How to choose the best broadband plan for university in 2021

Choosing a broadband plan for university
Friday, 29 January 2021

If you’re heading to university this year, then you’re likely to be in search of a broadband plan for your new flat. And, as a student you’re probably looking for the best value deal possible!

If your new university flat is shared with other students, then you are going to need the best student internet plan possible – to make sure you have the bandwidth for multiple users downloading and streaming content. 

Broadband Compare has a huge range of broadband plans from New Zealand’s main broadband providers. With nearly 90 providers and over 1200 plans around, it can be hard to know which plan will be perfect for your flat.

We’ve put together some tips below to help you choose the perfect student broadband plan. The simplest way to find the best broadband deals around is to enter your address into our address finder to bring up a list of plans available at your address.

Top tips for choosing a student broadband plan for your flat

The best deal isn’t always a “student” plan

University broadband deals aren’t always different from the usual broadband plans, and as a student, you may not actually be best served by not buying a specific student broadband deal. A no-contract plan from providers like MyRepublic, Stuff Fibre, Orcon or Slingshot could be your best option. Compare the best broadband plans available at your address.

Speed matters

If your new uni flat is shared with other students then you are going to need to best student internet plan possible to make sure you have the bandwidth for multiple users streaming content. There is nothing worse than a buffering or slow connection when you are working towards a deadline because your flatmates are having a Netflix marathon, streaming music or having a gaming session. Having an ultrafast, unlimited fibre broadband connection will be vital for a harmonious flat! Find the fastest broadband deals available at your address.

If you live in a flat where you only have ADSL or VDSL broadband available and are frustrated with your broadband speeds - you may be surprised to learn that Wireless or 4G broadband can perform as quickly as fibre in some areas.

Don’t get tied into a 12-24 month contract. Try a no-contract plan

Signing up for a 12-24 month contract can be a great way to get a low monthly rate for your broadband, but you often have to pay an expensive cancellation fee if you want to cancel the contract early. If you aren’t planning to live in your student flat for a full 12 months, we can help you find a great no contract plan. Find the best no contract student broadband plans

Get free stuff with your broadband plan

Signing up for a new broadband plan is a great opportunity to get free offers. For example you can get FREE months when you sign up as a new customer, or when you bundle your power and broadband, get a free mesh wifi nodes or a free mobile plan for a year

Setting up a new Student flat? Make life easy by bundling your broadband and power

Who wants to deal with flat admin? If you are setting up a new student flat, why not make like easier and save money by bundling your broadband and power? It means you only have one provider, one billing cycle and one point of contact for both services. You can get some great savings and cross 2 things off your To Do list!

Cheapest broadband plans for university flats on a budget

EXCLUSIVE
56

Unlimited Fibre 300 Unlimited Fibre 300 Plan for ONLY $...

from $65.00 /mo
First 12 months then 97.00/month
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
EXCLUSIVE
56

Unlimited Fibre 300 Unlimited Fibre 300 Plan for ONLY $...

Sign up to Slingshot's 300Mbps Unlimited Fibre Plan and pay ONLY $65/month. T&Cs apply. Sign up on a 12-month contract and pay only $65/month! Also, bundle your broadband and power and get $20/mth Bu...
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Included features

Family filter

Terms and conditions

  • Offer is available to new customers only.
  • A minimum 12-month contract applies. Early Termination fee of $250 applies.
  • Not available in conjunction with any other offer. 
  • Offer will revert to standard prices as advertised on Slingshot.co.nz after 12 months.
  • The promotion is valid for a limited time only and is subject to change by Slingshot without notice.
  • Free standard installation.
  • Brand new Orbi Wi-Fi 6 Router is $5/month rental with a one-off $14.95 delivery charge or Bring your own device.
  • Additional add on MESH Satellite units:​
    • 1 Satellite Unit ($5/month) - recommended for homes between 150 and 300sqm
    • 2 Satellite Units ($10/month) - recommended for homes greater than 300sqm
  • Modem to be returned if customer cancels.
  • Refer to the Slingshot website for more FAQ`s regarding modems.
  • Receive $5/m broadband discount for each mobile plan added - no more than 4 mobile plans on the new sign-up are allowed.

Slingshot Broadband Ts&Cs
Bundle Discount Terms & Conditions

EXCLUSIVE
56

Unlimited Fibre 300 Deal Get 6 months HALF PRICE

from $47.50 /mo
First 6 months then 95.00/month
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
EXCLUSIVE
56

Unlimited Fibre 300 Deal Get 6 months HALF PRICE

Here’s your chance to join New Zealand’s most Satisfied Broadband Customers on Now broadband. $47.50/m for six months then standard pricing of $95/m applies. Fibre 300 only. 12-month term. T&Cs apply....
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Terms and conditions

Naked Unlimited Broadband with six months half price.

