Lori Meadows
Students have to pay a variety of bills, and it is important to understand what these are and how to manage them. From rent and energy bills to broadband and TV licenses, students need to navigate the world of bills and suppliers to avoid overpaying or falling out with housemates. This is a guide to the types of bills students will encounter and some tips on how to manage them effectively.
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What You'll Learn
Energy bills
If you're moving into a student rental where you're responsible for paying the energy bill, you're entitled to shop around to find a cheaper supplier. You can ask your landlord who the energy supplier is, and then find out how much you could save by switching. It's worth noting that some companies offer student-friendly rates, rewards, and discounts, which can help you save money.
If you're sharing a property, it's a good idea to designate one person to manage the household bills and keep track of how much each householder owes and when they need to pay. You can split the bill with your housemates using apps like Splitwise or by creating a shared tab or standing order with a bank like Monzo.
To save money on your energy bills, you can also make your student home more energy-efficient. This might include simple changes such as turning off lights when you leave a room or unplugging appliances when they're not in use.
Additionally, you can consider switching to a fixed-rate deal to ensure that the unit price you pay is fixed for the length of your contract.
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Rent and utilities
Rent is usually a student's biggest expense. Students have the option to live in all-inclusive halls, where rent and utility bills are combined, or in non-inclusive housing, where they pay rent to their landlord and bills to various suppliers.
If you choose to live in non-inclusive housing, you will need to set up your utility accounts and decide how to split the bills with your housemates. You can share responsibility for overall household bills, with each tenant managing certain utilities, or split each bill by the number of housemates.
- Check your contract to see if bills are included in your rent.
- If you live in Scotland and your household is solely occupied by students, you are exempt from paying water bills.
- Many landlords handle the water bill themselves, bundling the cost with rent, but this is not always the case.
- When it comes to broadband, consider the connection speed, data allowance, contract length, and special offers when comparing providers.
- To avoid surprise bills, pay by Direct Debit, which evens out your energy spend over twelve months and automatically deducts payments each month.
- Submit meter readings when you move in and every few months to ensure accurate billing.
- Shop around for the best energy deal and consider switching to a fixed-rate deal to lock in a unit price for the length of your contract.
- If you plan on watching live television, you will need a TV license, which costs around £175 per year. However, if you only live in your student house during term time, you can claim a partial refund.
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Council tax exemption
Students generally have to pay for energy, broadband, water, a TV licence, mobile phone bill, and rent. However, if you're a full-time student, you don't have to pay council tax. Council tax exemption can save you money and prevent issues with your local council.
Who Qualifies for Council Tax Exemption?
If you and your housemates are all full-time university students, your household is exempt from paying council tax. Student halls are automatically exempt from council tax, and you shouldn't receive letters about it. If you live in independent student housing, the government may mistakenly contact you about council tax, but you can apply for an exemption.
How to Apply for Council Tax Exemption
The process of applying for council tax exemption may seem daunting, but it's actually straightforward. You can apply via the gov.uk council website. It's important to keep your landlord and rental agent informed about your exemption status to avoid confusion. Contact your local council to request a council tax exemption form, and provide any necessary documentation, such as proof of income and student status.
Potential Delays and Complications
There may be delays in processing your council tax exemption application, which can take up to a few months in some cases. During this time, you may be expected to pay the council tax and then be refunded once the exemption is applied. To avoid delays, provide as much information as possible on your application, including proof of your student status, income, and other relevant documentation requested by your local council.
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TV licence
If you're a student, you'll need to consider the various bills that come with living away from home. One of the essential bills you may need to pay is the TV licence. Here's what you should know about managing your TV licence as a student:
Students living away from home, whether in university accommodation or private housing, generally need a TV licence if they want to watch or record live TV programmes or download or watch BBC programmes on demand, including catch-up TV and BBC iPlayer.
A TV licence costs £174.50 per year for colour TV sets and £58.50 for black and white TV sets. This fee covers both homes and businesses.
Student Accommodation Considerations:
If you live in university halls of residence, it's important to check with your accommodation provider. Shared areas may already be covered by a TV licence, but if you want to watch TV in your own room, you will likely need a separate licence.
Shared Housing Arrangements:
If you have a shared tenancy agreement, where everyone in your house signs the same contract, you usually only need one licence to cover all the devices in the house. However, if you have a separate tenancy agreement, each tenant will need their own TV licence.
Holiday Addresses and Refunds:
If you return home during the summer holidays and only need a licence for part of the year, you may qualify for a refund for the remaining months. Contact the TV Licensing authority for more information on refunds.
Payment Methods:
You can buy or renew a TV licence online using a credit or debit card. Other payment methods include paying by post, direct debit, via a savings card, or at a PayPoint outlet.
Remember, watching TV without a valid licence can result in fines of up to £1,000, so it's important to ensure you have the necessary licence if you plan on watching live TV or BBC iPlayer during your time as a student.
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Broadband and mobile phone bills
Broadband Bills
- Contract length: Standard broadband contracts typically range from 12 to 24 months. However, you may be able to find 9-month contracts specifically designed for students.
- Connection speed: The number of users in your household will impact the desired speed. The more people using the internet simultaneously, the faster connection speed you will need.
- Data allowance: Unlimited data allowance is ideal for shared housing situations, as multiple users can quickly deplete a limited data plan.
- Special offers: Broadband providers often offer incentives like cashback, free gifts, or vouchers to attract new customers. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money.
- Bundling: Consider bundling your broadband and mobile phone services with the same provider, as this can often result in additional discounts or promotions.
- Student discounts: Many broadband providers offer student discounts on select plans. Verify your student status to take advantage of these savings.
- Comparison shopping: Compare different broadband providers to find the best deal that meets your speed, data, and budget requirements.
Mobile Phone Bills
- Student plans: Some mobile phone providers offer specific student plans or discounts for eligible college and graduate students. Look for providers that cater to students, as you may be able to save on your monthly bill.
- Bundling: Similar to broadband, you can often bundle your mobile phone plan with other services, such as broadband or TV, to take advantage of additional discounts.
- Comparison shopping: Compare different mobile phone providers and their plans to find the best combination of features, coverage, and pricing that suits your needs.
- Direct debit: Consider setting up direct debit payments for your mobile phone bill. This ensures you don't miss any payments and may even result in additional savings.
Remember, staying on top of your broadband and mobile phone bills is essential to avoid unexpected charges or disruptions in service. Understanding your usage patterns, comparing providers, and taking advantage of student discounts can help you manage these expenses effectively during your student years.
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Frequently asked questions
Students have to pay for energy, broadband, water, and a TV licence. Students are exempt from paying council tax, but if they live with non-students, they will need to pay a share of the council tax.
You can pay your bills in one go or in instalments. You can also pay by Direct Debit, which is the cheapest way to pay.
You can split bills evenly between housemates and use apps like Splitwise to manage payments.
If you plan on watching any live television, you will need a TV licence. A TV licence costs around £175 per year, but you can claim a refund for the months you are not in your student house.
