Best cheap SIM deal for students revealed – £2.38 a month with free EU roaming
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Our top-rated SIM for students costs just £2.38 a month, offers 10GB of EU-usable data, and can be cancelled at any time – making it a smart and flexible choice for student life.
Let’s start with the best deal we can find for students. We have tried and tested this SIM card for two months and it is our top-rated cheap SIM deal.
Lebara offers several cheap SIM deals exclusively to comparison website Uswitch. Of those the 10GB SIM card is the best. It costs £2.38 per month and it is a rolling monthly contract that can be cancelled anytime.
The 10GB of data can be used abroad in European countries, which is not something offered with a lot of the big name SIM card providers. It means the SIM card is perfect to use for a holiday if you do not want to shell out for an expensive data roaming add on with your usual contract.
We used the deal with heavy social media use and live streaming services including Netflix and Youtube and over 30 days did not come close to the 10GB limit. However, there are options up to 100GB for less than £5 if you want more data. You can see them here.
The Lebara SIM arrived within two days of placing the order and was easy to install and set up. Cancellation is easy too and that allows you to be flexible with your phone contract.
The best tips for getting a cheap SIM deal as a student
1. Flexibility over price
When money is tight you do not want to be stuck in a contract over a long period of time. While it may be more admin the ability to cancel your SIM contract instantly and find a cheaper one can be a good way to keep costs down.
The bigger name SIM deals from the likes of EE, Sky and Three usually come with a minimum contract of 12-36 months. If you want that extra flexibility you can choose a monthly contract. The likes of Lebara, giffgaff and Smarty offer monthly contracts that can be cancelled at any time.
2. Check the price rises
Monthly SIM prices usually rise every April and contract providers usually tell you how much you will be paying when the price rises come in. It can range from 3-7% depending on the brand so check carefully if you are committing to a longer term contract. ID Mobile is a good option here because it promises no mid-contract price rises.
The budget SIM providers will often offer a massive discount for the first few months of the deal before the price rises later on.
3. Data over gimmicks
The past few years has seen a rise in SIM providers offering free data for use on certain social media networks, cashback when you get the deal, or gift cards from retailers such as Currys.
While these may be tempting we have found the best deals simply offer more data, minutes and texts for a lower price. No gimmicks, just a lower monthly cost.
4. Choose the right network
A few minutes of research could save you a huge headache when you finally head to your university halls. Check the mobile phone coverage in the area and make sure the SIM you choose uses a network that will allow you to have signal. You can use Ofcom’s coverage checker tool here.
Easy to set up, Low monthly price, Data can be used abroad, Uses the Vodafone network
Price rises after three months
The Lebara 10GB SIM, offered exclusively with Uswitch, is our pick of the cheap SIM cards. Easy to buy and set up, it costs just £2.38 a month for the first three months. It uses the Vodafone network so you can expect good coverage.
The Lebara SIM comes with unlimited texts and calls, and you can use your data allowance in European countries without worrying about extra roaming charges.
It is best for short-term use as it rises to £5.95 after three months.
After selling out within 48 hours of launch, ICONIC London’s first skincare product has returned. The Matcha Melting Cleansing Balm combines antioxidant-rich matcha, ceramides and squalane in a cleanser designed to remove makeup and impurities while leaving skin feeling hydrated and prepped for the next step in a routine.
Used car buyers are increasingly relying on independent vehicle data rather than appearances alone, as concerns around hidden finance, insurance write-offs and mileage discrepancies continue to shape purchasing decisions.
Theme parks are increasingly shifting beyond rides alone, with short breaks, themed hotels and family attractions turning them into longer getaway experiences rather than simple day visits. Alton Towers seems to be leading the way.