Before starting the university year, a topic on many students’ minds is bills. Whether it’s electricity, water, or any others, for most students this is the first time in their lives that they’ve had to think about outgoings such as these.
A TV licence is just one of several bills to be concerned about, with most households in the UK paying it. But you may be thinking, what’s it actually for?
A TV licence pays for all BBC services, from TV channels to weather forecasts and more. While other companies may provide these same services, the BBC is committed to impartiality, which means they provide these as a trustworthy public service the public can rely on.
Most of the money from TV licences goes to the BBC in exchange for this ‘impartial’ stance, which helps to fund and keep the company advertisement-free.
Summed up, the money from TV licences keeps the BBC state-owned instead of publicly owned.
The UK law regarding TV licences currently states that you need to have a valid TV licence if you are any of the following:
When living in a shared student accommodation, the chances are you’ll only need one licence for the entire accommodation if you have a joint tenancy agreement. If you have a separate tenancy agreement or your accommodation is self-contained, you may need your own TV licence.
Many students believe their parents’ TV licence may cover them, but this is untrue. If you’ve moved away for uni you’ll need to pay for your own licence unless you’re using something battery powered and not plugged into the mains power.
Currently a standard TV Licence costs £159, and can be paid annually, quarterly, or even monthly depending on your preference.
Due to TV licences being required by law, using BBC services without a licence can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000, as well as any other costs/compensation you’re asked to pay.
You can buy or renew your TV licence online, with various payment options available.
Payments are accepted with credit or debit cards, but other methods are available such as paying by post, direct debit, a savings card, or at your nearest PayPoint outlet.
Pay for your TV licence here on the TV licensing website.
Alternatively, you can find your local PayPoint outlet here.
Many students only spend the academic year at their accommodation, and then move back home at the end of the year. The good news is, these students can apply for a refund on their TV licence.
If you pay for your licence annually, you can apply for a refund at the end of the year on the TV Licensing Website.
If you chose to pay the fee monthly or via direct debit you can request to pause or stop your payments.
To find out more about TV licences, check out more blogs on this topic by clicking here!
Interested in splitting your student household bills rather than splitting up friendships? Check out SplitTheBills now and make life easier for everyone in your shared student house.
The move from first to second year at university often comes with a lot of change as most students will have to start paying bills for the first time. In this feature we discuss how you can keep your finances organised and pay bills responsibly.
The move from first to second year at university often comes with a lot of change as most students will have to start paying bills for the first time. In this feature we discuss how you can keep your finances organised and pay bills responsibly.
The move from first to second year at university often comes with a lot of change as most students will have to start paying bills for the first time. In this feature we discuss how you can keep your finances organised and pay bills responsibly.