Bubblely · bubblely.co.uk/getting-a-uk-sim · Free to print and share
1. Before you fly
- Check your phone is unlocked. A phone bought on contract in your home country may only work with that network. Ask your provider to unlock it before you leave. See how to check if your phone is unlocked.
- Check if your phone supports eSIM. Most recent iPhones, Google Pixels and Samsung Galaxy phones do. With an eSIM you can set up a UK plan before you travel and have a UK number when you land.
- Keep your home SIM. If your phone is dual SIM, keep your home number for bank security codes and family, and add a UK SIM or eSIM for data and local calls.
- Check your home network's roaming charges for the first few days, or turn off data roaming on your home SIM before you fly. See how to turn off data roaming.
- Save your university's address and contact details offline, in case you arrive before your SIM is working.
2. Your first day in the UK
You have three easy ways to get a UK number:
Buy online and scan a QR code. Works in minutes, with no shop visit. Our eSIM setup guide shows each step for iPhone and Android.
Order online to your UK address, such as your halls. Most networks send SIMs free, usually within a few days.
Supermarkets, phone shops and some airports sell SIMs. Pay as you go SIMs are often free or a few pounds.
Which kind of plan?
| Plan type | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling 30-day plan | A monthly allowance of data, calls and texts. Leave or change any month. | Most students: flexible, no long contract |
| Pay as you go | Top up credit and buy bundles when you need them. | Your first days, or very light use |
| 12 or 24-month contract | A fixed monthly price for a set term. Usually needs a credit check and a UK bank account. | Later, once you know what you need |
Many pay-monthly plans need a UK bank account for Direct Debit. Pay as you go, and some 30-day plans, let you pay by debit or credit card instead, so you can start before your UK account is open.
How much data do you need?
Halls and campus Wi-Fi cover a lot of your day, so many students are happy with 20GB to 50GB a month. If you stream a lot or don't have Wi-Fi where you live, choose a bigger or unlimited plan. Our data usage calculator works it out in 30 seconds.
3. Settling in
- Connect to eduroam. Most UK universities offer eduroam, free Wi-Fi you can also use at many other universities. Your university's IT pages explain how to sign in.
- Turn on Wi-Fi calling. It helps calls connect in buildings with thick walls. See how to turn on Wi-Fi calling.
- Call home over Wi-Fi. Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom use data or Wi-Fi, not call minutes.
- Register your UK number with your university, your GP surgery and your bank when you open an account.
- Keep your number if you switch. Text PAC to 65075 to move your number to a new network for free. See our switching guide.
Useful UK numbers
Staying safe from phone scams
- Be careful with unexpected calls or texts that claim to be from the Home Office, HMRC, the police or a bank and ask for payment or personal details. Hang up and contact the organisation using details from its official website.
- Never share security codes sent to your phone, even with someone who says they work for your bank or university.
- Check links before you tap. Delivery and parcel texts are a common way to steal card details.
Last checked 6 November 2026.