Which Phone Plan for College Students in the USA: Everything You Need to Know

Life as an international student can be quite tough. 

Adjusting to the new changes, making friends, eating nutritious food, tackling financial challenges; this is one list that is, sadly, very long. 

One of the more important ones on the list is the need to select the right phone plan. 

The word “right” is important here because there are plenty of carriers in the U.S. offering exciting plans. But looks can be deceiving. What might appear as a great deal on the outside might be riddled with complications and surprises. That is what makes an already difficult student life decision even more difficult. 

We’re here to help you deal with that. 

In the sections below, we deep dive into everything related to the phone plans for college students. 

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer picture of phone plans in the U.S. We’ve also thrown in some recommendations to make things easier for you. Let’s dive in. 

Why Do International Students Need a US Phone Plan? 

Let’s first address one of the biggest shopping list items: A very reliable phone plan.  

The average college student, whether they’re from the U.S. or outside the U.S., will need a phone plan. 

The need for a phone plan is a bit on the higher side for international students. They’ll have to stay in touch with their family and friends back home, which is very important when it comes to dealing with homesickness and adjusting to their new life. 

Then come the essentials. Here are other areas where college students, both local and international, will need a phone plan. 

• Connect with fellow students, professors, landlords, and other people they meet. 
• Receive OTPs and other important calls and messages from financial and government institutions and businesses. 
• Tackle exorbitant roaming charges that drain your wallet faster than you think. 
• Use essential apps like Maps, ridesharing, and university portals. 
• Get easy access to emergency services. 
• Maintain your digital footprint in the US. 

Types of Phone Plans for College Students in the USA 

Now that you know the importance of a phone plan for college students, let’s now look at the types of mobile plans available. Two names regularly pop up when the topic of mobile plans comes up: postpaid and prepaid. 

Postpaid 

In the postpaid model, you pay for the benefits after you have used them. This is not the recommended option for international students looking for mobile plans due to a couple of reasons. 

First, you’ll have to pass a credit check before you can get one. And for a credit check, you need a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An international student can only get an SSN if they’ve been authorized to work on or off campus, and they meet the requirements of the Social Security Administration (SSA). The entire process can be very complicated. 

Also, if you have a poor or no credit score, it becomes downright impossible to buy a postpaid plan. 

Second, the concept of contracts. Postpaid phone plans for college students involve lengthy contracts. The duration can range anywhere from 3 months to up to a year, sometimes even more. These contracts may help you save money in the long run, but things can take a turn for the worse if you decide to switch plans before the contract expires. 

Prepaid 

The prepaid model is the opposite of the postpaid model, meaning you pay for the benefits before you use them. The benefits offered by prepaid phone plans for students in the U.S. will be valid for 30 days, after which they’ll have to be renewed. 

This is where prepaid plans get a clear edge over postpaid plans. After the validity expires, you get to decide whether to stick with the same plan or pick a different plan. The choice is yours! 

Prepaid plans also don’t come with any type of credit checks or contracts. And you will be paying a fixed amount each month, helping you better budget your monthly expenses. 

Prepaid vs. Postpaid Plans, Which Is Better for Students? 

Okay, now that we’ve discussed the two types of phone plans for college students, it’s time to make a decision. 

Both types of plans have their pros and cons. Do your research before choosing one. 

Pick a prepaid phone plan in the U.S. if 

• You want better control over your mobile phone usage and spending. 
• You don’t like contracts. 
• You don’t have an SSN or ITIN. 
• You have a tight budget and cannot afford to overspend. 
• You need a barebones phone plan with just call, text, and data, without any perks. 
• You’re looking to try out different operators in the US. 
• You’re not a fan of surprise charges. 

Pick a postpaid student SIM card in the U.S. if 

• You’re expected to stay in the USA for the next 24 to 36 months. 
• You have a valid SSN/ITIN. 
• You’re a heavy user and don’t like call, text, or data restrictions. 
• You don’t have a device and are looking for convenient financing options. 
• Your family already has a shared plan. 
• You need the additional perks along with the basic benefits. 

Hope this clears things and helps you choose between a prepaid no-contract SIM card in the USA and a postpaid phone plan. 

How to Get a SIM Card as an International Student 

You now have all the information you need to choose a mobile plan as an international student. 

So, here’s a quick guide on how you can get a SIM card as an international student. 

A point to note here is that, since we’re talking about international students, we’re only sticking with prepaid phone plans in the U.S. This is because international students don’t have an SSN or ITIN required to pass credit checks when buying a postpaid plan. 

