Broadband hints and tips for students

The beginning of term is always a busy time. If you are moving into a new house you will already have unpacking, registration, and getting to grips with paying bills to contend with.

On top that you have to make time to catch up with old friends, or make sure you meet new ones. Searching around for the broadband package that most suits your needs may seem like a low priority, but you will find there are significant rewards to be gained through very little effort, so read on and find out why it's actually really easy.

The search for the best broadband package can be a confusing one. Providers are aware of this and will most likely try and push their most expensive package your way, but this package may not suit the needs of a student. Taking a few minutes to ensure you're getting the deal that is right for you can save you money, as well as granting you peace of mind.

To simplify the process, Broadbandchoices.co.uk have created a step-by-step guide to getting the best student broadband deal:

Step One - Isolate the aspect of the broadband deal that is most essential to you

The Contract: Broadband contracts are likely to be 12 months or more, which is great if you're going to be in your residence for this long, but perhaps not ideal for the nomadic lifestyle of a student. If you are likely to move around a lot, for example visiting friends on the weekends or spending long holidays at home, a non contractual option may be best for you.

Heavy Downloading: Many companies offer unlimited downloads, however it is worth noting this is just an industry term. Fair usage policies will apply, and the cost of breaking them can be considerable. Make sure you check your providers' policy, and download the free broadbandchoices.co.uk/broadband-download-monitor.html to monitor your downloads and keep you inside your limits.

TV, Broadband and Phone: If you want digital TV and/or a landline phone in your house, then getting a package that bundles them together with your internet could be the best decision. Sky's See, Speak and Surf includes all three services for £19 a month, with the option of adding more channels at an extra cost.

Speed: If fast download speeds are your bag, go for a provider that consistently delivers a high speed connection. According to the latest Broadband Choices speed tests, Karoo, O2 and Virgin Media all fared well in the speed department. To test how fast your internet is working, download the free broadband choices speed test tool. broadbandchoices.co.uk/speed-test.asp.

Now you know what you need, you must find out which ISPs operate on your street. This is simple. Log on to broadbandchoices.co.uk (you may have to do this on a laptop from a WiFi hotspot) and enter your postcode into their search box. In a few seconds all the providers and packages available will be on your screen. Apply the criteria that you and your housemates have set out and you should be able to pick out the deal that is right for you. Signing up online can also get you a discount with some service providers, so if this is the case, take advantage and use the money you have saved for a congratulatory drink!

Step 2 - Consider Going Mobile

Getting yourself a "dongle" or mobile USB connection has both positives and negatives. The dongle provides highly portable broadband connectivity and eliminates the need for a landline, but mobile packages have tight restrictions in download limits and big penalties for those who exceed them. 3 Mobile's broadband offers 1GB, 3GB or 7GB download capacities, but the financial hit for exceeding these limits is considerable. You will also find that taking a mobile broadband deal will invariably involve signing a long contract of 18 - 24 months, so if you are not happy or your needs change, you may find yourself stuck. One month mobile contracts are available however, and serve as a halfway house between long term fixed contracts and pay as you go options.

Step 3 - Be future proof with fibre optic

Fibre-optic is the new method used by Virgin Media to deliver their broadband internet. With Virgin Media, broadband connectivity is delivered through glass fibres the width of a human hair, as opposed to the traditional transportation method of broadband through copper wires. Virgin Media plan to roll out 50Mbps broadband connections by the end of the year, which will make them the fastest broadband provider in the UK. BT hope to counter this move by introducing 100Mbps connections in 2012.

Any Advice on which one to go for?

You want broadband with a contract...

Plusnet (plus.net) - £9.99 per month for 8Mb, with a free wireless router and free connection for 12 months.

Madasafish (madasafish.com) - £9.99 pm for 6 months and £14.99 after that for 8Mb, free connection and free wireless networking kit for 12 months.

O2 (o2.co.uk) - £12.99 pm a month for 8Mb with unlimited downloads for 12 months.

No contract would be better...

Be Broadband (bethere.co.uk) - £18 pm for 24Mb and unlimited usage. Connection is £24 and must provide notice 3 months in advance for cancellation.

Plusnet (plus.net) - £14.99 pm gives you 8Mb and unlimited downloads in the evenings, but you will have to pay £40 for connection.

Eclipse (eclipse.net) - £14.99 can get a one month contract with 8Mbs, there will be a £47 connection charge though.

I want to go mobile...

If you open a student bank account with Natwest before October you can get £50 off 3's mobile broadband. This will include a free dongle and a 50% discount on line rental if you are an existing customer. On top of this you can get a free Microsoft webcam and 5 year rail pass and even £100 off Asus laptops, making the banks student bank account very attractive.

For more information, visit BroadbandChoices.co.uk