DO I NEED TO GET A UK PHONE?
The good news is that your current international phone is very likely to function perfectly in the UK (if it’s unlocked), but it’s best to get a UK sim card to avoid high charges.
Even though it might feel like you don’t need a UK phone number during your first months or year at university, keep in mind that you will really need one when applying for jobs, placement years or internships (both on and off campus). Most employers will ask you for your phone number to get in touch regarding your application.
Also, keeping in touch with friends. Having a working phone number means less problems when trying to schedule your group’s next trip abroad or night out in town.
There is a lot of free Wi-Fi on campus and in bars and restaurants, but it might not exist everywhere you go, especially the countryside.
TYPES OF PLANS
The best thing you can do is to have a look at different mobile phone companies and the deals they offer. The most common options are:
- SIM-only plan – pay monthly for a set of data, calls and texts
- Pay-as-you-go – add money to your carand pay per text, minutes or a call and mb of data
- Mobile phone contract – pay month for a phone, data, calls and texts
THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Data allowance – make sure you get enough included in your plan. It often gets expensive if you need to buy more
- Length of contract – don't enter a 24-month contract if you’re here for a shorter time
- Perks – many operators offer extra perks e.g discounts in shops or free coffee
- International calling rates – check how much does the provider charge for you to call home
- Roaming charges – if you’re planning to travel, check the countries you want to visit included for free
A great site for researching all deals is Compare The Market and USwitch.