Pay as you go, not a fortune

Whether you have just arrived in London or are preparing to start your studies at LSE, staying connected is essential. With numerous mobile providers in the UK offering competitive deals, it can be challenging to select the right one. This is especially true for international students who may be travelling home during term breaks.

If you would prefer a SIM card delivered directly to your hall or home, many providers offer this service.

Some plans include EU roaming at no extra cost, which is helpful if you plan to travel across Europe. Check the roaming allowance before choosing your plan.

Here is a summary of some popular and student-friendly SIM card deals, along with tips on whether to choose pay-as-you-go or a contract.

💰 Why Choose Pay As You Go? 

• No long-term commitment. Most plans are 30-day rolling

• Easy to cancel or change. Ideal if you are returning home during the holidays

• Simple and flexible. Pay for what you need, when you need it

📄Why contract?

• Usually offers more data for a lower price in the long term
  
• May come with extra perks such as phone deals or added roaming
  
• Less flexible. Not ideal if you plan to be away during Christmas or summer breaks

GiffGaff 

https://www.giffgaff.com/

GiffGaff launched a £10 student plan in September 2024 that provides 60GB of data for 12 months, then 20GB from month 13 onwards. You can access this discount by adding your student ac.uk email address to your GiffGaff account. Keep an eye out for student discounts as the student offer for September 2025 hasn't been announced yet. 

1GB of emergency data is reserved if you run out (available after your third month of payment), and you can use up to 5GB for roaming in the EU and selected destinations.

Pay As You Go

·      Price (monthly): £10 

·      Texts: Unlimited (UK only)

·      Calls: Unlimited (UK only)

·      Data (5G): 15 GB

Contract (18 months)

·      Price (monthly): £10

·      Texts: Unlimited (UK only)

·      Calls: Unlimited (UK only)

·      Data (5G): 25 GB

Order a free SIM here: https://www.giffgaff.com/free-sim-cards?onlySim=true

Voxi 

https://www.voxi.co.uk/

VOXI is known for offering unlimited use of social media apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, without using your data. All plans are flexible and available with eSIM, which works with most new phones.

Monthly rolling Plan

·      Price (monthly): £10.00 

·      Texts: Unlimited (UK only) 

·      Calls: Unlimited (UK only) 

·      Picture messages: Unlimited (UK only) 

·      Data (5G): 60GB (normally 20GB, offer ends 1 October 2025)

Order free SIM card here: https://www.voxi.co.uk/free-sim

Asda mobile 

https://mobile.asda.com/

ASDA Mobile allows you to use your minutes, texts and data in 46 European countries at no extra cost. There is a 5GB roaming data limit.

Pay As You Go

·      Price (monthly): £8 

·      Texts: Unlimited (UK only) 

·      Calls: Unlimited (UK only) 

·      Data (5G): 10GB

Contract (24 months)

·      Price (monthly): £7 

·      Texts: Unlimited (UK only) 

·      Calls: Unlimited (UK only) 

·      Data (5G): 10GB 

·      Bonus: Receive 5% of your monthly cost in your ASDA Rewards Cashpot

You need to select a flexible pay-as-you-go plan to receive your free SIM: https://mobile.asda.com/order-free-sim

Tesco 

https://www.tescomobile.com/sim-only-products

Tesco Mobile includes roaming in 48 Home From Home EU destinations until 2026, allowing you to use your minutes, texts and data as if you were in the UK.

Pay As You Go

·      Price (monthly): £10 

·      Texts: 5,000 

·      Calls: 5,000 minutes 

·      Data (5G): 10GB

Contract (24 months)

·      Price (monthly): £9 with Clubcard, £10 regular price 

·      Texts: Unlimited 

·      Calls: Unlimited 

·      Data (4G & 5G): 10GB 

·      No EU roaming fees until 2026

Order a free SIM here: https://www.tescomobile.com/order-sim

Lebara

https://www.lebara.com/en/home.html

Lebara is a great choice if you often make international calls. Each plan includes 100 international minutes to over 50 countries. You can also use up to 30GB of your data allowance while roaming in the EU and India. 

To access student discounts, check Student Beans or other student offer platforms.

Pay As You Go

·      Price (monthly): £10 

·      Texts: Unlimited 

·      Calls: Unlimited (UK), 100 international minutes from the UK to over 50 countries 

·      Data (4G & 5G): 30GB

Contract (12-month Plan)

·      Price (monthly): £9 

·      Texts: Unlimited 

·      Calls: Unlimited (UK), 100 international minutes from the UK to over 50 countries 

·      Data (4G & 5G): 30GB

Order a free SIM here: https://www.lebara.co.uk/en/free-sim.html

There are plenty of other deals available as well. Keep checking and switching your plan to get the best value for money.