A U.S. phone number is one of the first tools that can make life easier after arriving at UW. Use this guide to understand why you may need one, how to choose a plan, and what to do after setting it up.
Why | Choose a Plan | Compare Carriers | After Setup
A U.S. phone number is helpful for school, banking, housing, transportation, online shopping, and daily communication.
Accounts
Many banks, utility companies, delivery apps, and online services may ask for a U.S. phone number.
UW Contact
UW may use your phone number for emergency contact information or communication from campus offices.
Verification Codes
Many services use text messages for two-factor authentication and login verification.
Daily Life
A U.S. number makes it easier to contact classmates, roommates, banks, landlords, and local services.
Reminder: After you arrive, update your local address and phone number in MyUW.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Plan
A prepaid plan lets you pay before using the service. It can be a good option for students who want a simple setup, lower cost, or short-term flexibility.
- Usually easier to start than a regular monthly plan.
- May not require a U.S. credit history.
- Some prepaid plans offer lower prices if you pay for multiple months at once.
- Good for students who want to compare options before choosing a long-term plan.
A regular monthly phone plan may offer more features, store support, or group/family plan discounts. It may be useful if you want in-person help or plan to stay in the U.S. long term.
- May include more plan features, depending on the carrier.
- Family/group plans can lower the cost per person.
- May require a credit check, U.S. address, or additional identity verification.
- Store staff can often help with setup, SIM/eSIM activation, and troubleshooting.
A family or group plan allows multiple phone lines to be under one account. Even if students are not family members, some friends or roommates may choose to join a group plan together if the carrier allows it.
- The monthly cost per person is often lower when more lines are added to the same account.
- It can be a good option for friends, roommates, or family members who trust each other and plan to stay on the same plan for a while.
- One person is usually the account owner and may be responsible for the full monthly bill.
- Before joining a group plan, discuss payment deadlines, what happens if someone leaves the plan, and who will manage the account.
- Some carriers may require the account owner to pass a credit check or provide additional identification.
Some carriers may offer promotions or benefits when you open a new phone plan, switch carriers, add multiple lines, or trade in an old phone. These offers change often, so always read the details before signing up.
- New phone promotions: Some carriers may advertise deals for a new iPhone, Samsung, or other smartphone when you open a qualifying plan or trade in an eligible device.
- Trade-in credit: You may receive credit for trading in an old phone, but the value depends on the phone model, condition, and carrier rules.
- Family/group plan discounts: Adding multiple lines may reduce the monthly cost per person.
- Student or university discounts: Some carriers or UW-related programs may offer special pricing for students or the UW community.
- Autopay discounts: Some plans offer a lower monthly price if you set up automatic payments.
- Streaming or app benefits: Some plans may include subscriptions, cloud storage, hotspot data, or international texting/calling features.
- International features: Some plans may include international roaming, international calling, or lower-cost travel passes.
- Waived activation fees: Some promotions may reduce or remove activation or setup fees.
Important: Promotions may require a specific plan, trade-in, new line, installment agreement, autopay, or long-term commitment. Ask the carrier about the total monthly cost, taxes, fees, cancellation rules, and what happens if you leave the plan early.
- Does this plan support my phone?
- Do I need a physical SIM card or eSIM?
- Is my phone unlocked?
- What is the total monthly cost after taxes and fees?
- Is there an activation fee?
- Can I cancel, pause, or change my plan later?
- Can I transfer my number to another carrier later?
- Does the plan include hotspot data or international calling?
Step 3: Compare Carrier Options
Below are some carrier options students may consider. CIRCLE does not recommend one company over another. Students should compare price, coverage, store support, phone compatibility, and plan rules before choosing a carrier.
Husky Mobile is the official UW phone plan by Collegiate Mobile. It is designed for the UW community and offers UW-related pricing.
Biggest advantage: Designed specifically for the UW community with student-friendly pricing.
AT&T is a major U.S. carrier with several Seattle-area stores. Students who want in-person setup help may choose to visit a nearby store.
Biggest advantage: Offers a wide range of plan options and broad coverage across the U.S.
T-Mobile is a major U.S. carrier. There is a T-Mobile store in University Village near UW, which may be convenient for students living near campus.
Biggest advantage: A convenient option for students living near campus, with competitive plan options and strong urban coverage.
Verizon is a major U.S. carrier with store locations in Seattle, including downtown Seattle. Students can compare prepaid and monthly plan options online or in store.
Biggest advantage: Known for broad national coverage, which may be helpful for students who plan to travel outside Seattle or visit rural areas.
Mint Mobile is an online-focused prepaid carrier. It may be cheaper for some students, but students should be comfortable setting up service online because it does not have a physical store in Seattle.
Biggest advantage: Often a more affordable prepaid option for students who are comfortable ordering service online and setting up SIM or eSIM by themselves.
Step 4: After Setting Up Your Number
- Update your U.S. phone number and local address in MyUW.
- Add your U.S. phone number to banking, housing, delivery, transportation, and school-related accounts.
- Set up two-factor authentication for important accounts.
- Save important phone numbers, including your residence hall front desk, adviser, landlord, and emergency contacts.