Stay Connected: Mobile Phones & Internet for Students in Sydney

Get connected before classes start (because offline isn't an option)

Moving to Sydney for Uni? One of the first things you need to sort is staying connected—mobile plan, internet at home, data that actually lasts the month. Whether you're an international student just landing in Australia or a local heading to Sydney Uni or UTS, getting your phone and internet set up early means you can navigate the city, register for classes, contact housemates, and stay in touch with home without the stress.

The good news? Optus at Broadway Sydney makes it easy to get connected in one visit. Here's everything students need to know about mobile plans, home internet, and staying online without blowing your budget.

Why Students Need to Get Connected Fast

You'll need a working phone and internet to:

Register for classes and access university portals
Communicate with housemates, lecturers, and study groups
Navigate Sydney (maps, public transport apps, Uber)
Apply for jobs and manage shifts
Stay in touch with family and friends
Access online learning platforms and submit assignments
Use banking apps, student discounts, and QR code check-ins

The reality: You can't do Uni life without reliable connectivity. Let's get you sorted.

Getting Your Australian Mobile Number

For International Students

If you're new to Australia, getting an Australian mobile number should be one of your first tasks after landing.

What you need:

Passport with valid student visa
Australian address (even temporary accommodation works)
Payment method (credit card or cash)

Options at Optus:

Prepaid Plans (No contract, pay as you go)

Great if you're unsure how much data you'll use
No credit checks required
Flexibility to change plans month-to-month
Top up online, in-store, or via the Optus app

Postpaid Plans (Monthly billing)

Better value if you use a lot of data
Includes phone payment plans (spread the cost of a new phone)
May require Australian credit history or upfront payment

Starting tip: Most international students start with prepaid for the first month or two, then switch to postpaid once settled.

For Australian Students

If you're moving to Sydney from elsewhere in Australia or just need a better student plan:

What to consider:

Data allowance (20GB+ recommended for students)
Network coverage near campus (Optus has strong coverage near Sydney Uni, UTS, and across inner Sydney)
International calls (if you need to call family overseas)
Entertainment perks (music streaming, sports, etc.)

Optus student-friendly features:

SubHub (discounted subscriptions to Spotify, Stan, and more)
Flexible data rollover options
5G access in eligible areas
International call add-ons

How Much Data Do Students Actually Need?

Here's a realistic breakdown:

Light usage (10-20GB/month):

Mostly on campus or home Wi-Fi
Social media, messaging, light browsing
Occasional video streaming

Medium usage (30-50GB/month):

Regular commuting (streaming music/podcasts)
Social media scrolling
Video calls with family
Some Netflix/YouTube on the go

Heavy usage (50GB+/month):

Daily commute with streaming
Lots of video calls
Mobile hotspot for laptop when out
Gaming or heavy app usage

Student hack: Connect to campus Wi-Fi whenever possible to save data. Most universities have strong Wi-Fi across campus - take advantage of it. Or visit Broadway Sydney and use ours.

Home Internet: What Students Need

If you're renting an apartment or sharing a house, you'll need home internet for assignments, online lectures, and late-night Netflix study breaks.

Types of Home Internet

NBN (National Broadband Network)

Most common for rentals and share houses
Reliable speeds for multiple users
Various speed tiers (25Mbps, 50Mbps, 100Mbps)

5G Home Internet

No technician visit required—plug and play
Great if you're in a short-term rental
Fast speeds if you're in a 5G coverage area
Optus offers 5G home internet plans

Mobile Broadband

Portable Wi-Fi device you can take anywhere
Good for students moving frequently
Limited data compared to home plans

What Speed Do Students Need?

