Studying in the United States: how to get Internet easily? The Guide
Studying in the U.S. is an exciting adventure, but staying connected without blowing your budget can quickly become a headache. Between prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs, free Wi-Fi and international plans, there’s no shortage of options.
Here’s a practical guide to help you choose the solution best suited to your needs and budget.
Why is Internet access essential in the United States?
Having Internet access during your studies is just indispensable! Whether it’s to follow your courses online, do your research, complete certain administrative formalities or keep in touch with your family, you’ll need a reliable Internet connection. A bundled data plan will also be very useful if you want to book an activity or call local numbers such as your accommodation provider or university.
To put it plainly, having Internet access when you’re a long-term student is just mandatory.
The different options for connecting to the United States
Use a local or international prepaid SIM card
Visit prepaid SIM cards are a popular solution for international students. They allow you to have a US number, calls, SMS and data without commitment. Local operators such as AT&T and T-Mobile offer cards with good network coverage. You can buy them online before you leave, or on the spot. The problem with local SIM cards is that they won’t let you keep your French number. Most prepaid SIM cards will let you keep your French number, but most don’t let you keep your American number.
It’s a bit of a headache. That’s why we’ve developed an offer that lets you have an American number AND a French number.
Opt for an eSIM
If your smartphone is compatible, theeSIM is a practical alternative. It activates instantly via an app, without the need for a physical card. Many providers, such as SIM USA, Saily and Holafly, offer flexible plans ranging from 1 to 20 GB, for periods of 7 to 30 days.
It’s ideal if you want to avoid queuing at the airport or in a store.
Free Wi-Fi
Many American cities offer free Wi-Fi access in cafés, restaurants, libraries and even on public transport. However, these connections are not always secure. We recommend using a VPN to protect your personal data.
Use your French operator's roaming service
Some French operators offer international options. For example, Free includes the USA in its €19.99/month package, with 25 GB of data. However, these offers are often limited in data, and may incur additional charges if you exceed the quota. You need to be very careful, because the bill can be very high indeed.
Our selection of the 4 best SIM cards for students
SIM USA - eSIM or hassle-free SIM unlimited or limited
✅ Unlimited data (uninterrupted).
✅ Instant activation, even before landing.
✅ Compatible with recent iPhone/Samsung/Google Pixel models. Check your phone’s compatibility.
✅ U.S. number available for local calls!
Perfect for all types of stays. Discover the most suitable plan with our.
Holafly - eSIM USA unlimited without traca
✅ Unlimited data (uninterrupted)
✅ Instant activation, even before landing
✅ iPhone/Samsung/Google Pixel compatible
❌ No US number for calls/SMS
Perfect for short stays or heavy data users.
T-Mobile Tourist Plan - ideal for short breaks
✅ 3 weeks of 5 G/4 G data, calls and text messages
✅ Physical SIM card
✅ Excellent network coverage in major cities
❌ Non-renewable package
The perfect plan for a short internship or summer exchange.
AT&T Prepaid - good coverage and flexibility
✅ Several plans to suit your budget
✅ Solid network, especially in rural areas
✅ Easy to recharge
❌ Customer interface sometimes confusing for non-English speakers
Useful if you move around a lot in different states.
Comparison of internet options in the USA
| Option | What we like | What we like less |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. mobile plan | Very good network coverage, perfect for several months on site. | More expensive to buy, sometimes with activation fees. |
| eSIM | Great value for a short stay, often with unlimited data. | Not suitable for traditional calls/SMS (data only in certain cases). |
| French plan with international option | Ideal if you're with Free: 25 GB included in the overseas plan. | High cost with other operators, often associated with a commitment. |
| Prepaid SIM card | Great value for a short stay, often with unlimited data. | Unsuitable for traditional calls/SMS (data only in certain cases) except with SIM USA. |
5 tips for cutting costs as a student
Check your smartphone’s compatibility with US networks before you leave.
Disable automatic updates to save data.
Use offline applications such as Google Maps or Spotify.
Prefer calls via WhatsApp or Skype over Wi-Fi to avoid charges. Unless your prepaid plan includes data for calls.
Keep an eye on your data consumption so as not to exceed your plan unless you have an unlimited option.
Which solution for your student profile?
Going away for a semester or a whole year? Then invest in a US SIM card or eSIM with unlimited data will quickly pay for itself. Not only will you have constant access to the Internet, but you’ll also get a local number – very practical for managing your day-to-day life on the spot (banking, administration, local contacts…).
On the other hand, if you’re going on an internship lasting a few weeks or a short exchange program, a prepaid pass or a short-term eSIM (such as Holafly or SIM USA) will be more than sufficient. The main thing is to check whether you need to make regular calls, or whether you’ll have to make do with apps like WhatsApp or Messenger.
Finally, if you’re on an ultra-tight budget, the “Free Wi-Fi + French plan with USA option” option can help out, provided you’re hyper-vigilant about your data consumption.
In short, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution, but one that’s tailored to your lifestyle and needs. That’s why we’ve designed a modular offer, for students like you!
Staying connected in the U.S. is essential for an international student, but it doesn’t have to mean overspending. By choosing the right solution for your needs, you can make the most of your stay without worrying about your Internet connection.
