Sign here, please?

I know. Sometimes signing contracts with broadband providers for 12, 18... or, dear God, 24 months might feel like singing a contract with the devil - I've definitely felt like that.

Of course, these contracts are great when you have your own house or rent a flat without any intentions of moving out soon. However for people on short term let, or indeed for students, those lengthy contracts are utterly inconvenient.

However, there are a few suppliers that offer their services without a minimum contract term, or on a more flexible basis - 3 months.

While this sounds oh-so tempting, these offers too have their catches - this guide is here to help you see all the pitfalls as well as the fine print.

We're contractless

Plusnet, for example, does offer that oh-so desired "no contract" option, but don't start clapping just yet. If you decide to take up one of Plusnet's Value or Extra contractless packages, you will need to tell the broadband provider that you are moving or want to switch providers within 10 days.

Thank goodness, there are no penalties for that, but you will be required to pay an installation fee. Good on you, if you have an either wired or wireless router, because if not - you will be likely to splash out on one, with wireless costing a tad more.

Another option would be to go with Be Broadband three-month contract. Good quality, up to 24Mbps speeds - this is a reliable option for those who know they need broadband for three months only.

Pay the line rental

But of course there is the naughty small print. To get connected to broadband, first of all you need a broadband line.

Most of the time, this will be set up by BT, without the set up fee, if taken on a very lengthy contract (which means BT would get its set up fees back via the subscription fees).

However, if you are to take up a contract-free package, BT will charge you for the broadband line set up - because you will need broadband only for a limited period of time.

Pay upfront

And of course there will be upfront fees - installation fees, connection fees, and perhaps other hidden charges. So don't think contractless is chargeless, so do ask questions, read the fine print and know what you will be paying for.

Pay us after, too

There are of course those deals which are advertised as contactless but might smuggle in a cancellation fee. So make sure before signing the deal that you read it all, from A to Z.

Mobile broadband

This is a good option if you only need broadband for the basics - and there is a wide array of providers that will give you an option to get mobile broadband on a pay-as-you-go basis. Providers include: O2, Three (3), T-Mobile, Orange, Virgin Media Mobile and Vodafone, among others.