Is a refurbished iPhone from Best Buy worth it?

I've never had a cell phone, and I'll be entering my second year of college in August. I've been dependent on my iPod so far, but since it only offers Wi-Fi, I'm looking for a phone that offers internet without needing a Wi-Fi connection. I'd also like to be able to download apps like BlackBoard and Instagram. Thusly, I've decided the iPhone might be my best fit. However, I know that the monthly plan can be a bit costly in addition to the price of the phone itself. I went to BestBuy.com to search for price offers and I noticed that they sell refurbished iPhones for free when you buy a new 2 year contract. After looking into it, it seems that I could buy a refurbished iPhone for a 2 year $40per/month plan. That seems very reasonable! My only concern towards refurbished phones is: Is worth it or am I better off just buying a new phone? I did read that used phones tend to have very low battery life. However, I need the phone primarily just for emergency internet access and phone calls. (Most apps I can limit to using on my iPod). Any advice would be appreciated, considering I don't have much experience or knowledge when it comes to cell phones.

Cheaper at gamestop, no contract needed

Refurbished doesn't mean used phone, it just means it was returned or had a problem initially… Could have been a part went bad and they fixed the part and resold it, etc. So its still a new phone.