Moving to the UK? Essential Mobile & SIM Guide for International Students

Is a move to the UK on the cards? 

Then it’s high time you start making the necessary preparations. Prevention is better than cure, after all. 

There are numerous things that you, as an international student, will need during your stay in the UK. 

A mobile plan is one of the more important ones. With the right mobile plan, you get to 

• Stay connected within and outside the UK 
• Access the internet 
• Use ridesharing and map apps to explore your city 
• Access/download study materials 
• Register on university/job portals 
• Stream recorded lectures 
• Use your smartphone as a source of entertainment 

Given the critical role a mobile plan plays in the life of an international student, it’s only fair that you do your research before picking one. 

And that is exactly what we have done for you. We’ve discussed everything there is when it comes to mobile plans in the UK. From the basic definitions to plan recommendations, this article explores all the essential topics. Head right in! 

The Types of Mobile Providers in the UK 

In general, there are two types of mobile providers in the UK. 

• Mobile Network Operators (MNO) 
• Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) 

MNOs have their own infrastructure (spectrum and phone masts), meaning they offer wider and more consistent coverage. As a result, the pricing of plans offered by MNOs is often on the higher side. 

MVNOs, on the other hand, do not have their own infrastructure. They lend resources from MNOs and offer mobile services under a different brand name. This is one reason why the plans of MVNOs have extremely attractive prices. 

This is the major aspect that separates MNOs from MVNOs. But there are others as well. We’ve compared the differences between MNOs and MVNOs below. 

Not sure which one is right for you? Let us help you out. 

Pick an MNO if 

• You’re okay with benefits offered for the price. 
• You’d prefer a long-term plan over a monthly plan. 
• You want a device along with your mobile plan. 

Pick an MVNO if 

• You want a better combination of price and benefits. 
• You want a mobile plan bundled with national and international benefits without paying extra. 
• You’re on a tight budget. 
• You have a device; you only need a mobile plan. 
• You want a mobile plan without passing a credit check. 
• You’re okay with slightly slower speeds in congested areas. 

The Types of Mobile Plans for International Students 

With the types of mobile providers out of the way, the next step is to choose a mobile plan type. 

International students in the UK have two types of mobile plans to choose from: 

• Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG): Also known as prepaid, in this model you pay upfront for a set number of benefits for 30 days. Once the 30 days are up, you get the choice to pick a different plan or continue with the same plan. 
• Pay Monthly (PAYM): Also known as postpaid, in this model you pay for the benefits after you have used them. PAYM plans are contract-based. 

Here is how they fare against each other. 

So, if you’re someone who prioritises flexibility and quick connectivity without credit checks, then PAYG plans are the ideal choice. 

If you prefer long-term savings and can pass a credit check, then go with a PAYM plan. 

Factors International Students Should Consider Before Getting a SIM Card 

You now have a clear picture of what type of mobile plan and operator you should choose. 

Let’s now focus on how you can pick the ideal mobile plan. 

Consider these factors before you go shopping for an international student mobile plan in the UK. 

• Price: Get a mobile plan that’s within your budget but meets all your call, text and data requirements. 
• Data Allowance: You’re going to need a lot of data as an international student. From casual browsing to streaming lectures and your favourite shows, data plays a role in everything. Get a mobile plan with at least 50 GB of monthly data. 
• International Minutes & Roaming: Roaming and minutes to your home country are essential in the mobile plan you choose. It’s better if these benefits are part of the original plan rather than buying them as add-ons. 
• SIM type: You get the option to choose between a physical SIM card and an eSIM. If you have an eSIM-compatible device, we recommend going with an eSIM. 
• UK Call & Text: You will also need minutes and SMS that can be used in the UK. Most mobile plans come with them. It’s up to you to decide how much you will need each month. 
• Roaming Data: If you plan to travel often, then we recommend getting a mobile plan with dedicated roaming data. This eliminates the need to buy an additional SIM card when you are visiting another country in the EU. 

The Best SIM Cards for International Students in the UK 

The UK has many mobile operators. Trying to pick one from the list can be a bit difficult. 

