Best Broadband for Students in the UK
Finding the right broadband as a student means balancing budget, contract length, and speed. Whether you're in a shared house or a studio flat, this guide helps you choose the best deal without overpaying.
Updated: February 2026
Contents
What Students Actually Need from Broadband
Student broadband priorities differ from typical household needs. Most students need:
Budget-Friendly Pricing
Student budgets are tight. The cheapest deals start around £18-20/month, and splitting costs in shared houses makes even premium packages affordable.
Flexible Contracts
Academic years don't match 24-month contracts. Look for 30-day rolling, 9-month, or 12-month deals to avoid paying through summer.
Reliable for Study
Dropping out of a Zoom lecture or losing connection during online exams is not an option. Reliability matters more than raw speed.
Multi-Person Ready
If you're in a shared house, the connection needs to handle 3-6 people streaming, studying, and gaming simultaneously.
Speed Requirements by Activity
The speed you need depends on what you do online and how many people share the connection. Here's a realistic breakdown:
| Activity | Speed Needed | People |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing & email | 5 Mbps | 1 |
| Lecture streaming (SD) | 5 Mbps | 1 |
| Lecture streaming (HD) | 10 Mbps | 1 |
| Zoom / Teams calls | 5-10 Mbps | 1 |
| Netflix / YouTube (4K) | 25 Mbps | 1 |
| Online gaming | 10-25 Mbps | 1 |
| Downloading large files | 50+ Mbps | 1 |
| Shared house (3 people) | 50-100 Mbps | 3 |
| Shared house (5+ people) | 100-300 Mbps | 5+ |
Quick rule: Take 25 Mbps per person as a comfortable baseline. A house of 4 students should aim for at least 100 Mbps. For context, check our broadband speed guide for more detail.
Contract Flexibility: The Student Trap
The biggest mistake students make is signing a 24-month contract for a 9-month tenancy. Here are your options:
30-Day Rolling ContractsBest for Students
Cancel anytime with 30 days' notice. Slightly more expensive per month but you only pay for months you're there. NOW Broadband is the standout here.
Example: 9 months at £18/mo = £162 total
12-Month Contracts
A good middle ground. You may pay for 3 summer months you don't use, but monthly costs are lower. Works well if you're staying in the same house for the full year.
Example: 12 months at £24/mo = £288 total
24-Month Contracts
Cheapest monthly rate but risky if your tenancy changes. Only choose this if you know you'll be at the same address for 2+ years. Early termination fees typically range from £50-£200+.
Example: 24 months at £22/mo = £528 total (but you might only need 9-18 months)
Best Broadband Providers for Students
These are our top picks, balancing price, contract flexibility, and speed for student needs:
NOW Broadband Brilliant
30-day rolling contract — perfect for 9-month academic years. No cancellation fees. Budget-friendly for 1-2 person flats.
Plusnet Full Fibre 74
Excellent value with UK-based customer service. Good speeds for 2-3 person houses. Competitive pricing from a trusted provider.
BT Full Fibre 150
BT occasionally offers student discounts and the Stay Fast Guarantee ensures you get the speed you pay for. Good for 3-4 person shared houses.
Virgin Media M250
Fast speeds for large shared houses. Cable network means independent infrastructure — no Openreach engineer needed. Great for 4-6 person houses.
University Halls vs Private Accommodation
| Factor | University Halls | Private Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi included? | Usually yes, in the rent | Rarely — you arrange it yourself |
| Speed | Varies widely — can be congested | You choose your own speed tier |
| Can you install your own? | Usually no | Yes — check with landlord first |
| Cost | Included in rent (£0 extra) | £5-15/month per person when split |
| Tip | Use Ethernet if possible; bring a powerline adapter | Get the fastest affordable deal and split it |
Money-Saving Tips for Student Broadband
Split costs in shared houses
A £30/month package split 4 ways is just £7.50 each — less than two coffees.
Check for student discounts
BT, Virgin Media, and others periodically offer student deals. Check at the start of each academic year.
Use cashback sites
TopCashback and Quidco often offer £30-70 cashback on broadband signups.
Match contract to tenancy
If your lease is 12 months, don't sign a 24-month broadband contract.
Compare before committing
Use our comparison tool to check what's available at your student address.
Avoid add-ons you don't need
Skip TV packages, phone line add-ons, and premium routers unless you actually need them.
Student Broadband FAQs
Can I get broadband for just 9 months (one academic year)?
Yes — NOW Broadband offers 30-day rolling contracts with no cancellation fees, so you can cancel when term ends. Some providers also offer 9-month student-specific contracts periodically.
How much broadband speed do students need?
For a single student, 30-50 Mbps is plenty for streaming lectures, video calls, and general browsing. For shared houses of 3-5 people, aim for 100-300 Mbps so everyone can stream and study simultaneously.
Can I split broadband costs with housemates?
Absolutely — this is the most common approach. One person sets up the account and others contribute monthly. Apps like Splitwise or standing orders work well. Just agree on the arrangement before signing up.
Should I get broadband in university halls?
Usually not — most university halls include WiFi in the rent. Check with your accommodation office first. If it's included, you won't be able to install your own broadband anyway.
What if I'm locked into a long contract and need to move?
Most providers let you move your broadband to a new address for free. If broadband isn't available at the new address, you can usually cancel without early termination fees. Always check the provider's moving policy.
Ready to Find Your Student Broadband Deal?
Compare the latest prices and find the best deal for your student house or flat.