Best Phone Plans for Students

Saving money as a student? Non-negotiable. Staying connected? Absolutely essential. Whether you’re texting your group chat, streaming your favorite shows between classes, or hopping on Zoom for a study session, your phone plan needs to keep up—without draining your wallet.

Let’s break down how students can find the best mobile plans for school, social life, and everything in between.

Why Choosing the Right Plan Matters

Being a student means juggling assignments, friends, clubs, late-night snacks, and oh yeah, trying to not go broke. The wrong phone plan can sneak in fees, slow you down with bad campus coverage, or leave you stranded in a dead zone during an important call.

Here’s what you need to think about:

  • Tight budget? You don’t need a $90/month plan to stay connected.

  • School first! Homework, online classes, and Google Docs require data too.

  • Wi-Fi isn’t everywhere. You’ll need data backup when the campus network is overloaded.

  • Good coverage is key. Especially if you're walking across campus or traveling home.

High School Students: What to Look For

Affordable Pricing & Low Data Needs

High schoolers typically use their phones for social media, texting, and some online research. No need for a mega-data plan! Look for:

  • Budget plans like Mint Mobile’s 5 GB plan (~$15/month).

  • Family plan add-ons to save more and stay under one bill.

No Contracts & Easy Setup

Skip the stress of contracts or credit checks. Prepaid plans or MVNOs (like Mint, Tello, Twigby, or US Mobile) offer:

  • Month-to-month flexibility

  • No surprise fees

  • Easy setup—parents will thank you

College Students: What to Prioritize

Data Plans That Can Handle Heavy Use

Between Netflix, Spotify, Zoom classes, and TikTok, you’re using a lot of data. Opt for:

  • Unlimited or mid-tier plans, like Visible Unlimited or US Mobile Starter (~$25–$40/month)

  • Enough high-speed data to handle your screen time

Coverage for Campus, Study Abroad & Travel

Good coverage = fewer headaches. Use Goji’s coverage map to make sure your plan works where you are.

Not sure how your school stacks up? We evaluated cell coverage on 20 of the largest college campuses across the country to help you find the best service for your campus life.

👉 See if we evaluated your school

Hotspot, International Calling & Roaming

Whether you're hotspotting your laptop at the coffee shop or calling home from Europe:

  • Look into Google Fi, Verizon (with travel perks), or T-Mobile Magenta

  • Check for international roaming and hotspot support

Student Discounts & Bundle Perks

Pro tip: Always ask for a student discount. Look for:

  • Streaming bundles (Spotify Premium, anyone?)

  • Device combo savings

  • Multi-line plans with roommates or family

Phone Plans That Work Well for Students

Here are some standout options that check all the right boxes:

Visible 

  • Price: $25/month

  • Best for: Streamers, social media addicts, and video call warriors

  • Why it rocks: Unlimited data, mobile hotspot included, runs on Verizon’s network

  • Heads-up: Slower speeds during network congestion

Mint Mobile 5 GB Plan

  • Price: Starts at $15/month (when you prepay)

  • Best for: Budget-conscious high schoolers or light data users

  • Perks: Affordable, great for talk/text, hotspot

  • Downside: Requires upfront payment for 3 months+

Google Fi Flexible

  • Price: ~$20/month base + $10/GB used

  • Best for: Students who travel or use Wi-Fi frequently

  • Benefits: Seamless international coverage, pay for what you use

  • Watch out for: Can get pricey if you use a lot of data

US Mobile Starter Plan

  • Price: $25/month for the monthly payment plan

  • Best for: Customizers and mid-data users

  • Features: Build-your-own plan, hotspot options, fast data

  • Cons: Can be confusing to set up at first

Tello 5GB Plan

  • Price: $10/month for 5GB

  • Best for: Teens or solo budgeters

  • Why it’s great: Cheap, flexible, no contracts

  • Limitation: Limited perks—just the basics

How to Compare & Choose with Goji

Finding the right plan shouldn’t require hours of Googling or getting stuck in a carrier store. That’s where Goji steps in:

Here's how it works:

  1. Open the Goji app (free to download!)

  2. Tell Barry, our AI matchmaker, what you need (like how much data you use, if you travel, etc.)

  3. Check local coverage with our map tool to make sure you’re not stuck with dead zones

  4. Swipe through personalized plans—we only show you what fits

  5. Make the switch. Done. No awkward break-up with your old carrier required.

Tips to Save More on Your Plan as a Student

Want to save even more? We got you 👇

  • Use Wi-Fi whenever possible (campus, coffee shops, dorm)

  • Track your data usage monthly—don’t overpay!

  • Ask about student discounts—many carriers offer them, but don’t advertise it

  • Split a plan with friends, roommates, or fam to score multi-line deals

  • Watch for seasonal promos—back-to-school deals, Black Friday, etc.

  • Bundle it up with your streaming or phone purchase for extra value

Final Thoughts

Whether you're heading into freshman or senior year, your phone plan should support your hustle and your budget. Goji makes it easy to compare, choose, and save—no stress, no shady fees, just smart savings.

Download Goji today and start saving on your phone plan. You’ve got enough homework already—let us handle this one. 😉

FAQ: Student Phone Plans

What’s the cheapest phone plan for students?
Plans like Mint Mobile’s 5 GB ($15/month) and Tello’s 5GB ($10/month) are great low-cost options.

Is unlimited data worth it for students?
If you stream, Zoom, or scroll a lot—yes. Otherwise, a mid-tier data plan may be plenty.

Can I get a student discount on my phone plan?
Many carriers offer student discounts, bundles, or seasonal promos—just ask or check their website.

What if I already have a family plan?
Stick with it if it’s working! But if you need more data or want to manage your own plan, Goji can help you find a better fit.

Will switching carriers mess up my number or service?
Nope! When you switch carriers, make sure your phone number is unlocked, allowing you to keep your number.

How do I know which carrier has the best coverage at my college?
Use Goji’s coverage map or check out our blog, where we evaluated service at 20 top campuses.

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