As one of the top operators in the UK and the largest MVNO in the world, Lyca Mobile has many attractive prepaid plans aimed at international students. 

These affordable plans have everything you need, from plenty of super-fast 5G data to international minutes and EU roaming data. Pick one of these plans, and you’re all set for the school/college year. 

Also, you don’t have to pass a credit check to buy these international student plans from Lyca Mobile. 

In addition to these plans, Lyca Mobile has country-based student plans as well. Visit the Great Value Student Plans page to know more. 

How International Students Can Get a UK SIM Card 

If you’re in the UK, you know that there are multiple ways to buy a SIM card. This applies to international students as well. 

Among all the places, we’d recommend avoiding the SIM stores in the airports. These stores sell SIM cards at premium prices. Chances are that you can find the same product at an authorised retailer at a lower price. 

Here are the places you can buy an international student SIM card: 

• Authorised retailers 
• Official websites of providers 
• Convenience stores/supermarkets 
• Kiosks/vending machines 
• University welcome fairs/fresher fairs 

Purchasing is pretty straightforward. Here’s how it works: 

1. Pick a mobile plan 
2. Pay using cash/card 
3. Submit proof of credit history if you’re choosing a PAYM plan 

Some providers may request that you top up credits before you can use your new SIM card. 

If you prefer an eSIM, then it’s even easier to get a mobile connection. You can purchase an eSIM plan + bundle online from your home country and activate it after you land in the UK. We’ll discuss that in the next section. 

How International Students Can Activate a UK SIM Card 

Activating a SIM card is quite simple. In most instances, all you have to do is insert your new SIM card into an unlocked smartphone. Here’s a more detailed guide on how to do it. 

1. Turn off your smartphone. 
2. Eject the SIM tray. 
3. Place the SIM card in the right position. The gold contacts should be facing down, and the notches on the SIM card and the tray should be next to each other. 
4. Switch on your smartphone.  

The signal bars should refresh, and you should see the name of the new operator on top. Some operators might require registration before/after SIM card activation. 

The steps are a bit different for eSIMs. Here is how international students can activate a Lyca Mobile UK eSIM. 

1. Connect your eSIM-compatible smartphone to the internet (either cellular data or Wi-Fi). 
2. Open the order confirmation thank you email from Lyca Mobile. You’ll get this after you have purchased a Lyca Mobile eSIM bundle from the official website. 
3. Scan the activation QR code. 
4. Follow the prompts that appear to activate your Lyca Mobile eSIM + plan bundle. 

Note that some operators might require you to download their app to install an eSIM.  

5 Important Mobile Tips for International Students 

It can be quite easy to make mistakes when buying a SIM card, especially if it’s your first time in the UK. 

So, here are five essential tips that’ll come in handy when you get a UK mobile plan. 

• Read the Fine Print: Most plans come with a lot of terms and conditions for the benefits offered. Read them to avoid difficulties down the line. 
• Get a PAYG Plan: The lack of credit checks and the flexibility make PAYG plans the best bet for international students. If you’d prefer a PAYM plan, get a PAYG plan and move to a PAYM once you have the necessary documents. 
• Check Device Compatibility: Not all devices support all SIM cards. This is especially true for eSIMs. Run a quick compatibility test or check with the operator before purchasing a SIM card/eSIM. 
• Test Coverage: Most mobile operators in the UK have a coverage checker page (like this one from Lyca Mobile). Enter the postcodes of all the locations where you’ll spend a lot of time to find out how strong the coverage is. 
• Take Advantage of Referrals: Everyone’s a winner with referral programs. You get a discount, and the person who referred you gets a reward (either in cash or credit). 

Staying Connected with a UK SIM Card:

A reliable mobile plan plays a much larger role in the life of an international student. It’s going to be your window to the world, connecting you to your family/friends back home while ensuring you stay connected throughout the UK. 

There are plenty of options you can choose from. Analyse your requirements, do your research, check device compatibility and get a mobile plan. 

Your life as an international student in the UK is going to be a very pleasant one with the right mobile plan and the essential pieces of tech. 

Choose wisely and make the most of your time here in the UK. 

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