Student broadband UK: best options for a shared house

In a private flat or shared house, you set up the internet yourself. That means choosing a provider, picking a contract and booking an install. Do it early so your wifi is ready when you move in.

Three things matter most. First, your postcode. Every provider in this guide checks your address before showing packages. Second, contract length. Most deals run for 18 or 24 months, so make sure that fits your tenancy. Third, who signs up. Contracts usually need a UK bank account, so ask your housemates who has one.

Prices on this page are as shown on the brands' sites on 16 and 17 October 2026. Always check your own address for the final price.

Use this quick checklist and you will avoid the usual traps.

• Contract length. Compare it with your tenancy end date. A 30-day contract is the most flexible. A 24-month contract is the longest commitment.
• Price rises. Some deals rise during the contract. Broadband Genie lists dates for rises on several deals. Grain says there are no in-contract price rises. Your Co-op also offers fixed-price broadband.
• Speed. Share the speed with your housemates. A faster tier gives everyone more room.
• Set-up costs. Grain lists a free router and standard installation. Lightning Fibre lists free install.
• Who is on the contract. One name goes on the bill. Agree how you split it before you order.

Check your postcode first. It tells you which of these providers can reach your house.

Broadband Genie is a comparison site. It lists 137 home broadband deals, and you check them against your postcode. Start here if you do not know which providers cover your street.

On 16 October 2026, the top deals it showed were:

• Vodafone Full Fibre 910: £26.00 a month, with a £170 voucher choice.
• EE Full Fibre 900: £26.99 a month, with a £140 reward card.
• Sky Full Fibre Gigafast: £29.00 a month, with a £120 voucher.

All are 24-month contracts with £0 set-up. A cheaper plan, Vodafone Full Fibre 150, was shown from £21.00 a month. Prices rise on some deals during the contract, so read the dates before you order.

Genie also has a guarantee. If you buy through Genie and find the same package cheaper elsewhere, they match it and add £10. You claim vouchers from the provider after install.

These providers only work in some areas, so your postcode decides.

Grain sells full fibre from 250Mbps to 2Gbps on 18-month contracts. It lists no in-contract price rises, a Price Match Guarantee, a free router and standard installation. Prices show after a postcode check.

Lightning Fibre covers Eastbourne, Polegate, Hastings, St Leonards, Hailsham, Heathfield, Broad Oak and Tenterden. Its Early Access Black Friday offer is £19 a month for 6 months on 1Gbps and 2.5Gbps. It is for new customers on a 24-month contract, and you must book install before the end of January 2027.

Rise Fibre offers 24-month, 12-month and 30-day contracts. Packages and prices show only after a postcode check.

Your Co-op has broadband from £32 a month on 24 months. Joining as a member is free.

Your Co-op sells fixed-price broadband on 24-month contracts. It also sells SIM-only mobile plans on 30-day rolling terms, so you can sort both in one place.

Broadband prices shown on 17 October 2026:

• Essential Starter, 42.8 Mbps: from £32 a month.
• Digital Enthusiast, 300 Mbps: £45 a month.
• Ultimate Powerhouse, 900 Mbps: £55 a month.

SIM plans start from £8 a month for 3GB.

New members get the first month free plus a welcome reward: from £5 to £25 on SIM plans, and £20 on broadband. Joining is free. You enter your Membership Number at checkout. The pages do not say how or when the reward is paid, so check at checkout.

It also gives 10% off every additional SIM, which is handy if your housemates join in.

Follow these steps and you will be online fast.

1. Agree the plan with your housemates. Decide the speed, the budget and who is named on the contract.
2. Check your tenancy. Ask your landlord whether you can install broadband, and note your tenancy end date.
3. Enter your postcode. Use Broadband Genie to compare, or check Grain, Lightning Fibre, Rise Fibre or Your Co-op directly.
4. Pick a contract length that fits. Choose Rise Fibre's 30-day option if you may move out soon.
5. Order online. Have your UK bank details ready, because contracts usually need a UK bank account.
6. Book your install. Do it early. Lightning Fibre's offer needs the install booked before the end of January 2027.
7. Claim any voucher. Genie deals send vouchers or reward cards from the provider after install.

Prices on this page are as shown on the brands' sites on 16–17 October 2026.