Your go-to student bills checklist | A guide to setting up and budgeting bills as a student

To make the most of your university experience, you will most likely want to spend nights out of student accommodation, socialising and getting to know fellow students. Although you will receive student finance, including a maintenance loan, it would be a mistake to overlook budgeting and saving throughout your term time. For many students, this will be their first time budgeting for themselves, giving them life skills they can use in the future.

When making a student budgeting plan, avoid these common mistakes:

·        Not tracking spending: This includes all expenses through the week or month, such as rent, phone bills, and other outgoings like leisure activities, weekly shopping, and social events.

·        Setting an unrealistic budget: Though you may be concerned about spending too much money, maintaining a rigorous and unrealistic budget is also challenging. Trying a very low budget can cause problems, including missing out on socials and limiting activity.

·        Not leaving any wiggle room: It’s important to remember that a budget can’t plan for everything. You may find there are spontaneous excursions, bills increasing or emergencies. Leave a little room so that you won’t be strapped for cash in these instances.

·        Not revising your budget monthly: Check your student budget plan month to month to see if there are any drastic changes or if you need to review your weekly spend.

Depending on the student accommodation type, students may have varying bills and costs to consider and manage throughout the year. On top of your rent, you may have to pay expenses including a weekly shop, phone contracts, going out and travelling. Some of these costs may be shared or helped with by flatmates or parents.

Student accommodation types, like university and private halls, typically include bills in their rent. When finding student accommodation, this is beneficial, as it can make budgeting student bills much simpler. However, though accommodations such as a shared student house in privately rented accommodation may have cheaper rents, they often require tenants to pay additional bills. 

Make sure you check your tenancy agreement before booking student accommodation, so you are not surprised by any fees. Here are some of the main bills you may have to pay as a student:

·        Electricity

·        Gas

·        Water

·        Broadband

·        TV licence (only if you watch BBC or any live TV – this may be included in your student accommodation cost)

·        Council tax (students should not have to pay this, but should still check beforehand)

·        Contents insurance

A well-organised checklist can ease the transition into student accommodation, ensuring you have everything to settle in and prepare for the future. Prior to moving day, make a detailed inventory of all the items you plan to bring. 

On the day of the move, start by checking in with the accommodation office to collect your keys and any other necessary information. Once you have access to your room, take some time to inspect it for any pre-existing damage and report it immediately to avoid potential charges when you move out. In a shared student house, take a meter reading if necessary (this is not required in university halls or private accommodation).  After the inspection, begin unpacking and organising your belongings.

Check out our helpful checklist when you get to your student room below:

For more information, check out our essential checklist when moving to student accommodation here.

Creating and managing a student budget plan is an essential skill that helps maintain financial stability throughout your academic journey. 

List all your sources of income, including a student loan, scholarships, part-time job, and any financial aid from family. Knowing your total income helps set a realistic budget. 

Then, categorise your expenses: what will come out of your account each month. This includes fixed costs, such as rent and utilities, and others costs like a weekly shop, transportation and leisure.

Use tools such as a spreadsheet or organising app to track and monitor your monthly spending, sticking to a budget and reviewing periodically. As mentioned above, make sure you leave wiggle room in case of an emergency.

When setting up student bills, if you are sharing financial responsibility, ensure that everything is clearly divided and agreed upon. Utilities and internet should be split equally, and automatic payments for recurring bills can be helpful.

Mansion Student provides purpose-built student accommodation across the UK, in locations such as Leeds, Durham and Nottingham. Our properties are all-inclusive of bills, where tenants are expected to pay one lump sum in an agreed-upon payment plan. Our rent also includes Wi-Fi and contents insurance, as well as other features such as CCTV, security, and modern communal spaces.

For more information, contact Mansion Student today to speak to our hospitality teams.  

What important documents should you bring to your student accommodation on moving day?

On moving day to your new student accommodation, make sure you bring certain documents. These include your tenancy contract, student ID, student finance information, national insurance number, university acceptance letter, and a form of photo identification (like a passport or driver’s licence).

Make sure to bring any health-related information, such as prescriptions or issues that the accommodation’s onsite hospitality team should be aware of. If you are an international student, bring any travel documents or information (visas, for example) as well.

Should you live on your own or with others at student accommodation?

Choosing between living on your own or with others in student accommodation depends on personal preference and lifestyle. Living alone offers privacy, independence, and a quiet environment ideal for focused study. However, this can be potentially isolating and expensive. 

Living with others can reduce these costs and share student bills while fostering a sense of community. Consider student accommodations with modern communal spaces to socialise while having room for privacy.

Read our comparison guide on living along or with others at student accommodation here.