Tips for picking the best SIM card for international students in the UK

23 September, 2024 by Aafiya Saba
Woman talking on call with SIM only deals
Woman talking on call with SIM only deals

If you are an international student in the UK, choosing the right SIM card is essential for you. Staying away from family can bring in a plethora of emotions and it becomes very important to find ways to stay connected with your friends and family. Choosing the right SIM card will help you not only stay connected with friends and family but also in accessing online resources and navigating your studies. Since there are hundreds of options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which pay-as-you-go SIM card is best in the UK for international students.  

  • Understand your usage by assessing your calling, texting, and data needs.
  • Compare plans with understand its cost and benefits.  
  • Check for a provider who has the best network coverage.
  • Look for plans that are flexible, so you won’t have to commit long-term.
  • Opt for a provider whose SIM card activation is easy and simple.
  • Research and compare different plans. 

 

Read the blog for valuable tips to help you select the best SIM card for your international student journey. 

Importance of choosing the right SIM card for international students

Having a reliable SIM card is important if you are an international student in the UK. It helps you to:

  • Stay connected with loved ones: Communicate with your friends and family on the go and feel at home wherever you are.  
  • Access online resources: You can browse through the internet to research, study, and complete assignments.
  • Navigate your surroundings: There is no scope for getting lost with GPS and maps. Explore all the places around you and find your way around.
  • Enjoy entertainment: Binge watch your favorite shows, listen to music, and stay updated on social media.

Understanding your usage requirements

Before opting for a SIM card, know your typical usage patterns. Consider the following factors:

  • Calling and texting: How often do you spend your time on calls or use the text message feature?  
  • Data usage: How much data do you require in a month? Do your habits include streaming movies and shows often?
  • International calling: Do you have to make international calls at home or in other countries frequently?

Compare plan costs and benefits

After you have understood your usage requirements, compare the costs and benefits of different SIM card plans. Look for plans that offer what you need. Following are some points you can consider before buying a SIM card.  

  • Monthly fees
  • Per-minute rates
  • Data allowances
  • Roaming charges

Check network coverage and quality

Choose the best network provider, for example - Lyca Mobile which has great coverage in all areas. Check for the coverage maps of different providers to find one that offers reliable service in your locations. Additionally, factors you need to consider are the quality of the network, the speed of the internet to make sure you get crystal clear calls, and fast data speed.  

Look for flexible plans and options

Flexibility is key to picking any SIMM card, especially if your plans keep changing timely or your usage patterns change during your exams and vacations. Look for plans that offer options like:

  • Rollover data: This way all your unused data can be carried over to the next month.
  • Add-on bundles: Provides the flexibility to add more minutes, texts, or data as needed.
  • No-contract plans: There is no hassle on contracts, and you can avoid long-term commitments.

Consider customer support and service

It is crucial to have good customer support. In case you encounter any problem with the SIM card or the plan you can reach out to customer care, and they can resolve the issue promptly. Look for providers that offer reliable customer service channels, such as phone, email, or live chat. Also, make sure you check for customer reviews and ratings to get a sense of the quality of their support.

Ease of activating and setting up your SIM card

When it comes to activation and setup, it should be easy and convenient to get started. Look for providers that offer clear instructions and online tools to help you get started quickly or a provider who has multiple stores throughout your area and can help you get started.

Look for additional features and perks

Some providers give out additional features and perks. These features will help you increase your overall experience. Consider options like:

  • Free Wi-Fi: Access to free Wi-Fi hotspots can help you save on data usage.
  • International roaming discounts: Lower rates for using your SIM card abroad.
  • Loyalty rewards: Programs that offer discounts or benefits for long-term customers.

Research and compare providers

Thorough research is important before deciding which provider you want to opt for. Explore different plans and compare them. Consider various factors such as pricing, coverage, features, and customer reviews. You can also go through their websites, forums, and social media to understand more about the provider.  

Keeping the above-mentioned pointers can help you get the best SIM card. Check out Lyca Mobile for affordable plans and, the best network coverage with tons of plan options.  

For more informational content Lyca Mobile today!

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