Getting a Mobile Phone

There are several companies to choose from, each with its own pros and cons: most places will not give you a contract phone without a deposit (£150-£400) or a bank account--depending on the plan and phone since most of us will have ZERO UK credit history. Your phone will usually be “locked” to the company you purchased the phone and the plan from (just remember this if you want to switch companies). A cheap, easy, quick option is to get a pay-as-you-go phone for your first few weeks.

Carphone Warehouse (Byres Road + various spots around city centre) will sell unlocked phones that can be used in the UK/EU/US as well as help you join a network of your choice - good for (relatively) impartial advice and getting the best deal
EE - formerly Orange and T-mobile. They are one of the first carriers in the UK to offer 4GEE service. Most other carriers are still on 3G or 4G though they are all slowly switching over, I think. Might be possible to negotiate a contract for non-UK residents since due to T-mobile international connections.
Vodafone- perhaps the most reliable network, though also tends to be most expensive. For American, this is the UK's version of Verizon.
O2 - also a more reliable network, again one of the pricier. These guys have a partnership with Sky so it might be possible to look for a deal there.
3 - Perfect for people who are internet junkies. They give the most data for the least amount of money and have good deals for pay as you go (still with lots of data).
Virgin- difficult for non UK citizens to get a contract with this group, they offer internet as well
Tesco Extra (the grocery store/heaven/closest thing to Target you'll have) also is a mobile phone provider. They are very affordable and do pay-as-you go for basic or smart phones, as well as contracts. Also great customer service at the Maryhill branch. The have also recently started providing 4G service at no extra cost.
Giffgaff- great, cheap plans. You can purchase a phone through them or have them send you a free SIM card. (I unlocked my iphone in the states and went with this option). You don't have to sign a contract and can pay monthly - great when you're travelling home for the holidays as you can pause your plan but still keep your number at no extra cost.

General Information for International Students

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