It's very easy to overspend on mobile and broadband contracts.
Mobile
Consider using a SIM-only tariff, which you can get without a contract, and includes a monthly bundle of minutes, data and texts. Make sure that you pay only for what you need. Avoid the most expensive bundles if you don’t use as much – for example, don’t get a 5gb/month tariff if you only use 1gb a month of data.
If you take out a contract, shop around and make sure you get the best deal.
Broadband
Broadband can be very expensive, especially if you decide to get a bundle with digital TV and phone calls. To help you make the right decision, think about your answers to these five questions before you sign on the dotted line.
If you live in University accommodation, Internet will be included in your rent. If you live in private accommodation you may want to get broadband at home.
However, there are plenty of places on campus where you can get online, including the libraries, and you can access WiFi anywhere on campus. The Philip Robinson Library alone has more than 425 computers, and as a registered University student you’re free to use them up until the library closes. Do you really need broadband at home too?
The library computers are very popular, and students may spend hours at a time logged on. Get there early to make sure you get a computer. If you're only using one for keeping in touch with friends, spare a thought for students who may be waiting to research or complete their coursework, especially during busy periods.
If you still think that you absolutely must get broadband where you live, take the time to compare your options. Find yourself a good deal by visiting an Ofcom approved student broadband comparison site.
Most broadband packages have a minimum contract term of at least 12 months. If you leave before that, you may be left with very hefty exit fees. So, make sure you get a package with an appropriate contract length.
If you'll be leaving your student accommodation in the summer, get a broadband deal with a nine-month contract. Nine-month broadband contracts are pretty rare, but some top providers offer them during the first couple of months of the autumn term.
If you’ll definitely be staying in your student home over the summer, you won’t need to worry about short contract broadband. Packages with 12 month contracts often work out cheaper than short contract deals, and you’ll still be able to get online during the holidays. So, if you’re 100% sure that you won’t be leaving or moving once the summer term ends, you’ll most likely find that you’ve got many more options for getting a good deal on broadband.
You need to work out what your budget is and then stick to it!
When you place your order, you'll almost certainly be offered some added bonus that sounds like a bargain - but something’s only a bargain if you need it and you can afford it.
With almost all types of broadband, you'll also have to pay line rental. This can add around £15 a month to your bill. Be careful to take any one-off charges into account, such as installation or activation fees, non-direct debit charges and so on. Make sure you know exactly what you're going to pay before you buy.
If you're in a shared house, pool your funds together to get a good package that will be fast enough to support you all. Resist the temptation to buy anything that you don’t really need.
If you live alone, speed and download limit (or “monthly usage allowance”) probably won’t be too much of an issue, especially if you keep your movie downloads to a minimum. Look for a budget deal and make sure you stick to your download limits, or get one of the cheaper and slower fibre optic broadband packages.
If you're going to be sharing a single broadband connection amongst a houseful of fellow students, you will need a faster option with a high or unlimited usage allowance.
Many providers offer broadband in bundles with home phone and digital TV. Buying two or three services from a single provider usually works out cheaper than using a different provider for each. But, as with anything else, this only represents good value for money if you were going to buy these services anyway, and if you can actually afford them!
When ordering your broadband, you may find that the provider tries to “upsell” to you. They will encourage you to take other services, so be careful what you agree to order. If you can afford it, get digital TV to go with your broadband, but make sure your budget can cover it.
If you get a package with TV, you’ll also have to buy a TV licence or risk a very heavy fine.