As T3 details in its back to school guide for 2021, there are plenty of products that we think are pretty much essential for a student going back to school, college or university. And among the most important is quality SIM plan.
Bagging one of the best SIM only deals is so important as a student's phone is the number one most used device, by a long way, that any learner uses while studying. It is, literally, a device that a student will use every single day and, as such, making sure it is powered by a SIM plan that delivers is crucial.
Grabbing a great SIM plan as a student gets even more important when you consider that today's smartphones are portable computers in their own right. From taking notes and attending video classes and seminars, to speaking with tutors and professors, through to communicating with friends as to just where you're all going to blow off some steam and party on Friday night, a student's phone sits at the centre of their student lifestyle.
But most students don't have buckets of cash to flash while studying, which is why T3 has created this best student SIM only deals guide for 2021. Here we've focussed on affordability and flexibility (as no student wants to be tied to a long-term contract) as the two most important factors when picking these SIM plans, as well as naturally ensuring they deliver strong allowances across the board.
In terms of allowances we've specifically raised data right to the top of the pile, too, as with large or unlimited amounts of data a student will never find themselves stuck and unable to study while on the go. Seriously, the ability to hotspot a phone's data connection to a laptop or tablet when there's no Wi-Fi is a seriously underrated tool, but to do it anxiety-free you need a SIM only deal you can trust.
How to choose the right student SIM only deal for you
There's a few things to consider when shopping for one of the best student SIM only deals.
First up, contract length. How long are you going to be at college or university? If it's for three years then consider a longer term contract as it will likely get you a better deal. However, before you pull the trigger be sure you...
...consider where you're going to study, which is the next thing to consider. Different networks have different coverage areas, and they can vary dramatically in terms of strength. As such, be sure to scope out each network's coverage map (simple online search) before pulling the trigger on an upgrade. After all, the last thing you want to do is get stuck for years with a network who has poor coverage in your educational establishment's area.
Finally, consider just what your actual needs are in terms of allowance, and ask yourself key questions. If you know your home or dorm and university or college has great Wi-Fi then maybe you don't need to cough up for large amounts of data? Or, equally, maybe you actually don't need 5G data speeds? Do you even have a 5G phone? Or are you about to get one? Would you actually be better going for a cheaper 4G only plan? All these things could be relevant to your choice.
Student SIM only deals comparison chart
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