For 1-2 people: 25-50Mbps (streaming, browsing, assignments)
For 3-4 housemates: 50-100Mbps (multiple users, gaming, video calls)
For heavy users/gamers: 100Mbps+ (smooth streaming, gaming, large file downloads)

Optus NBN Plans:

Flexible month-to-month contracts (perfect for students)
Entertainment bundles available
No lock-in contracts on some plans

Students Phone and Internet

Mobile Phone Setup

1. Choose your plan type (prepaid vs postpaid)
2. Decide if you need a new phone (or bring your own device)
3. Visit Optus at Broadway Sydney with your ID and payment method
4. Activate your SIM (staff will help you set it up)
5. Download the My Optus app to manage your account

Time: 20-30 minutes in-store

Home Internet Setup

1. Check your address for NBN or 5G availability (ask Optus staff or check online)
2. Choose your speed tier based on housemates and usage
3. Book installation (or pick up 5G modem in-store)
4. Set up your modem (Optus provides instructions, or technician installs)
5. Connect devices and you're online

Time: Installation usually within 5-10 business days (5G home internet is instant)

International Students: Staying Connected to Home

Calling overseas:

Optus offers international call packs to specific countries
WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Messenger use data instead of call minutes (cheaper)
Schedule calls when you're on Wi-Fi to save mobile data

Video calls:

Use Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp video on Wi-Fi or with unlimited data plans
Check time zones before calling (Australia is ahead of most countries)

Messaging:

WhatsApp, WeChat, and Messenger work perfectly in Australia
Make sure family knows your Australian number for emergencies

Why Optus at Broadway Sydney?

Convenient location:

Five minutes from Sydney Uni and UTS
Right near Central Station - easy access
Inside Broadway Sydney Shopping Centre (shop while you sort your tech)

In-store support:

Staff help you choose the right plan
Set up your phone and SIM on the spot
Answer questions about coverage, data, and international options
Troubleshoot any connection issues

One-stop setup:

Get your mobile plan and phone
Ask about home internet for your apartment
Compare plans side-by-side
Walk out connected and ready for semester

Student perks: While you're at Broadway Sydney getting connected, take advantage of:

$16 all-day student parking
Lunch near Sydney Uni at the food court
Tech accessories at JB Hi-Fi (phone cases, chargers, headphones)
Student discounts across Broadway Sydney shops

Students Phones

Your Get-Connected Checklist

Before you visit Optus: ☑ Know your address (for home internet setup)
☑ Bring your ID (passport for international students, driver's license for locals)
☑ Know your budget (how much can you spend monthly?)
☑ Estimate your data usage (light, medium, heavy?)
☑ Decide if you need a new phone or bringing your own

Questions to ask in-store: ☑ What's the best plan for students?
☑ Are there student discounts or promotions?
☑ What's included (data, calls, texts, entertainment)?
☑ Is there a lock-in contract?
☑ Can I upgrade or change plans later?
☑ What's the coverage like near campus and my apartment?

Common Student Questions About Getting Connected

Do I need an Australian bank account to get a mobile plan? Not for prepaid plans. Postpaid plans usually require an Australian bank account for monthly billing.

Can I keep my overseas phone number? You'll get a new Australian number, but you can keep your international number active if your provider supports it (check roaming costs).

What if I'm only in Australia for one semester? Choose month-to-month plans with no lock-in contracts. Prepaid is also great for short stays.

Can I use my overseas phone in Australia? Yes, if it's unlocked. Optus staff can check compatibility and set you up with an Australian SIM.

How long does it take to get connected? Mobile: Instant (walk out with an active SIM). Home internet: 5-10 days for NBN installation, same-day for 5G home internet.

What happens if I run out of data? Prepaid: Your data stops until you top up. Postpaid: You may get charged for excess data or speeds may slow down (depends on your plan).

Get Connected Before Semester Starts

Staying connected isn't optional—it's essential for navigating uni life, staying in touch, and keeping up with assignments. From mobile plans that actually fit student budgets to home internet that handles multiple housemates streaming at once, Optus at Broadway Sydney has everything you need to get online fast.

Visit Optus at Broadway Sydney, sort your mobile and internet in one trip, and make the most of being five minutes from campus near Sydney Uni and UTS. The sooner you're connected, the sooner you can focus on what really matters—settling in, making friends, and smashing semester.