Best Phone Plans for College Students: Revealed

College students have tight budgets but still need a plan to cover all their needs during university. Find out more here about the best phone plans for college students!

As a student, you are probably looking for ways to save money on things like textbooks, meals, and transportation. Your phone plan should not be overlooked, as companies typically offer special discounts for college students. Whether you are living on or off campus, your phone will likely be your lifeline for scheduling and communication while in school (and after graduation). To make the process a bit easier, we’ve created this comparative list of the best phone plans for college students!

If you are living and studying on campus, you will probably need a reliable phone plan in order to keep up with specific course needs and to access academic data. For those living at home or off campus, your phone will likely be your lifeline to maintain communication with professors and classmates. Make sure you check out all the best phone plans for college students to make sure you are not paying for more than you need.

Source: Unsplash

Even for those who already completed their academic degrees, smartphones are used every day in order to make our lives easier. We manage emails, appointments, track finances and exercise routines, shop, make plans with friends, and get directions. A lot of people feel lost when choosing a phone and provider, but with a little research and comparison, the decision can be made much easier!

Factors to consider when choosing cell phone plans for college students:

Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data (or as close to unlimited data as possible)

Think about the plan you are already using. How much data do you really need? How much texting do you really need? Once you understand your own needs, you can choose a plan that best suits your lifestyle.

Monthly Charges and Pricing – family plan & personal plans

Many students remain on their family phone plan during their college years. By opting out of an individual plan, you won’t need to stress about choosing the right one just yet.

Coverage Options

Finally, you will want to think about your location-based needs when choosing the best phone plan for you. Students who work while they study, or take care of families and commute to school, will probably require additional coverage than a first-year student utilizing the campus services.

Source: Unsplash

Best Phone Plans for College Students in the U.S.

Signature Program

Sprint Student Discount

Verizon Wireless Student Discounts

Students earning their degrees online should consider a plan that bundles both their phone and internet plans. Because their life will be largely centered at home or in some type of workspace, they can save on these plans by combining the two!

For international students studying in the US, it can be difficult to find the right cell phone plan. But don’t worry! Many companies offer prepaid or pay-as-you-go plans without the hassle of complicated contracts. Before you start studying, look into the following options for your next plan.

Source: Unsplash

Simple Mobile 30-Day Plans

Global Free 100 Plan

Total Wireless 30-Day Plan

Source: Unsplash

Best Phone Plans for College Students Outside the U.S.

If you are travelling or studying outside of the U.S. and are in need of a phone plan, you might be interested in an international SIM card. Alternatively, you can also pay a bit extra from your current U.S. provider in order to set up a reasonable international plan. Many phone plans from different companies will offer deals for international roaming — check with your provider about their student discounts!

Europe

You can easily find a European SIM card with a pay-by-use feature, which means that you can put as much money as you want on the card and each call will be deducted from that balance. Typically, you will receive a text message updating you on the amount used after making a call or text. You will need either a European phone or an unlocked phone to set up the SIM card, which can easily be refilled at local newsstands and mobile shops.

Asia

When using a smartphone in Asia, remember to unlock your phone so that it can operate on the correct frequency. Because many Asian countries use the CMDA standard, the phone must have the correct hardware for the country you are visiting. The easiest way to find out if your current smartphone will work is to ask your carrier, who often can simply unlock the phone for you!

South America

Like many parts of the world, you can easily operate your unlocked cell phone from South America by using a local SIM card. Typically, these can be purchased after you arrive for around $30. With access to WiFi, you can use your phone just about anywhere through apps like Skype and WhatsApp. The cheapest way to make international calls is through a phone card, which can be purchased at local corner stores and kiosks, usually costing around 5 cents per minute.

Canada

The most common phone providers in Canada include Telus, Bell, Rogers, and Fido. They typically offer special rate plans and even additional discounts with a minimum commitment of two years. Be aware that with many of these plans, the monthly limit will apply not only to outgoing calls but also to incoming calls.

Source: Unsplash

Final Thoughts

If you are a college student looking for ways to save, just ask! You can find respectable student discounts at most phone providers just by presenting your student ID. For those studying on a college campus, the best plan for you will likely include unlimited talk, text, and data, so that you can keep up with both your busy academic schedule and with your weekend plans.

Students living off-campus might prefer a pay-as-you-go plan, avoiding the commitment of monthly rates and contracts. And, if you are studying outside of the US, your best option will be to unlock your current phone and to purchase a local SIM card wherever you are. Regardless of your situation, don’t stress about finding the best phone plan as a college student — there is an option for everyone, both at home and abroad!