Step 1: Ensure Lock Status 

Some mobile phones are tied to a specific network provider. This happens when you purchase a mobile device from them. In such cases, mobile devices will not support SIM cards from any other operators. The only way to counter this is by contacting the network provider the device is tied to and raising an unlock request. 

Now there are two ways to check the lock status of a device. You can enter your device’s IMEI on third-party websites, which will show the current lock status. 

Or you can check the locked status in your phone settings. Here’s how you do it. 

Android: 

1. Open the Settings app. 
2. Tap Connection or Network and Internet. 
3. Tap Mobile Network 
4. Tap Choose Network. 

If you’re restricted to just one network, then your phone is locked. Get in touch with customer support on the next steps involved. 

iOS: 

1. Open the Settings app. 
2. Tap General. 
3. Tap About. 
4. Tap Carrier Lock. 

Locked phones display the name of the network they’re tied to. If your phone is unlocked, you’ll see a “No SIM restrictions” message. 

Step 2: Pick a Provider 

Next, it’s time to select a network provider. 

You get to choose between the major MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) and MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). 

MNOs may be on the expensive side when compared to MVNOs. The plans from MVNOs also focus on international benefits when compared to MNOs. 

So, if you’re an international student, we recommend picking a budget-friendly MVNO like Lyca Mobile. 

Also, it helps to check the coverage of the network provider in your location. Look for a coverage map, like this one from Lyca Mobile, to ensure reliable coverage in your location. 

Step 3: Choose Between a Physical SIM or an eSIM 

We always recommend choosing an eSIM over a physical SIM card. 

Why, you ask? 

Well, because eSIMs are 100% digital and super convenient. You don’t have to fiddle with the SIM ejector tool or anything. Just scan the QR code and make a few taps. You’re done! 

You can also store multiple eSIM profiles and activate them as and when you see fit. 

That said, compatibility can be a concern when it comes to eSIMs. If you’re not sure whether your smartphone supports eSIMs, dial *#06# in your phone app. If you see an EID (Embedded Identity Document), then your smartphone supports eSIMs. 

If your device doesn’t support eSIMs, no worries, you can still opt for a physical SIM card. Operators, like Lyca Mobile, offer prepaid plans with physical SIMs at no extra cost. 

If you have one of those modern devices with one physical SIM card slot and one eSIM, then consider opting for an eSIM. The advantages are just too many to ignore. 

Step 4: Choose a Preferred Mode of Payment 

Now that you have chosen a plan, it’s time to pay for it. 

If you’re ordering your SIM card online, then you will have to pay using a credit or debit card, provided it can make international payments. 

Otherwise, you always have the option to walk into any authorized store and buy a no-contract SIM card in the USA by paying cash. 

Step 5: Activate Your Connection 

All that’s now left is to activate your SIM card/eSIM. 

If it’s a physical SIM card, just insert it into your smartphone and wait for the signal bars to refresh. If you run into issues, try enabling/disabling airplane mode or restarting your device. 

As for eSIMs, you just have to scan the activation QR code the operator sends you. Follow the prompts and your eSIM + plan bundle will be activated. 

Best Affordable Phone Plans for College Students 

When it comes to affordable phone plans for college students, very few operators come close to Lyca Mobile. 

Here are the top prepaid phone plans for students in the USA from Lyca Mobile. 

• The Unlimited Plus 
• The $33 High Data Plan 
• The $39 Unlimited International Plan  
• The $23 Unlimited International Plan 

What you get with these plans: 

• High-speed 4G/5G data 
• Unlimited US calls and SMS 
• Unlimited international calls and SMS to 100 countries 
• Dedicated hotspot data 
• Bonus roaming credit 

You also get the opportunity to purchase some of these plans for up to 12 months, saving more in the process. Please refer to the terms and conditions for more information. 

Do You Need to Pass a Credit Check for Student Plans? 

The answer to this question is yes and no. 

No, you don’t need to go through a credit check if you’re purchasing a prepaid SIM/eSIM for international students. 

Yes, you will have to go through a credit check if you opt for a postpaid phone plan. 

As said earlier, we always recommend getting a prepaid plan, not just for the benefits it offers, but also for the flexibility that comes along. 

Winding Up 

We know that student life is difficult. The rising costs don’t make things any easier either. 

A reliable mobile plan is one of those small things that can make a huge difference. A call or a text from a loved one can work wonders on the psyche of a student who’s going through a rough time. 

You don’t have to shell out a significant sum to buy a mobile plan with all the essential benefits. Lyca Mobile has some cheap phone plans for students in the USA with everything they need and want, including international calling and hotspot data. 

Get a Lyca Mobile prepaid phone plan for college students and enjoy super-fast data and connectivity, inside and outside the USA!