September move-in is here and these are five ways students can save money on broadband

Catherine Hiley, broadband expert at Go.Compare is warning that buying equipment they already have is just one of five broadband mistakes students make before term begins. Some of these errors could cost money long after they've moved out.

She says: “Moving into your first place is one of the most exciting things you'll do as a student, and it's also when big financial decisions start coming thick and fast. Broadband often gets pushed down the to-do list, leading people to rush into the first deal they find. A few simple checks before signing a contract can save students money and help them get broadband that works for the way they live.”

Below Catherine describes five ways students can save money on broadband this year:

1. Check for student offers before signing up

Many providers launch student discounts and flexible contract options in the run-up to the start of the academic year. This can include shorter contract offers, competitive pricing and exclusive discounts. Comparing deals before committing could help students find a better option and save money from day one.

2. Do the maths on contract length before you commit

Student accommodation tenancies are usually around 9-12 months, which means standard broadband contracts often outlast student rental agreements. This can cause students to have to pay early exit fees or to continue forking out for broadband they no longer use [2].

Rolling monthly deals solve that problem, but they come at a premium. Go.Compare data shows a one-month rolling contract averages £37.29 a month, compared to £25.16 for an 18-month deal [3]. Over a year, that flexibility costs around £145 more.

3. Check what's already included before buying a mesh Wi-Fi system

Many broadband packages with BT, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone already include Wi-Fi boosters or whole-home coverage that customers never activate. Searches for ‘mesh Wi-Fi' have increased by 130% over the past year. Before spending money on a mesh system, students should check what’s already included with the broadband to avoid extra cost. [1,4,5]

4. Set up a fair bill-splitting system from the start

In shared houses, a broadband bill is usually in one housemate’s name. If other housemates fail to pay their share, then all responsibility falls to the account holder for the full bill. It’s a good idea to investigate bill-splitting apps and multi-person account management or setting up a fair payment system from the start to help avoid disputes.

5. Check halls broadband speeds before moving in

Halls of residence almost always include broadband as part of the rent. Although shared connections can struggle when lots of students are streaming, gaming and video calling at the same time. For students in university halls, it is worth checking broadband speeds before moving in. Unlike shared houses, halls often don't permit additional equipment like routers or boosters. So if the connection is poor, switching to a SIM-only mobile data plan for heavy usage could be a more practical and cost-effective solution.[6]

Catherine Hiley adds: “Before signing your first broadband contract, take time to compare options and check what’s included in the package. Look at contract length, find out if Wi-Fi boosters are included, check accommodation broadband availability and find any student offers that might be available. Quick checks like these help you choose a broadband package that fits both your budget and your tenancy”.

Students can compare broadband deals and find the best deal for them with Go.Compare.