Internet Plans and Discounts for Students

Tue, Jan 31, 2023 8:14 AM Internet Bundles

Is it possible for students to acquire free internet access? Students can acquire free internet through community internet access points or internet service companies that provide free service for the first 30–60 days. Discounts on internet service are also available for low-income households with pupils in grades K–12.

If you or someone you know is looking for a long-term solution for inexpensive internet for students, we can assist.

Which free internet service is ideal for students?

Everyone with an internet-ready device can use public Wi-Fi hotspots and community internet access points to get free internet. You can also use your family's internet account to access internet provider hotspots if you're a college student.

And if you can afford monthly internet bills but would prefer a free month or two, a few internet providers now provide such promotional bargains.

Wi-Fi hotspots in public places

You've undoubtedly seen a sign for free Wi-Fi in a cafe window, which means you've been close to a public Wi-Fi hotspot.

Aside from companies that ask you to buy a drink in exchange for a Wi-Fi password, public libraries and town centers frequently serve as community internet access points where anybody can use the internet for free.

When you're near a Wi-Fi hotspot, your device's Wi-Fi settings will show it among the accessible networks. You don't have to wander all over town looking for a free signal; instead, use Wiman to check your location.

Wiman provides a database of every available free Wi-Fi in your area, and the Android version of the program will even connect your phone for you. Free Wi-Fi can be found in local high schools libraries

There are worse places to do your online schoolwork than a parking lot near a store selling French dip sandwiches, to be honest.

Tips for using public Wi-Fi safely

Public Wi-Fi networks, unlike protected home networks, are not secure locations for your personal information.

To keep your information safe, follow these guidelines:

When using a public network, stay away from online buying and banking.
Keep your software up to date to avoid being infected with new viruses and malware.
To encrypt your data and hide your internet activity, use a VPN.

College students' hotspots

The Internet can be an expensive investment for college students, and you may cherish the days when you could use your family's internet access for free.

However, just because you're away from home doesn't mean you're completely alone. As a student, you can still obtain free internet by using hotspots even if you live far away from your family.

Many internet providers, such as Comcast, give consumers free internet and Wi-Fi hotspot access, and some of these hotspot networks are massive. If your parents use one of the providers listed below for the internet, they most likely have a hotspot account and aren't even aware of it.

To discover how to use the providers' hotspot networks like the following:

If your home provider provides hotspots in your college town, you might be able to find one near your dorm.

These provider hotspots that your family pays for provide you with free internet—but think hard before sharing the login information with your buddies. Your parents' account contains some sensitive information that they don't want you to share.

Related: How to Avail Free Internet During Coronavirus Outbreak

Cheap Internet Options for Students

Free trial periods for internet services

Many providers provided new clients a month or two of free internet service at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Unfortunately, the majority of those offers have now passed their expiration date. Customers who sign up for Xfinity Internet Essentials or Cox Connect2Compete before the end of December 2020 will still receive two months of free service.

With Xfinity Internet Essentials and Cox Connect2Compete, you'll also get a great discount on the ongoing price of internet service, so you won't have to worry about significant price rises when your promotional period ends (still more expensive than free, though).

To qualify for these programs, you must be a participant in the National School Lunch Program or another approved government program. Free internet is difficult to come by, so you may have to settle for a low-cost option.

What is the greatest option for students looking for a low-cost internet connection?

A few internet providers' low-income initiatives offer the finest affordable internet for students. These programs offer low-income users discounted rates, with most plans starting at $10 per month.

Even if you meet the requirements for one of these provider programs, you may not live in an area where one of these charitable internet providers is available. If this is the case, you may be eligible for the government's Lifeline program, which provides a $9.25 monthly internet discount.

Many providers also provide affordable internet packages for everyone, which we've already compiled in our post "Best Cheap Internet." If you don't qualify for a low-income program, these prices start at $35 per month and are a viable option.

How do I get a low-cost internet connection?

The requirements for low-income internet differ by provider, but most of them need you to be enrolled in one of the government aid programs listed below.

Programs targeted to students

Other programs

Conclusion

For students who do not qualify for low-income assistance, there are a limited number of free and low-cost internet options. There are still methods to get internet connectivity without breaking the bank with a little ingenuity.