Setting up student bills | How to manage student accommodation rent and other costs

When moving into student accommodation, the first thing to determine is whether your rent includes utility bills. Many university-owned or managed accommodations often bundle all-inclusive utilities, such as water, electricity, and internet, within the rent. This arrangement simplifies budgeting since you only need to focus on one payment each term. However, if you are renting privately, particularly in a shared student house, you will likely be responsible for setting up and managing your own bills.

In a private student house, sharing the responsibility for bills can be both an advantage and a challenge. On the one hand, splitting costs among housemates can reduce the financial burden on any one individual. On the other hand, it requires coordination and communication to ensure that all payments are made on time and that everyone pays their fair share.

Deciding how to pay your rent and other bills is another important consideration. Many landlords or accommodation providers offer payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of rent over the term or academic year. For utility bills, using bill-splitting apps can help manage shared expenses by tracking who owes what and sending reminders.

Before you start to set up utility bills, ensure they are covered in the rent cost. As mentioned above, halls of residence and private student accommodation will often be all-inclusive of bills. However, in shared accommodation, you may need to set up your own student bills.

Setting up energy bills

When you move in, take a meter reading and submit it to your supplier to ensure you are only billed for your usage. You may find that the current energy supplier does not suit your needs, or there is a cheaper alternative available. In these cases,

·        Find the energy meter

·        Find the supplier

·        Submit a meter reading on your move-in date

·        Compare different energy companies to find one that best suits your needs

·        Set up a direct debit

Setting up water bills

For water bills, ask your landlord or accommodation provider who the supplier is. Once you have this information, contact the supplier to set up an account in your name.

·        Find the supplier (for example, Yorkshire Water)

·        Set up an account

·        Find out whether you are metered or a standard tariff

Setting up a TV licence

If you plan to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, you will need a TV licence. This applies even if you only watch TV on your computer or mobile device.

·        Visit the TV licencing website

·        Choose a payment method

Setting up broadband

Reliable internet is essential for students, both for academic work and leisure. When choosing a broadband package, consider the speed and data allowance you need.

·        Compare broadband packages

·        Set up a payment plan

How you and your flatmates decide to split the shared student bills is completely up to you and your flatmates. You may decide that the money comes from one account through a direct debit, and the other tenants send money to that person. Or, you may choose that one person pays for the internet, one person pays the energy bills, etc.

Whatever the case, make sure you have a plan as soon as possible.

Mansion Student accommodation properties are inclusive of bills, and our tenants do not need to set up any utilities (such as broadband or electricity). For our communal TV and cinema rooms, you do not need to pay for a TV licence – only if you intend to watch live TV or BBC in your private room.

Contact the Mansion Student team for more information.

In privately rented accommodations, particularly in shared housing, it is crucial to sort out bills as soon as everyone has moved in. Hold a house meeting to discuss how the bills will be split. This meeting should cover the necessary bills, such as electricity, gas, water, broadband, and TV licence, and how much each person will contribute.

Look for student discounts and offers with utility companies, as these can reduce your overall expenses. Ensure all housemates’ names are on the bills to distribute responsibility evenly. This approach prevents any one person from being solely liable for payments, which is especially important if someone moves out unexpectedly.

Take regular meter readings to avoid any disputes over usage and ensure that everyone is being fair and responsible with their consumption. This can also help you monitor your usage and adjust your habits to save money.

Rather than having to deal with complications with sharing bills, consider student accommodation that is all-inclusive. This simplifies the process, ensuring you only pay one lump sum each payment period.

Mansion Student provides a range of modern student accommodations across the UK. In popular locations, such as Leeds and Nottingham, our properties feature different room sizes, communal spaces, and bills inclusive of the rent. The rent also includes added facilities, such as security features and contents insurance.

Browse our student accommodation locations here, or arrange a viewing to see the property of your choice first-hand.

Can I switch suppliers during the tenancy length?

Yes, you can usually switch energy suppliers during your tenancy, but checking your tenancy agreement first is important. Some agreements might have clauses that require landlord permission before making any changes. If you're in a shared house, make sure all housemates agree to the switch.

What happens if I cannot pay my bills?

If you cannot pay your bills, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact your utility providers immediately to explain your situation; they might offer payment plans or extensions.

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