TV Licences for Students

Added to the tripling of University fees, you will need to find money for:

• accommodation, approx £5,000pa
• set books plus stationery odds and ends, £200pa
• depending on your course, you may need
• computer (e.g.Apple Mac, accessories, software, £2,000)
• other accessories: special clothing, personal equipment (£?)
• everyday food and hygiene products, approx £30-£40 per week
• additional sets of pots, pans, food storage boxes and other items
• TV Licence!

If a student wants to play PlayStation or X-Box that requires a TV, a licence is necessary, even if no TV programmes are watched. If a student doesn't have a TV but watches live broadcasts on a computer, a TV licence is necessary. Here is a link to TV Licence Rules.

Some extracts:
"Your hall's licence won’t cover you, and you may not be covered by your parents’ licence. Thankfully, it’s easy to buy your own." Easy? Not if you don't have the money, it isn't!
"...you may need your own licence if your accommodation is self-contained – i.e. you have exclusive access to washing facilities..." What the hell does an en-suite have to do with a TV licence?!!

A total rip-off in the case of students in halls or sharing an apartment where a TV licence is already in place for the apartment - just because there is a private washing area in your bedroom? Unbelievable!

Posted on behalf of angry, broke and getting poorer Student