Killer Mobile Phone Low Down for Students

University is an extremely important time in every students’ life, however it can be both confusing and expensive. While moving away from home may be liberating, it comes with many new monthly expenses. A mobile phone is a necessary cost at university. It allows you to stay in touch with loved ones, keep connected with friends, and build a new social network while in school. In this guide, you will discover which kinds of mobile contracts, phones, and service plans are right for you.

Mobile Contracts

Having a mobile contract in your name can be both exciting and expensive, and there are several factors you should consider before signing a contract. The first thing to consider is the contract length. Contracts lengths usually range from 12 to 24 months, and can result in extreme cancellation charges if ended early. Another important thing it consider is your responsibility as a consumer and your ability to pay bills on time. If you have trouble making a monthly payment on time, a lengthy contract may not be right for you. Late payments and and cancellations can negatively affect your credit. To avoid this, you can use services such as Direct Check, which automatically subtracts the funds from your bank every month.

An alternative to these long term contracts are offered by companies such as T-Mobile. Their short term contracts, which range from 1 to 12 months, are often more flexible than longer term contracts. If you are able to provide your own phone, a short term contract may be more suited to your budget. With both short and long term contracts, it is imperative that you purchase a data plan if you have a smart phone. Smart phones can access the internet, and without a data plan, charges will spiral out of control quickly hundreds of dollars at a time.

Types of Phones

Standard flip mobile phones are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Smart phones such as HTC and Iphone4 deals are quickly taking over because of their ability to double as personal organizers and social media tools. Android phones, powered by Google, feature tons of free applications including Facebook, Personal Organizer, Twitter, Tumblr, and more. Another useful application is Document Viewer, which allows you to read and edit Microsoft Word and Excel documents. If you find yourself using your mobile phone solely for calls and texts, a standard phone will best suit your needs. If you need your phone to access social media and use applications, a smart phone is the way to go.

An Alternative to Using Your Mobile Phone

As a student, you will find new ways to conserve your hard earned money. Cutting down on your monthly minutes will help you avoid overage chargers on your monthly bill. Skype is a voice over IP application that allows you to make calls for free. Although both users need to have Skype installed and running, it is a quick and easy way to make calls free of charge.

Keeping Your Phone Safe

The number one danger you will face with your new mobile phone is not your monthly bill, it is the possibility of losing or damaging your phone. Most mobile phone deals offer and insurance plan , where for a monthly charge (usually around 5-10 pounds), damaged or lost phones will be replaced by your phone company. If you have an expensive mobile phone, especially a smart phone, an insurance plan is extremely necessary. At university, you will be going out to parties, using public transportation, and using public areas. Phone theft in these places is extremely high, and if you’re not careful, you could quickly become a victim of mobile phone theft.

What You Should Avoid

There are many options in mobile phone contracts that are unnecessary and frivolous. Paying for ring tones and music is an easy way to raise your monthly bill. Most applications are free, so only pay for applications that you truly need. Services such as mobile broadband are enticing, however they are unnecessary for the average student. You made it to university, you’ve proven to everyone that you are already smart, so now it’s time to be smart about your mobile phone contract. Use your head, avoid unnecessary add-ons, and have fun at university!