1. This offer ends 30th June 2024

2. Only available for new residential customers only.

3. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

4. Adding a phoneline to any plan or offer will be an additional $10 per month.

5. This offer is only available on a 12-month contract term and includes unlimited ADSL, VDSL and Fibre 300/100.

6. Promotional pricing is valid for 6-months only, beginning on the date which your service address is connected on the Now network. After the first 6-months, the standard plan pricing for your selected plan will apply.

7. You can use your own modem, but this must be compatible with the selected Now network. For more information, please refer to https://www.nownz.co.nz/support/technical-support/routerhelp/use-my-router/

8. A Modem can also be purchased with a one-off charge applied to your 1st invoice, alternatively you can split the cost of the Modem into 12 instalments included on your monthly bill. Please note: $14 postage and packaging fee applies for modem delivery.

9. An early termination fee ($199) will apply if you cancel this service prior to the first 12 months after joining. 

EXCLUSIVE
40

Unlimited Fibre 300 Get $22 off your standard price for...

from $75.00 /mo
First 12 months then 97.00/month
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
EXCLUSIVE
40

Unlimited Fibre 300 Get $22 off your standard price for...

Sign up for the Orcon Fibre plan through Broadband Compare and get $22 monthly discount for 12 months! Bundle your broadband and power and get 10% bundle discount on both services. Get $5/mth off for
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Terms and conditions

  • 12-month term applies to all plans, exit fees of $250 apply.
  • Standard pricing applies after 12 months.
  • **Average Orcon Fibre plan (Fibre 100 or Fibre 300, depending on location) or Fibre Pro plan (Fibre Max) download/upload speeds with compatible modem at busy times (SamKnows December 2021 or Orcon November 2021). Experienced speeds may be higher or lower. For more information on how we measure speeds visits.(SamKnows December 2021)  More info
  • An extra 10% discount applies for Power and Broadband Bundles. The 10% discount is applied after all other offers. 

Full T&Cs's

Bundled broadband plans for university flats

Power+Gas
48

Fast Fibre Power+Gas Deal Bundle your energy & broadband!

from $70.00 /mo
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
Power+Gas
48

Fast Fibre Power+Gas Deal Bundle your energy & broadband!

Get Fibre 300 plan for $70/mth when you bundle Broadband + Power + Gas! T&C's apply.
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

open term

Included features

Power / Rental router / Gas

Terms and conditions

  • Available on the Broadband Bundle plan only, to new and existing customers (not on a fixed plan).
  • Unlimited data, no fixed term, no break fees.
  • Bring Your Own (BYO) modem or you can order one ($14.99 delivery fee applies)
  • Speeds may vary. 
  • Subject to a satisfactory credit check.
  • Full Residential Terms & Conditions.

No contract broadband plans for university flats

Mobile Bundle
49

Fibre 300 Bundle Get $20/month off plus One NZ Super...

from $75.00 /mo
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
Mobile Bundle
49

Fibre 300 Bundle Get $20/month off plus One NZ Super...

Get $10/mth off for the life of the plan when you sign up for an eligible Unlimited broadband plan. Plus, bundle your broadband and One NZ Pay Monthly mobile plan and get an extra $10/mth off! Also,
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

open term

Included features

BYO Router / Mobile / WiFi Extender

Terms and conditions

Broadband: 
Broadband not available everywhere. Residential use only. Non-standard installation charges may apply. Terms apply.
 

SuperWifi Offer:

  • Sign up to Unlimited Broadband, or Wireless Broadband 600GB 12 month term plan, to redeem your SuperWifi units.
  • Wall-to-wall Wifi guaranteed or get $100 broadband credit within 90 days of redemption.
  • Guarantee and $100 credit only available to residential customers.
  • 24-month term applies to SuperWifi. Fees apply if you cancel or transfer your plan or billing account within 24 months. 
  • TP-link Deco App required. Coverage can be impacted by factors such as network conditions and environmental factors.
  • Offer may be amended or withdrawn by Vodafone at any time.
  • SuperWifi terms apply


$10 Per Month For life of plan

  • Offer only available to new customers, when signing onto a 12 month or open term Unlimited or Ultimate Home broadband Fibre100, FibreMax, VDSL, ADSL or HFC Max plan. Or who sign onto a 12 month 4G Wireless broadband 300GB, 600GB or unlimited 4G broadband or 5G broadband plan.
  • Only applies to the standard monthly plan charge.
  • Not available with other offers. 
  • Offer may be withdrawn at anytime.
  • Full Promotional Terms and Conditions

BYO Modem offer - open term plans:

  • Only available on One NZ open term Unlimited Fibre, VDSL and ADSL broadband plans.
  • To see what modem compatibility is required, click here.
  • Voice calling over broadband (VoIP) only available on One NZ Ultra Hub range, HG659 or newer One NZ modems.
  • Broadband speeds and connection quality may be affected.
  • BYO Modem T&C's
36

