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We list below the leading student wifi companies and discuss the wifi packages they have for students, or ones that might provide the flexibility that students need.
We have listed the suppliers according to what it would cost over 9 months, but also display the cost for 12 and 24 month periods. This allows you to find the best wifi deal for your student home. Many of these providers have special offers from time to time so do check.
Prices are as at time of research but are subject to change.
Most wifi packages have minimum contract terms. Generally the longer the less they will cost you - but finding one which allows you to walk away when you plan to leave the property can be key.
Our table above displays the costs over a variety of different time periods - as, even if you are planning to stay in your property for just one academic year, it can still be cheaper to get an 18 month contract. One detail to consider though, if you plan to go down that route, there will be a large bill to pay when you leave - so make sure you know how you will fund that - otherwise the person who has taken responsibility for the account could have a hard time getting the last payment from housemates after they have left the property.
Be realistic here - if you are in a house full of gamers or have keen watchers of high definition NetFlix you will obviously need more capacity than a home full of FaceBook fans.
Whichever deal you choose, make sure you have unlimited bandwidth - the idea of being unable to send a final project as a housemate has used up all your allowance downloading Game of Thrones is not worth thinking about!
When it comes to speed think about...
A standard (non-fibre) wifi package may well be ideal in a house with up to three of you. As there is more competition in this market, prices tend to be the lower. However, If there are more than three of you, you will probably be better off with a higher speed line.
The download speeds shown are the average - Bear in mind that at peak times (which may well be when you want to use the internet) speeds are more likely to be slower - and first thing in the morning much faster!
This is similar to choosing the right mobile phone package - if you like to stream music and videos, you will need more than if you just browse the net. For instance you need around 2Mbps per device to watch standard definition TV through BBC iPlayer (3 Mbps for HD).
Fibre optic tends to be better for households of 4 or more people, or for those households wanting really fast download speeds. This is if fibre is available in your house - it still hasn't reached everywhere. This options also tends to be more reliable.
All the main providers offer packages which include TV with your wifi package. Chat to your housemates as to whether you want to add this to your wifi agreement. Phones, as mobiles are more popular, are less important.
This is an easy one - wireless for definite. Do consider whether you will also need booster units - these can be essential in larger homes in order to reach every corner of the property. Some providers offer these boosters either free or as an optional extra. Well worth taking up on them if you are living in an older houses with thicker walls.
All in all, remember that your wifi connection is probably going to be vital in your student house for both studying and leisure - so taking steps to get the right student wifi deal before you buy is definitely worth the time!
This content was last reviewed on 26/11/2024