Student TV Licence Rules: How It Works In Student Housing

There’s nothing better than getting home after a long day and sitting in front of the TV with a cold drink and some food. Whether you’re catching up with the latest soaps or just watching Friends re-runs, it’s always a good time.

But there’s one thing you need to be aware of – you need to have a TV licence. Everyone in the UK must have one if they plan to watch UK TV channels, and being a student doesn’t always exclude you.

If you’re confused about getting a TV licence while you’re in student accommodation, don’t worry. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the process.

Do You Need a TV Licence?

Unlike council tax payments, being a student does not mean you don’t have to pay for a TV licence. You need a TV licence if:

You want to watch programmes from the TV, or if they are via an online TV streaming service. This includes websites such as Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, All 4, etc.
You want to download and TV programmes via sites like BBC iPlayer.

Even if you don’t watch on a television set, you still need to if you use a laptop or tablet/mobile to stream TV.

If you plan on doing any of these things, it’s important that you get a TV licence before doing so. You may be caught and fined as you will be breaking the law if you do not have one.

How Much Does It Cost?

A TV licence currently costs £154.50 a year per household. That means you can split the cost evenly with your flatmates (if you have any) and reduce the individual cost.

Whether you live in halls of residence or a shared house, you will need to pay. Some private halls of residence might include the TV licence as part of the package. But, not all do, so you will need to be sure to check with them first.

Are You Covered Already?

There is a chance you might already be covered by a TV licence and you don’t even know it. One such example is as stated above – your halls of residence might already have a TV licence. However, some only have a TV licence for the communal areas of the building, not your private room.

You may also be covered by a TV licence if your out-of-term address (i.e. your parents’ house) already has a TV licence.

Is There a Loophole?

The loophole that could get you out of ever having to pay for a TV licence is pretty simple. If your out-of-term address has a TV licence already AND your non-TV set device isn’t plugged into the mains or an aerial – you don’t need one.

This also applies to TV sets that are powered by their own batteries (i.e. a portable television). It’s a pretty bizarre rule, but it’s even stated on the official TV licensing site, so it’s absolutely legit. This could save you a lot of money and some legal trouble in the long run too.

TV Licences in Student Accommodation: Will You Get One?

If you’re someone who doesn’t watch much TV, you might not want to bother with getting a TV licence. If you enjoy watching TV and love to catch up with your favourite programmes, it’s definitely worth getting. If you only watch occasionally on your laptop and you’re covered by your parents’ licence, unplug it and enjoy!

Need to find student accommodation soon? Talk to us and we can help you find somewhere great to live.

There’s nothing better than getting home after a long day and sitting in front of the TV with a cold drink and some food. Whether you’re catching up with the latest soaps or just watching Friends re-runs, it’s always a good time.

Do You Need a TV Licence?

How Much Does It Cost?

Are You Covered Already?

Is There a Loophole?

TV Licences in Student Accommodation: Will You Get One?

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