Coming to study in the UK is a big move – it may even be your first time here! There are lots of things to consider so we’ve detailed some of the costs to prepare you.
It’s important you budget and allow for additional expenses such as Council Tax, energy and water.
- Council Tax can average £1,492 per year in Wales based on a ‘Band D’ property, before any discounts
- Gas and electricity usage could average £80 a month, based on 2 people in a 2-bedroom property
- Water costs could average £40 a month based on 2 people living in a property
Some landlords may include some of these charges within your rental costs, so it’s alway worth checking with them.
// Council Tax
Council Tax is collected by your local council to pay for services in your community. You may need to pay Council Tax if you rent privately. As a student, you may be eligible for a discount, but this depends on a number of factors. Read more.
// Utility Bills
In the UK you have to pay for water, gas and electricity – and these can be quite expensive. Some landlords may include utility costs within your rent, but always check with them to make sure.
When you move into a new property, your landlord should inform you of the company that supplies your gas and electricity. You should contact them as soon as possible to tell them you have moved in and set up an account in your name. You can normally pay for gas and electricity via Direct Debit – and make sure you take a meter reading each month (unless your property has a smart meter).
If you are responsible for water costs, you should contact the main provider in Wales, Welsh Water.
// TV Licence
You need to pay for a TV Licence in the UK if you:
- watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel
- watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service (such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, etc.)
- download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer
This applies to any device you use, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder. Find out more.
// Other Costs
You should consider other costs in addition to those mentioned above, such as money for property rental, travel and food.