely. Here are the important benefits of staying connected as an international student:
- Hearing a familiar voice eases stress and homesickness.
- Parents worry less when they hear from you often.
- You get the support you need during stressful periods.
- You can share news about university and friends.
- You can virtually celebrate festivals and other important events.
How Expensive International Calls Affect Student Budgets
Many international students might be on tight budgets.
Their priorities often include rent, food, travel, books and course materials. Having to pay extra for international calls on top of their current mobile plan can be an added burden.
The cost of international calls can quickly add up when you’re charged at per-minute rates. If this continues for a couple of months, there may come a time when you may have to choose between staying connected and spending money on essentials.
A mobile plan with dedicated international minutes removes that pressure. You can speak for longer, call more often, and avoid worrying about every minute.
What Should Students Look for in an International Calling Plan?
Before choosing a UK mobile plan, analyse what your needs are. Consider how you’re going to use your phone and the countries you’re going to call. Here are some factors to get started.
International Minutes to Your Home Country:
Check whether the chosen mobile plan includes calls to your home country. International minutes may cover only selected destinations, and allowances can differ between mobile and landline numbers.
Affordable Monthly Costs:
Look for a plan that fits your monthly budget. A SIM-only deal is great for managing monthly spending because it helps you review your allowance and costs before committing. Check for any introductory offers as well. This’ll help you understand what you'll pay after a promotion ends.
Data for Everyday Use:
Mobile data is going to be your lifeline as a student in the UK. From messaging and attending online classes to using maps for navigation and making video calls, you’ll need mobile data for just about everything. Consider your typical monthly usage before choosing a data allowance. If you’re not going to rely on Wi-Fi, then a mobile plan with a high data allowance or unlimited data is recommended.
Flexible Terms and Clear Charges:
As an international student, you may want to avoid being tied to a long contract. Check the plan's validity, renewal terms and cancellation conditions. Also, read the terms and conditions to find out what happens if you run out of the allocated international minutes.
Some UK mobile providers include international minutes in their SIM-only plans. Lyca Mobile, for example, includes dedicated international minutes to 48 countries in its prepaid plans.
What Are the Cheapest Ways to Call Home from the UK?
When it comes to staying connected in the UK, you have a few good options. Some of them rely on a stable internet connection, so you’ll have to decide whether you’re going to use mobile data or a Wi-Fi connection.
Here are some ways students can make international calls from the UK.
Free Calling Apps:
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime and Messenger use Wi-Fi or mobile data to make voice and video calls. If you have a stable internet connection, then these free calling apps are recommended.
Mobile Plans with International Minutes:
You get a set number of international minutes that refreshes each month. Note that you can only make voice calls using this method.
International Calling Cards:
You simply purchase a card and top up with credits and use it to make a call to your home country. International calls are charged by the minute. Watch out for hidden charges.
The Best SIM-Only Deals for International Students
Lyca Mobile has some of the most affordable SIM-only deals in the UK.
These plans get you dedicated international minutes without the need to buy any add-ons. You also get high-speed 5G data along with EU roaming benefits.
Another reason why Lyca Mobile’s SIM-only deals are great for international students is that you can buy these plans without submitting any ID proof. These 30-day rolling plans are not bound by any contract, so you’re free to switch without paying a termination or cancellation fee.
Here are Lyca Mobile’s SIM-only plans for international students.
| Plan Name | UK Plan Unlimited | UK Plan Mega Plus | National Plus | UK Plan Smart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Price | £25.00 | £20.00 | £10.00 | £5.00 |
| Promotional Price | £12.50 | £10.00 | £5.00 | £3.50 |
| Data Allowance | Unlimited | 120 GB | 30 GB | 5 GB |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1000 Minutes & SMS |
| International Minutes | 100 minutes to 48 countries | 100 minutes to 48 countries | 100 minutes to 48 countries | 100 minutes to 48 countries |
| EU Roaming Data | 35 GB | 12 GB | 12 GB | 5 GB |
| China Roaming Data | 5 GB | 3 GB | 500 MB | N/A |
| Credit Check | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled |
Please read the terms and conditions for more information about promotional prices.
Why eSIMs Are Useful for International Students
Unlike a physical SIM card, an eSIM is already present in your phone. All you have to do is download an eSIM profile and activate it. This eSIM profile holds the information required for the smartphone to connect to the cell masts.
An eSIM is useful because international students can set up a UK number quickly after arriving, without having to visit a SIM store. All they need is an eSIM-compatible device and a stable internet connection.
An eSIM can also help students manage two numbers simultaneously. They can keep a UK SIM for study and daily life while using another SIM card for calls home. Most modern devices also allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles that can be activated in a few simple taps.
How Can Students Save on International Calls?
International calling can become expensive if you’re not sure about what you’re doing, or if you aren’t periodically looking for better options.
So here are some essential tips that will help you save on international calls:
- Use Wi-Fi in halls or the library for video calls. Try VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Signal for video calling. These apps support voice calling as well.
- Set a weekly call time. It helps you plan around time zones.
- Split costs with flatmates if you share a home Wi-Fi plan.
- Keep an eye on your mobile plan cost each month. Switch if you’re paying for benefits you don’t use.
- A PAYG (pay-as-you-go) plan is recommended if your mobile needs change often.
- Send voice notes when time zones clash. They’re free (if using VoIP apps) and feel personal.
Stay Close to Home Without Overspending
Studying in the UK gives you the chance to build a new life, but it doesn't mean you should leave your old connections behind.
Your family and friends are an important part of your journey, even if they're far away.
With affordable international calling, you can stay involved in their lives, find comfort when you're homesick and share important moments.
Before choosing a mobile plan, compare international calling allowances, monthly prices and the destinations covered. A little research can help you find an option that suits your needs and budget.
Being away from home can be challenging, but keeping in touch shouldn't cost more than you can afford. Get a Lyca Mobile SIM-only plan and stay connected with loved ones, no matter where they are.