The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world. The University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University College London, and various other educational institutions in the UK see a huge influx of students from all around the world. Official sources state that as of September 2025, the UK has granted visas to 443,000 individuals for educational reasons.
These foreign students face numerous challenges, especially in the first few months after landing in the UK. They need time to settle in, understand the people and culture, and most importantly, manage their finances.
Also, let’s not forget homesickness.
One thing that will help foreign students weather this tough situation is hearing the voice of their loved ones back home. A simple phone or video call can do wonders for someone who’s feeling homesick.
And Lyca Mobile’s international eSIM plans can help foreign students stay in touch with their families.
But what is an eSIM? Are there any specific reasons why foreign students should opt for an eSIM? How can you buy one? We have explored all these topics in the sections below. Continue reading.
What is an International eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital version of the physical pay as you go SIM card. As the name suggests, it is embedded into your phone and can be activated by downloading an eSIM profile from an operator of your choice.
With an international eSIM, you do away with the traditional SIM card and the need to fiddle with the SIM ejector tool to switch between SIM cards. Everything is digital, meaning you just download the eSIM profile to your mobile device and activate it. Everything done in a few simple taps!!!
Also, Lyca Mobile’s Pay Monthly SIM and Pay as you go SIM only deals come with eSIM support. You can get a fully functional UK mobile number in about 5 minutes after you land, just by using the airport’s free Wi-Fi.
Yeah, an international eSIM is digital and futuristic and all, but why should you, as a foreign student, consider one?
We’ve listed the reasons in the next section.
Why Should Students Choose an International eSIM?
Okay, an eSIM is extremely beneficial to students. But why? Well, here are four reasons why students should opt for an international eSIM from Lyca Mobile:
- eSIMs are convenient: You don’t have to deal with the easy-to-lose SIM ejector tool or the pesky SIM tray. All you need is an internet connection, whether you’re activating or deactivating your international eSIM.
- You can have multiple eSIMs: You can store up to 8 eSIM profiles based on the device you have. You can have one or two international eSIMs active at the same time and switch between them rather easily, just like how you change your ringtone.
- eSIMs are cost-effective: Lyca Mobile has some of the most cost-effective eSIM plans in the UK. These bundles pack all the benefits the average student needs: high-speed data, national calls and texts, dedicated international minutes, and EU roaming data. No need to purchase extra add-ons!!
- eSIMs are secure: Physical SIM cards are vulnerable to theft, being misplaced, or getting lost. This is not the case with eSIMs, as they are embedded in your device. Should you lose your phone, you can contact customer support to have the eSIM deactivated and get a new eSIM with the same number.
Key Things Students Should Check Before Buying an eSIM
Now that you’ve decided to buy an eSIM, another question comes up.
What should you check before buying an international eSIM?
Here are some key factors you must be aware of before purchasing an eSIM with a pay-monthly or pay-as-you-go plan.
Device Compatibility
Before you purchase an eSIM, you have to make sure that your device supports eSIMs. Here are two methods to check whether your phone is compatible with an international eSIM.
- Dial *#06# in your phone app. If you see an EID along with the IMEI, then your phone supports eSIMs.
- Through the Settings app. Here’s how it’s done on Android and iOS.
- Android: Go to Settings/Network & Internet (or) Connections/Mobile Network (or) SIM Manager/Add eSIM.
- iOS: Go to Settings/Connections/SIM Manager/Add eSIM.
Alternatively, you can also visit Lyca Mobile’s eSIM compatibility checker and look for your device there.
Destination Coverage
Coverage is a critical component of a mobile connection. The network you choose must have reliable coverage across the UK, regardless of how remote a location you stay in.
Lyca Mobile, the largest MVNO in the world, has a coverage map you can use. All you have to do is input your postcode to find the network strength in that specific area.
Data Allowance & Validity
Monthly data allowance is vital when it comes to choosing the best international eSIM plans. Look for a mobile plan with at least 30 GB of monthly data allowance so that you have plenty for entertainment purposes as well.
The speed of the allocated monthly data is important as well. Lyca Mobile brings you super-fast 5G data each month, which gets all internet-related tasks done quickly.
