Stay In Touch With Mum

Landlines in Residences

There is a phone in each flat/bedroom. In order to make local and international calls a calling card is necessary, which can be purchased from any of the supermarkets in the vicinity. Free phone numbers can be called, such as 0800 and 0845, and internal calls can be made by dialling the extension number.

You can identify the phone number for your room by dialling *88 in which case a recorded message will identify your number.

Mobile Phone Rentals

It is suggested that you carry a cell phone (called a mobile phone in the UK) to communicate with family and friends. This will also help to ensure your safety and security while overseas. 

PicCell Wireless

PicCell Wireless, a US based company, provide mobile phones to American students studying in the UK at local rates. Where possible, your phone can be shipped to you in the U.S. before you leave (depending how soon you sign up). FIE students receive preferential rates.  For more information and to receive the discount please click here.

Pay-As-You-Go

Due to the length of your program you will be unable to sign up for a phone contract, however, most UK networks provide a ‘pay as you go’ service whereby you add credit to your phone to make calls, send text messages, use data services, etc.  You may purchase a SIM card from a network of your choice whilst here to use this.  If you already have a phone that is ‘unlocked’ you can just purchase a SIM only. If your network has locked your phone (most networks do this) you will need to either ask your network to unlock the phone or buy a new phone in addition to a SIM card that will work on the network you choose here.

Most mobile networks have stores in which you can visit when you are here to purchase a mobile phone or SIM card, and with some you might be able to purchase SIMs/phones online.  We advise if you would like a pay-as-you-go phone you conduct your research prior to arrival and purchase a phone/SIM once here.

Landline Voicemail

Voicemail commands:
To collect Voicemail messages Dial *17
To turn Voicemail on Dial *18
To turn Voicemail off Dial *19

Voicemail Ring back:
By default, if you have any messages waiting for you, your telephone will call you back after you next make or receive a call. This facility is called Voicemail Ring back.

To turn on Voicemail Ring back
Dial *48
To turn off Voicemail Ring back
Dial *49

Disclaimer


Whilst we are happy to provide the above advice FIE do not endorse one mobile phone provider over another.  Ultimately it is up to each individual student to conduct thorough research and choose the best option for them.