Fibre 300

from $82.00 /mo
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
36

Fibre 300

Take your internet to the next level by renting a high performance ASUS WiFi 6 router. Improve your in-home experience and enjoy no fixed contracts or early termination fees.
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

open term

Included features

BYO Router

Terms and conditions

  • Offers are for new residential customers only.
  • $14.95 P&H fee will be charged on all routers shipped to customers.
  • Take your internet to the next level by renting a high performance ASUS WiFi 6 router. Improve your in-home experience and enjoy no fixed contracts or early termination fees.
  • The monthly broadband service charge is subject to change with prior notice or your acceptance of a new offer. 
  • Unreturned router charge equivalent to the retail value of the router will be applied:
  • Full Promotional T&C’s 
Best Service
29

Fibre 300 No Contract Get NO CONTRACT

from $79.95 /mo
First 12 months then 95.00/month
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
Best Service
29

Fibre 300 No Contract Get NO CONTRACT

Two-time award winners at the 2021 NZ Compare Awards for Best Customer Support and Provider of the Year! Only available for a limited time and exclusive to Broadband Compare.
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

open term

Terms and conditions

1. This offer ends 30th June 2024

2. Only available for new residential customers only.

3. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

4. Adding a phoneline to any plan or offer will be an additional $10 per month.

5. Includes unlimited ADSL, VDSL and Fibre 300/100.

6. Promotion pricing is valid for 12-months only, beginning on the date which your service address is connected on the Now network. After the first 12 months, the standard plan pricing for your selected plan will apply.

7. You can use your own modem, but this must be compatible with the selected NOW network. For more information, please refer to https://www.nownz.co.nz/support/technicalsupport/router-help/use-my-router/

8. A Modem can also be purchased with a one-off charge applied to your 1st invoice, alternatively you can split the cost of the Modem into 12 instalments included on your monthly bill. Please note: $14 postage and packaging fee applies for modem delivery.

9. Payment for this offer must be made via bank or credit card direct debit each month.

Broadband plans for large flats for gamers and streamers

Mobile Bundle
24

Ultimate Fibre + Mobile Bundle EXCLUSIVE 6 Months Amazon Prime Video for FRE...

from $74.00 /mo
950Mbps 500Mbps
Unlimited data
Mobile Bundle
24

Ultimate Fibre + Mobile Bundle EXCLUSIVE 6 Months Amazon Prime Video for FRE...

Sign up for a 12-month contract and get Unlimited Broadband for $79/m! Plus, get 6 months of Amazon Prime Video too. T&C's apply. Requires 2degrees Pay Monthly Mobile Plan. 12 month term applies. T&C'...
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Included features

Mobile

Terms and conditions

Offer available for a limited time to new customers on a 12 month fixed Unlimited Broadband Plan only. Price includes $10/m Pay Monthly discount. Plan discount: Standard plan charge after 12 months. $15 rental modem shipping fee applies. Early exit fees apply if you end your plan within 12 months. Non-standard installation fees apply. Prime Video: Valid for 6 months after the date of activation. Offer subject to change. Cancel anytime. Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates are not sponsors of this promotion. Must activate within 30 days of receiving the activation link email. Prime Video is $8/month after the promotion period. Prime Video and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 2degrees reserves the right to cancel or amend this offer at any time. Broadband and Promotion T&Cs apply. See 2degrees.nz for full T&Cs.

Best Wireless broadband plans for university students

EXCLUSIVE
42

RBI 4G 200Gb Get a FREE modem + Get 3 months FRE...

from $0.00 /mo
First 3 months then 95.99/month
36Mbps 10Mbps
200 GB data
EXCLUSIVE
42

RBI 4G 200Gb Get a FREE modem + Get 3 months FRE...

Get a FREE modem and self-installation ($20 freight charge applies) + Get 3 months FREE! Sign up now on 0800 697 327. T&C's apply.
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

24 months

Included features

Rental router

Terms and conditions

  • Factors such as the performance of your modem, location of the server you're connected to, the performance of your device and your in-home Wifi setup can impact the speeds experienced.
  • For wireless connections, factors such as the distance you are from a cell tower, the network capability and the overall use of that cell tower by the other consumers can impact the speed experienced.
  • Plan prices exclude data cap overages of $5.00 per GB.
  • A 24 month service term applies. If you require an open term please contact Farmside sales team on 0800 697 327 to discuss open term options.
  • Farmside Broadband Terms and Conditions and Early Termination fees apply
    Farmside Standard Terms and Conditions and Fair Usage Policy applies
  • If power is not available then broadband, and any services which run over it including voice calling (and all calls, including emergency calls to 111), may stop working unless there is battery backup in the home.Farmside recommends always having a charged mobile phone ready to use as a backup.
  • Sufficient 4G coverage and capacity is also required. Traffic management and fair usage apply.
  • Services such as monitored alarms, faxes, medical alerts and Sky may not work over the Broadband and phone (VoIP) service. You will need to check with your supplier.

 

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