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What are Student Broadband Deals?
Student Broadband Deals are deals curated to cater for students’ internet needs. Compared to the usual housing system, student housing is different as they are likely to have a short-term renting period and also have to split bills with other students. In student housing, there will be multiple people sharing the internet.
With all these in mind, providers made more flexible broadband packages for students. There are broadband deals that offer monthly contracts to cater from the start to the finish of the academic year when you are going for summer. instead of the usual 12 or 18 months contract length which only means you will end up paying for more than you need.
Also, you could opt for a 30-day rolling contract that you can renew monthly or as you need. With the 30-day contract, you are only binned to your provider for 30 days instead of the usual long-term contract.
And you get to cancel your contract whenever you want without accruing extra charges. Opting for a 30-day rolling contract can be a good deal especially if you are unsure of the session. But it can also be more expensive as it usually comes with higher monthly charges and as well as set-up costs.
As a student, money can be tight therefore to be on the safer side and always have access to an internet connection, you should consider the total cost of your broadband deal.
While a 9-month contract length can be like a stretch, it could work out to be more convenient as you won’t have to worry about running out of data while you are tight on money and it could also work out to be cheaper overall compared to one one-month contract.
What to look out for when Choosing Student Broadband Packages?
When choosing or comparing student broadband deals for the session, there certain things you should take into consideration. You have to consider the speed of the broadband you are opting for as there will be multiple users for the broadband. The more the users the higher the speed and the better the deal you can afford. You should also take into consideration your student household internet usage as this could also affect your speed and also consider services you would like to bundle with your broadband. Here are the factors to consider;
- Internet Usage: Are the students in your household heavy internet users or basic internet users? Heavy internet users include they mostly stream HD quality videos, stream music, play online games or basic users that use the internet for social media. Then you have to make sure to opt for a faster broadband speed that will keep everyone connected to the internet.
- Cost: With a lot of users that come with student broadband deals, it makes it possible to get a better deal without pinching for money. Also, most providers offer discounts and incentives for longer contract terms so it’s possible to access these which in the long run can result in lesser pay per person. But keep in mind that cheaper deals aren’t often the best deals.
- Router Reach: There are some constraint that comes with WiFi routers which can limit the speed in some parts of the rooms in a student household due to WiFi deadspots you may need a signal booster in the long run. Be sure your providers offer guarantees or signal boosters before signing up.
- Bundled Services: Would you like to bundle your broadband with other services? Before bundling, be sure the services you are bundling with are what you need. That is if you have a TV, you could it with your broadband to access different entertainment channels and if you mostly stream, you could include streaming services with your broadband to access platforms like Netflix and also have access to on-demand content.
- Opt for Wireless Connection: Most broadband providers make use of copper wire or phone lines to get you connected to the internet. You also accrue extra charges by having a line rental with your broadband. However, if you do not require a phone line then it’s best to opt for a fibre broadband or a 5G mobile router that doesn’t require wire connections. Also, opting for fibre broadband could be more beneficial as fibre broadband offers a faster broadband connection than others.
- Set-Up Time: The process from ordering to the installation of your broadband could take a total of two weeks or more especially if you require an engineer visit, therefore it’s best to order earlier than the session resumption so your broadband is running before you move in.
Some considerations come with student broadband and you need to put them in place.
- An email address: You need an email address to set up a student broadband. Decide among yourselves whose address will be used or open a new email address and let someone be in charge.
- Someone needs to be available for the period of installation. Providers give “window time” for installation to make sure someone is available while the installation is taking place.
- A person to be in charge of bills: Broadband bills or payments are usually in a person’s name. Decide who will be in charge of handling bills, initial set-up cost and distributing the bills equally among everyone.
How to find the Best Student Broadband Deals for you?
A reliable internet connection is important for everyone, but as a student, it can be quite tricky especially if you share your accommodation with others. You have to ensure that the broadband deal you are opting for is also suitable for other students in your accommodation. To find the best deals, take into consideration factors like; affordability, reliability, and suitability to cater to everyone’s needs.
To find the best student Broadband Deal for you, you should consider;
- Research for broadband providers in your area especially for those that offer student broadband deals. These providers usually cater to the needs of students within the constraints of their budget.
- Compare Packages: After researching the providers, compare packages that are offered by these providers. While comparing packages, keep note of factors like connection speed, contract length, and data limit. And perks like free installation and router upgrades.
- Contract Flexibility: Consider the flexibility of the contract terms especially if you are not sure of your living arrangement and to avoid being tied to a long-term contract. Having a shorter contract length or options for early termination could put you at a better advantage.
- Connection Speed: For student broadband, speed can vary depending on the activities each student uses the internet for. Therefore be sure to pick a broadband deal with speed that would work for everyone in your accommodation.
What type of Student Broadband Contract will suit my needs?
The type of contract that suits your needs depends on your situation.
- A short-term broadband contract
If you are a student who moves between accommodation. You can opt for a 9 nine month contract which is a good contract as you do not have to pay for the internet you are not using during the holidays. Or you could opt for the typical 12-month broadband contract. This contract offers better flexibility compared to longer contracts.
- Long-term Contracts
Long-term can be more beneficial to students with permanent accommodation or willing to stay all year round. They can be more beneficial as they offer different comprehensive deals to choose from and discounted monthly rates. However, keep in mind that they require more commitments because the contract lasts between 12 – 24 months.
- No contract or rolling contract
No contract allows you to cancel your contract or change your broadband service provider without accruing charges. This contract gives room for flexibility and little to no commitment. However, keep in mind that this type of broadband contract is usually more expensive than other contracts as you constantly accrue set-up costs and installation fees if you only have to use the service for a few months.
What Broadband Speed Should I get?
