The Complete SIM Guide for Nigerian Students Studying in the UK

Leaving Nigeria for higher studies is a unique experience.

You have to deal with a mix of emotions, from the anxiety of leaving home to the excitement of being in a new environment.

That said, the journey isn’t without its share of challenges.

There are numerous tools at your disposal to deal with these challenges. One of them is a valid mobile plan.

A mobile plan will make sure you’re connected no matter where you are in the UK, be it using maps to explore the neighbourhood, attending online lectures or making regular video calls to your folks back home.

This article is all about mobile connectivity. From using your Nigerian SIM card in the UK to assistance in choosing a mobile plan, we’ve covered all the essential topics. We’ve also listed some pocket-friendly PAYG plans from Lyca Mobile. Head right in!

Can You Use Your Nigerian SIM Card in the UK?

Yes, you can use your Nigerian SIM card in the UK, but it is not recommended.

That’s because you’ll have to rely on international roaming for connectivity, and roaming is very expensive.

You’re going to be charged international pay-as-you-go (PAYG) rates for everything, including incoming calls.

Even if you get a roaming plan from your Nigerian provider, the call, text and data allowances aren’t going to be sufficient for daily use in the UK.

It’s recommended to get a UK mobile plan as soon as you arrive. This way, you don’t have to go around hunting for free Wi-Fi spots to use mobile services.

Pay As You Go vs Pay Monthly: Which Is Better for Nigerian Students?

A PAYG plan is better for Nigerian students, especially during their first few months in the UK.

PAYG plans don’t require a contract or a credit check. You can get one as long as you have a compatible smartphone and a valid mode of payment. You can even pay in cash if you’re visiting an authorised store.

With a PAYG plan, you get better control over how much you spend each month for a mobile connection. You get a fixed amount of benefits, like minutes, texts and data that you can use for 30 days. Once the 30 days are up, you can either renew the same plan or pick a different plan.

Pay monthly (PAYM) plans, on the other hand, lock you into lengthy contracts ranging from 6 to 24 months. During this time, you cannot switch your current plan. You pay for mobile services after you have used them.

You will also have to pass a credit check to get a PAYM plan.

The ideal way is to use a PAYG plan until you get a healthy credit history and then switch over to a PAYM plan. You could also stick with the current PAYG plan if it meets your phone needs.

How to Choose the Right Mobile Plan for Nigerian Students

As a Nigerian student in the UK, there are numerous things that you should consider before choosing a mobile plan.

We have listed 5 of the most important factors for Nigerian students to consider when looking for a mobile plan in the UK.

• Budget: This is a crucial component of a mobile plan. Ideally, you should assign a monthly budget for mobile services and not go over it. Compare operators in the UK to get the best bang for the buck.
• Data Allowance: High-speed 4G/5G data allowance is an important component of a data plan. Pick a plan based on how much data you’ll need each month. Don’t forget to get a couple of gigabytes extra so that you have something to fall back on.
• UK Calls & Texts: Dedicated calls and text messages are going to help you stay connected during your time in the UK.
• International Minutes: This is an important benefit for international students. Calling benefits to their country make it easy to talk with their family members anytime they want without having to rely on mobile data.
• EU Roaming Benefits: If you’re someone who likes to travel, then separate EU roaming data will come in handy. With this benefit, you don’t have to purchase another SIM card or an eSIM when you’re travelling. Just enable data roaming and you’re set.

The Best International Calling Plans for Nigerian Students

Hearing the voice of your loved ones from time to time is important. This is especially true when it comes to international students. It helps deal with homesickness and gives you the strength to fight another day.

The plans below help you do just that. They get you dedicated international minutes to call mobile and landline numbers in Nigeria.

In addition to international minutes, you also get dedicated data for use in the UK and across the EU. This gives you the freedom to make video calls without relying on public Wi-Fi.

Where Can You Buy a UK SIM Card?

There are multiple ways to buy a UK SIM card. Choose one that you find convenient, and you’ll be connected before you know it.

• Airport Stores: Most major airports in the UK have convenience stores that sell SIM cards. You can simply walk into one and leave with an active mobile plan. These stores sell only physical SIM cards. Also, note that the prices of SIM cards in these stores are usually higher than street prices.
• Official Website: You can also purchase a UK SIM card or eSIM by visiting the official websites of network providers. This method is fully digital and can be done from anywhere. If you’re buying a physical SIM card, you’ll have to provide a local address for it to be delivered.
• Authorised Stores: These are similar to airport stores, with the exception being the lower price. You can pay using cash or card. The store staff will also help you in case you run into any issues.

Should You Choose a Physical SIM or an eSIM in the UK?

Choosing the type of SIM card depends on your current device.

If you have an eSIM-compatible device, then go with an eSIM for your mobile plan. eSIMs are digital and flexible, and you don’t have to deal with swapping out your Nigerian SIM card. You can use both lines simultaneously. Activation and deactivation for eSIMs are also digital, which saves you a trip to the store.

Go for a physical SIM card if your smartphone doesn’t support an eSIM. Most network providers, like Lyca Mobile, give you the option to choose between a physical SIM card and an eSIM when purchasing a mobile plan.