Mobile Phones in the UK

Most students in the UK need a mobile phone. It is often cheaper to use a UK SIM card rather than your home country SIM card.

There are several ways to pay for mobile phone services.

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Ways to Pay

Pay Monthly

You sign a contract and pay a fixed amount every month.
Contracts are often 12 months or longer.

Pay As You Go

You add credit before you use the phone.
There is no long-term contract, which can be convenient for short stays.

SIM Only

You use your own phone and insert a UK SIM card.
This is often a cheaper option, especially if you already have a phone.

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Main UK Mobile Networks

The main UK mobile networks are:

• • EE – ee.co.uk

• • O2 – o2.co.uk

• • Vodafone – vodafone.co.uk

• • Three – three.co.uk

• • Lebara – lebara.co.uk

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Mobile Phone Shops in the City Centre

You can find mobile phone shops in Westquay Shopping Centre and in other locations around Southampton city centre.

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SIM Cards

You can ask Reception for advice on where to buy a SIM card.

We also have free Lebara SIM cards available at Reception.

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International Calls

If you need to make international calls, compare prices carefully before choosing a plan.

Some providers include international minutes in certain packages.

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UK Phone Numbers: A Quick Guide

If a phone number begins with:

• 07 – usually a mobile phone
• 01 or 02 – a standard landline number
• 03 – a UK-wide number; calls cost no more than 01 or 02 numbers
• 0800 or 0808 – free from mobile phones and landlines
• 084, 087 or 09 – these numbers may cost more, so check the price first. 09 numbers can be very expensive.

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Calling the UK from Another Country

To call a UK number from another country, use +44 and remove the first 0.

For example:

• In the UK: 023 8022 8203
• From another country: +44 23 8022 8203

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Top Tips

• Check if your phone is unlocked before buying a UK SIM card.
• Compare data, call minutes, and text messages before choosing a plan.
• Be careful with 084, 087 and 09 numbers, as they may cost more.
• If you are staying for a short time, Pay As You Go or SIM Only may be the best option.
• Ask Reception if you are unsure which option is best for you.

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Useful Links

For more information, see:

• Ofcom’s guide to UK phone numbers
• Ofcom’s call costs guide.