Bills

Introduction

Last updated January 03, 2025

In addition to rental costs, you will also need to pay for some, or all, utility bills while living and studying in the UK. These include electricity, gas, water, internet, and a TV licence. You may be exempt from paying Council Tax as a student, but you’ll need to check if you qualify. [link to Council Tax page]

Read our information to find which ones you may need to pay. If you are living in student accommodation (halls), your electricity, gas and water costs are likely included, but do check with your institution.

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Council tax

Last updated January 03, 2025

Council Tax is a fee set by local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales to pay for local services that they provide, such as rubbish collection, the police and the fire brigade. The fee is per household, and it is based on the value of the house, flat or other accommodation (in this information these are all called ‘dwellings’) in which you live.

People living in privately rented accommodation, or who own their home, are normally liable to pay Council Tax but exemption rules apply to full-time students. To get this exemption, you will need to be considered a ‘student’ by the Council Tax definition. Read our page about council tax for further information.

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Energy bills

Last updated January 13, 2025

Energy bills include electricity and gas, and you’ll most likely receive a bill quarterly. You can pay from them separately, using different suppliers.

It is worth comparing the costs of different suppliers using a comparison site or Money Saving Expert.

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Water

Last updated January 03, 2025

Tap water in the UK rates among the best in the world and is a popular drink for people when at home in this country. Every house in the UK gets their water supplied by a local water company. Find your local supplier.

While student accommodation usually covers a water bill, private accommodation may not. Make sure you ask your landlord if it will be covered in your tenancy arrangement.

Water bills cover the running water into your home and the sewage system that runs through it too. You will either be on a meter (recording the amount of water you use and charge you accordingly) or a standard tariff (based on an estimate of how much your house will use).

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TV licence

Last updated January 03, 2025

In the UK you need a valid TV Licence if you use ‘TV receiving equipment’ to watch or record television programmes. This includes TVs, computers, mobile phones, games consoles or any other devices. TV licences are mandatory for everyone who views content in any format, including on-demand such as BBC iPlayer.
 
If you watch or record any of the above without a valid licence, you risk prosecution and a penalty of up to £1,000.
 
For up-to-date information about cost and details on the many ways you can pay, please visit the TV Licensing website.  There is no discount or a shorter length TV Licence available to students. But TV Licensing do offer refunds. Find out if you are eligible for a refund.

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