More data.
Less money.
No contract.
The best SIM only deals for UK students. Big data allowances at prices that actually make sense on a student budget.
For the best value student SIM on a 12-month plan, Lebara's 100GB at £18 per month on Vodafone is hard to beat. If you want no contract and flexibility between home and university, giffgaff's 30-day plans from £10 per month on O2 are the go-to. Both have no credit check required.
Best student SIM deals right now
Lebara 100GB (12 month)
giffgaff 75GB (30 day)
giffgaff 40GB (30 day)
Lebara 50GB (12 month)
Chattr Unlimited (30 day)
Lebara Unlimited (12 month)
Asda Mobile 100GB (24 month)
How much data do you actually need?
Most students who think they need unlimited data actually do not. 100GB at £18 per month from Lebara covers almost everyone comfortably and costs less than unlimited. The only time unlimited genuinely makes sense is if you are regularly tethering your laptop to your phone as your main internet connection in your accommodation.
30-day or 12-month plan?
If you are settled at university for the year, lock in a 12-month plan. The savings are real. Lebara's 100GB 12-month plan at £18 is cheaper than their 30-day equivalent at £20, and you get a better allowance. Over a year that is a meaningful difference.
If you spend summer abroad or move around a lot between home and uni, the 30-day rolling plans from giffgaff are the smarter move. No exit fees, cancel any time, and the £10 to £12 plans cover most students perfectly well between home and campus WiFi.
Do student discounts actually save you money?
Honestly, less often than you would expect. Some networks offer verified student discounts through UNiDAYS or Student Beans, but the discounted price is often still higher than what budget networks like giffgaff or Lebara charge everyone by default. Always compare the discounted price against the open market before assuming the student deal is the best one. The plans on this page are available to everyone and beat most student-specific deals on pure value.
Questions people ask
For the best value on a 12-month plan, Lebara's 100GB at £18 per month on Vodafone is hard to beat. For no-contract flexibility, giffgaff's 30-day plans from £10 per month on O2 are the top pick. Both have no credit check required which matters if you are just starting out.
Some networks offer student discounts via UNiDAYS or Student Beans, but the discounted prices are often still higher than what budget networks charge everyone by default. Always compare the student deal against the open market. The plans on this page are available to everyone and beat most student-specific offers on price.
Most students use between 15 and 40GB per month. If you are on campus WiFi during the day, 30 to 50GB is usually plenty. If you use your phone as a hotspot for your laptop or stream a lot of video without WiFi, 100GB gives you room to breathe without worrying.
A 12-month plan is cheaper per month and worth it if you are settled at university. A 30-day plan costs a little more but gives you full flexibility if you move between home and uni or go abroad in the summer. For most students staying in one place for the year, the 12-month plan is the better deal.
It depends on the network and plan. Some providers include roaming in European countries as standard, others charge extra. Lebara is a strong choice if you travel internationally as it includes international minutes to 50 or more countries. Check the roaming terms before you sign up if travelling is likely.
Related deals and guides
Not sure which plan suits you?
Tell us how you use your phone and we will point you to the right deal.
Get help choosing