A Phone Number for International Students: Sort It Before You Fly

Short answer: International students often need a local phone number before they have a local SIM, for university portals, accommodation, banks and apps. A virtual number from eSIM Signal gives you a real UK (+44) or Australian (+61) mobile number for SMS that you can buy from home, receive codes on free, and keep after you graduate. It is SMS only, so pair it with a data eSIM or a local SIM for internet and calls once you arrive.

The "chicken and egg" problem every student hits

You are not in the country yet, so you do not have a local SIM. But the forms keep asking for a local mobile number:

• Accommodation: halls, private landlords and letting agents want a number for viewings and move-in texts
• Banking: some student account applications ask for a local number
• Deliveries: couriers text a delivery slot, and you want bedding and a kettle waiting when you arrive
• Apps: food delivery, ride-hailing, transport and marketplace apps often only accept local numbers
• Part-time job applications, which usually want a local contact number

Many students wait until they land to buy a SIM, then spend their first days catching up. A virtual number lets you get most of that done from home.

Option 1: a virtual number before you leave

A virtual number is a real mobile number that lives in an online account. Texts arrive there in seconds, so you can read them at home, at the airport or in halls.

With eSIM Signal:

• UK and Australian mobile numbers (plus Brazil, if that is where you are heading)
• Free, unlimited incoming SMS for codes, landlord texts and delivery updates
• Outgoing SMS from your account, charged per message
• No SIM card, no local address and no contract
• SMS only: the numbers do not make or receive calls

Get a UK mobile number for SMSGet a number

Get an Australian mobile number for SMSGet a number

Tip: a few banks and payment apps will not accept a virtual number. For your student bank account, use whatever number the bank asks for, and add your local SIM's number once you have one.

Option 2: data from the moment you land

A virtual number handles texts, not internet. You will want data from the arrivals hall for maps, the university app, ride apps and messaging home. A data eSIM installed before you fly means your phone is online as soon as you switch it on.

• Going to the UK? Our best eSIM for the UK guide covers London, the trains and coverage outside the cities.
• Going to Australia? The best eSIM for Australia guide covers the big cities, the coast and the Outback.
• Not sure how much data? Use how much eSIM data do I need to work it out.

See UK eSIM data plans and pricesSee plans

Check that your phone supports eSIM on our supported devices page before you buy, and install it at home on Wi-Fi.

Option 3: a local SIM once you are settled

For a full term or a full degree, most students eventually get a local SIM or contract for everyday calls and data. That is sensible, and it does not make the virtual number pointless:

• Keep the virtual number for public things: marketplace listings, sign-ups and newsletters, so your main number stays private.
• Keep it after graduation: when you go home or move on, your local SIM usually goes too. A virtual number can stay, so UK or Australian accounts still reach you.

A simple timeline for students

1. Two to four weeks before you fly: buy the virtual number, register it with your accommodation, delivery apps and any services that accept it.
2. One week before: buy a data eSIM for your arrival and install it on Wi-Fi following how to install an eSIM.
3. Arrival day: switch on the eSIM line, turn on data roaming for that line only, and read any codes in your eSIM Signal account.
4. First weeks: get a local SIM if you need calls and a long-term plan, and update your bank with that number.
5. After graduation: keep the virtual number running for the accounts you still use, or switch renewal off.

Common mistakes

• Giving your home country number to UK or Australian services, then missing texts because roaming is off or charged.
• Waiting until arrival to set up anything, and losing your first days to queues.
• Using a public free SMS website for accommodation or university sign-ups. Anyone can read those messages.
• Forgetting renewal dates on a number linked to accounts you need. Leave renewal on; you get an email five days before.
• Expecting calls to work. If a landlord needs to phone you, give them your main number.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a UK phone number before I arrive as a student?

Yes. You can buy an eSIM Signal UK virtual number online from any country and start receiving SMS on it straight away.

Will my university accept a virtual number?

Most online forms accept any valid mobile number for contact. If a specific service refuses it, use your home number or your local SIM's number for that service.

Can I use the number for my student bank account?

Possibly, but some banks refuse virtual numbers. Use whatever number your bank asks for, and add a local SIM's number when you have one.

Do I still need a SIM or eSIM?

Yes, for internet and calls. The virtual number only handles SMS, so pair it with a data eSIM on arrival or a local SIM later.

Can I keep the number after I graduate?

Yes. As long as renewal stays on and your credits or saved card cover it, the number stays yours.