For students, a reliable internet connection is almost as important as having a laptop.
Whether you are attending online classes, researching assignments, joining group meetings, streaming lectures or relaxing with Netflix after uni, your internet needs to keep up without costing more than necessary. But with so many internet plans available, how do you know which one is right for you?
Here are a few things students should consider before choosing an internet plan.
1. Think About How You Actually Use the Internet
Not every student needs the fastest internet plan available. If you mainly use the internet for browsing, emails, online research and occasional streaming, a lower-speed plan may be enough.
However, you may need a faster plan if you regularly:
- Join video classes or Zoom meetings
- Stream movies or TV in high definition
- Play online games
- Upload large assignments or video projects
- Use cloud-based software
- Share the connection with several housemates
Choosing a plan based on your actual usage can help you avoid paying for speed you do not need.
2. Consider How Many People Share the Connection
Living in a share house or apartment is common for students. While sharing internet can make the monthly cost cheaper, it also means more devices may be connected at the same time.
Imagine four housemates all using the internet in the evening. One person is gaming, another is watching Netflix, someone else is on a video call and another is downloading lecture materials. That creates much more demand than one person simply checking emails.
If you are sharing your internet connection, it is worth considering a plan with enough speed to support multiple users at once.
3. Look Beyond the Advertised Price
A cheap-looking internet plan is not always the cheapest option in the long run. Some introductory deals only apply for a limited number of months before the monthly price increases.
Before signing up, check:
- How long the promotional price lasts
- What the ongoing price will be
- Whether there are setup fees
- Whether you need to sign a contract
- Whether a modem or router is included
- Any cancellation or change fees
For students working with a limited budget, knowing the real ongoing cost can make planning your expenses much easier.
4. Check the Connection Available at Your Address
The internet services available to you depend on where you live. Different properties may be connected using different NBN technologies, such as FTTP, FTTB, FTTC or FTTN.
Some apartment buildings may also have alternative internet infrastructure available.
If you are moving into a new rental, student accommodation or apartment, it is a good idea to check your address before choosing a plan. This helps you understand which speeds and connection options are actually available at your property.
5. Think About Flexibility
Student life can change quickly. You might move to another suburb, change accommodation, return home during semester break or finish your studies sooner than expected.
For this reason, flexibility can be just as important as price.
Before choosing an internet provider, check whether the plan has a lock-in contract and what happens if you move home or need to cancel your service.
A flexible plan can make things much easier when your living situation changes.
Student NBN Plans from City Cable
City Cable currently offers student NBN plans, helping students stay connected without stretching their budget.
Whether you need internet for studying from home, video calls, entertainment or sharing with housemates, you can check the plans available to students and find an option that suits your needs.