The broadband speed you get depends on each student’s internet usage and needs in your accommodation. To have a better understanding consider the following guideline.
- Basic Browsing: This involves light users, students who majorly use the internet for basic tasks like web browsing and email. A broadband speed of 10-25 Mbps is enough.
- Streaming: Students who frequently stream video continents from platforms like Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime or Disney will need a faster internet connection to ensure smooth playback without buffering. You will require a speed of at least 25-50 Mbps or more if you will be streaming in HD or 4K.
- Gaming: Students that are gamers, require a minimum speed of 25 Mbps. However, for a smooth gaming experience, a broadband speed of 100Mbps and above will be sufficient for 4K gaming.
- Multiple User or Devices: If your accommodation includes multiple users or devices connected to the internet simultaneously, you will require a higher speed to maintain even distribution of the internet. Consider a speed of 70-100Mbps or higher to ensure there is no internet lagging for anyone.
Can I get a Student Broadband without a Phone?
If you live with other students, then it’s possible not to need to bundle phone service with your broadband as a result of wanting to sign up for broadband without a landline. However, most providers offer broadband deals that require line rental to get you connected to the internet. This results in the cost of your line rental being included with your broadband and without accruing extra cost for opting out of cal packages.
But some providers offer broadband-only deals with no landline. Also, some providers do not require a phone line in cases where you are opting for full-fibre broadband from providers like Hyperoptic or Virgin Media, a phone line is unnecessary to deliver internet to your home.
Can I get a 1-Month Broadband Contract?
Yes, it’s possible to find a 1-month contract a 1-month contract is also the same as 30 days contract. This contract offers flexibility for students who are seeking for short-term internet connection. It allows you to enjoy broadband services without a long-term commitment. However, keep in mind that in as much as they are handy, their availability varies depending on your location and the providers in your area. They may also be offered at higher prices compared to long-term contracts. To get the best 1-month contract find out the providers available in your area compare their broadband packages and pick the one that best suits your needs. You can also explore providers like Hyperoptic, Virgin Media, and Now Broadband for a 1-month contract broadband deal
How Can Students Find Cheap Broadband Deals?
In other to find cheap broadband deals that cater for all your preferences as a student and also your your student-large household, you should make use of our comparison tool. Our comparison tool will help you filter your search based on;
- Speed
- Contract Length
- Price
To broaden your search for cheap broadband deals, you could consider opting for bundled packages that include a TV or landline. You could also find a 12 or 18-month broadband contract that offers a better deal.
Compare Broadband deals with Docalla
How can we get the best WiFi signal in a big student home?
Plug your router into the main socket, routers are typically installed in a central position that is in the middle of your home or on a shelf, or table but avoid placing it on the floor. Be sure to keep your router from the following;
Halogen Lamps
Dimmer switches
Fairy lights
Electrical appliances
Tv’s and monitors
Devices that emit wireless signals
If your broadband speed is lagging, you can run a broadband speed test which will reveal your download and upload speed. Run the test on different devices to know the exact issue. However, if your broadband speed is completely different from the one your provider promised, reach out to them for assistance.
What equipments do we need for student broadband
For student broadband, you need essential equipment like a modem or router. Ethernet cable or WiFi adapters for connecting devices and a subscription plan from your broadband providers. Also, depending on your internet needs or if you live in an accommodation with WiFi black spots, you may opt for WiFi extenders. You may also require a working phone line if you opt for fibre broadband or broadband without a phone line.
Whose name should be on the bill
This is up to you and the others to decide. However, the broadband provider will prefer for your contract to be in an individual name. Therefore, you need to agree on who will take responsibility for the bill sharing and prompt bill payment. However, you could also take up the responsibility of having your name on the bill and making a regular payment in full could also build your credit score. For convenience, download a bill-splitting app or set up a joint account for everyone to make payments. But keep in mind that there are risks associated with having a joint account as if an individual fails to make their bill payment on time, this could affect other individuals associated with the account.
Can we get a student discount for Broadband?
Yes. There are some providers that providers like Virgin Media and BT that offer packages mainly to cater to students’ internet needs. However, they are not always available. Student deals are only available for some months before the start of the academic year in September. But don’t be carried away by incentives be sure to consider if the incentives and the package is the right one for you.
How long does installation takes?
The duration of installation varies depending on the type of broadband connection you are trying to hook up. However, a typical broadband installation takes between 5-14 days or more depending on your provider. To be sure have clear communication with your provider to know how long an installation takes.
How to get the best WiFi signal in a student accommodation.
To get the best WiFi signal, you can follow these tips;
- Position the Router centrally: Place the router in a central location within the student accommodation to ensure the internet coverage reaches everyone. To get the best internet connection avoid placing the router near any obstructions like; walls, or large furniture. Also to reduce interference from some electronic devices keep your router away from devices like microwaves, halogen lamps, Bluetooth devices, TVs and monitors.
- Use a High-Quality Router: No harm comes in investing in a quality router for a better internet connection. When getting a router consider features like dual or tri-band or beamforming technology.
Use WiFi extenders to extend internet coverage to areas with weak internet signals. By using this you can distribute internet signal evenly in your accommodation. - Monitor Network Performance: Look out for your internet connection using tools like; speed test and network monitoring software to identify and resolve network issues promptly.
Can i cancel a student broadband?
Yes, it is. But you have to ensure it is within 14 days of getting the broadband to avoid accruing charges. However, if you are cancelling your broadband after 14 days, contact your provider to be sure of how much you will be paying for cancellation. Consider if it’s worth paying to switch to a better deal.
Sky Broadband
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
Offer ends 30th Jan. 2023
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
Offer ends 30th Jan. 2023
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
Offer ends 30th Jan. 2023
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
Offer ends 30th Jan. 2023
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