Pricing & Student Budget
Students work on a very tight budget. An international eSIM plan a foreign student chooses must be on the affordable side. A cheap mobile plan allows them to save up for monthly expenses, like utilities, transport, self-care, and other essentials.
Lyca Mobile has PAYM and PAYG plans for less than £10.00 per month. These international eSIM plans come with all the benefits a foreign student will ever need.
How Much Data Do Students Really Need While Travelling?
This is an interesting question. A student who is en route to a foreign country will need data for various purposes. These include data for:
- Streaming services like Spotify and Netflix.
- Navigation apps like Maps.
- Instant messaging apps like WhatsApp.
- Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
- Making video calls through Zoom.
- Playing multiplayer online games.
Here is the data usage for each of these requirements to help you make a decision.
| Usage | Data Required Per Hour |
| Streaming Music/Video | 10-100 MB/ 0.5-1.5GB |
| Navigation | Up to 20 MB |
| Instant Messaging | Up to 5 MB |
| Social Media | Up to 750 MB |
| Video Calls | Up to 3 GB |
| Multiplayer Online Games | Up to 300 MB |
How to Buy and Activate an International eSIM: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know everything about international eSIMs, let’s guide you through how you can purchase and activate a Lyca Mobile plan + eSIM bundle.
How to Buy an eSIM + Plan Bundle from Lyca Mobile
Step 1: Choose a Pay Monthly SIM and Pay as you go SIM only plan based on your requirement.
Step 2: Click on the Buy now button. You can also click on View more to read about the plan’s terms and conditions.
Step 3: In the basket, choose the eSIM option. You also get the option to add top-up credits here. Click on the Checkout now button.
Step 4: In the Delivery & payment page, input your personal details, like First Name, Last Name, and Email Address. Click on the Confirm & continue button to proceed.
Step 5: Choose a convenient mode of payment in the Payment details section.
Step 6: Review the Order Summary section and click on the Confirm & pay button.
Step 7: Complete the payment by entering the relevant details.
How to Activate a Lyca Mobile International eSIM + Plan Bundle
After successful purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with the activation QR code. Simply scan the QR code using your phone’s Camera or Scanner app and follow the prompts to activate your Lyca Mobile eSIM. Note that you will need a working internet connection to activate your Lyca Mobile eSIM.
If you’ve just landed in the UK, you can use the airport’s free Wi-Fi to buy and activate your Lyca Mobile eSIM.
Final Thoughts
Well, you just read about everything there is to know about international eSIMs in the UK.
eSIMs are the future. More and more phone manufacturers are including eSIMs in their devices. The shift is slowly but steadily picking up pace.
If you’re visiting the UK for higher studies, getting a Lyca Mobile eSIM is the best decision you can make. Lyca’s international eSIM plans include super-fast 5G data, national and international calling benefits, and dedicated roaming data. All these benefits come at extremely competitive prices, making Lyca Mobile a pocket-friendly option for foreign students.
Get a Lyca Mobile eSIM + plan bundle and experience reliable coverage and amazingly fast data at prices you have to see to believe.
FAQs on International eSIMs for Students
Can I use WhatsApp with an eSIM?
Yes, you can use WhatsApp with an international eSIM. WhatsApp relies on an internet connection (either mobile data or Wi-Fi) to send/receive messages after the initial verification. It works regardless of whether your device has a physical SIM card or an eSIM.
Can I keep my home SIM active?
Yes, you can keep your home SIM card active and get a Lyca Mobile eSIM. The home SIM can be used for receiving bank-related OTPs and other similar messages, and the Lyca Mobile international eSIM can be used in the UK. You can use both lines with zero issues.
Is an international eSIM safe and secure?
Yes, an international eSIM is safe and secure. eSIMs are insusceptible to theft or being stolen, as they are embedded in the device. It is also safe against certain types of SIM swapping.
Can I top up my eSIM while abroad?
Yes, you can top up your Lyca Mobile eSIM while you’re abroad. You can either visit the official Lyca Mobile website and use the Quick top up feature or top up through the official Lyca Mobile UK app (available for Android and iOS).