Student Bills in UK - What You Should Know
Are you trying to sort out your bills as a new international student in the UK? We understand how confusing it can be!
Do not worry. In this post, we will share all you should know about paying your bills in the UK, what bills you are liable for, and how to ensure you’re always caught up on them.
Key Takeaways
Students in the UK must budget for rent, utilities (gas, electricity, water), TV licenses, internet access, and council tax.
Full-time students are exempt from council tax, but some accommodations require proof.
Monthly student bills vary depending on location and lifestyle, but they average £70–£150 per month (excluding rent). Smart budgeting and choosing the right accommodation can help reduce financial stress.
Luxury student apartments like those provided by Student Luxe often offer all-inclusive bills, simplifying budgeting. This way, you don’t have to worry about paying bills individually. You can explore the different accommodation options and see what’s included with every stay.
What Bills Do UK Students Pay?
When studying in the UK, students must consider several essential bills in addition to rent. These costs vary depending on the type of accommodation, location, and lifestyle choices.
Below is a breakdown of the main bills UK students typically pay:
Rent
Rent is often the biggest expense for students. Prices vary depending on whether you choose university halls, private student accommodation, a luxury apartment, or a shared house. Major cities like London tend to have higher rental costs, with prices ranging from £500–£1,500 or a lot more per month depending on the location and type of property.
Utility Bills (Gas, Electricity & Water)
If you live in private housing, you’ll need to pay for utilities separately. These include:
Gas & Electricity – Essential for heating, lighting, and appliances. Costs depend on usage and the provider, typically ranging between £40–£80 per month per student in shared accommodation.
Water – Water bills vary by location and provider, averaging £20–£40 per month for a household. Some landlords include water bills in the rent, so you should check your rental agreement.
Internet & TV Licence
Internet – A must-have for students, internet costs range from £20–£30 per month, depending on the speed and provider. Some student accommodations offer free high-speed WiFi.
TV Licence – If you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, you must pay a TV licence fee of £169.50 per year. However, students can avoid this cost if they only watch on-demand services like Netflix or YouTube.
Council Tax
Full-time students are exempt from paying council tax, but if you live with non-students, your household may still be required to pay. Make sure you apply for a student exemption through your local council.
Other Essential Expenses
Aside from these main bills, students should also budget for:
Mobile Phone Bills – Plans can cost between £10–£50 per month, depending on data usage and provider.
Laundry Costs – Some student halls charge for laundry facilities, usually £3–£5 per wash/dry cycle.
Contents Insurance – Protects your belongings from theft or damage, costing around £5–£15 per month.
Subscriptions – Services like Spotify, Netflix, and gym memberships can add an extra £10–£50 per month to expenses.
How to Pay Your Bills in the UK
There are several convenient payment methods to ensure your bills are paid on time while avoiding unnecessary stress.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular ways to pay your student bills:
Direct Debits (The Easiest Way to Stay on Track)
A direct debit is an automatic payment set up with your bank that ensures bills are paid on time each month. It is the best and most common way to pay for utilities, rent, internet, and subscriptions.
Bill Splitting Services
If you're living in shared accommodation, splitting bills fairly can be tricky. Bill-splitting apps help divide and collect payments so everyone pays their share without hassle. Some popular services are Splitwise, Acasa, etc.
Joint Accounts
Some housemates opt for a joint bank account where everyone deposits their share of the bills. The account then pays rent, utilities, and other shared expenses. This arrangement works best if you’re living with close friends or housemates you trust.
Banking & Payment Apps
Many students use banking apps to transfer money for bills and expenses. Popular UK banking apps include Monzo, Revolut, PayPal, and Venmo. These apps allow instant payments and are great for easy tracking and budgeting.
Which Payment Method Should You Choose?
The best method depends on your situation:
For solo living: Set up direct debits to automate payments.
For shared housing: Use a bill-splitting service or joint account to divide costs.
For flexibility: Banking apps like Monzo and Revolut provide easy tracking and instant transfers.
Choosing a Luxury Student Apartment with All Bills Included
For international students studying in the UK, managing multiple bills, such as rent, utilities, internet, and council tax, can be overwhelming. Choosing a luxury student apartment that includes all bills removes the stress of bill payment.
Luxury student apartments with all bills included offer several advantages:
Simplified budgeting – No unexpected costs; you pay a fixed amount each month, making it easier to manage finances.
Less admin work – No need to set up and manage utility accounts or chase housemates for shared payments.
No surprise price hikes – With energy prices fluctuating, having utilities included ensures your costs remain stable.
Premium amenities – Many luxury apartments come with high-speed WiFi, on-site gyms, 24/7 security, study lounges, and social spaces, offering a high-quality living experience.
If you value convenience, financial predictability, and a premium living experience, choosing a luxury student apartment with all bills included is a smart investment. It ensures that you can focus on your studies and social life without the stress of managing multiple expenses.
Tip: Student Luxe provides the most luxurious and exclusive student accommodations in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and other parts of the UK. These fully furnished apartments are equipped with luxury amenities like an on-site gym, pool, concierge service, balconies, and more. Explore all UK apartments and choose your perfect home!
FAQs
How much are bills per month in the UK?
On average, excluding rent, students spend £70–£150 per month on bills. This could be more, depending on lifestyle preferences.
What is the minimum student expense in the UK?
It varies by location, but students should budget at least £800–£1,200 per month, including rent and bills.
Are UK students exempt from council tax?
Full-time students are exempt, but they must apply for an exemption certificate from their university.
Do students pay water bills in the UK?
Yes, but in some student accommodations, water bills are included in the rent.
Wrapping Up
Managing student bills in the UK can be stressful, especially for international students unfamiliar with the system. Understanding the different bills you’ll need to pay and choosing the right payment methods, such as direct debits, bill-splitting apps, or joint accounts, can help you stay on top of your finances.
If you don’t want to deal with the stress of paying multiple bills monthly, choose luxury student apartments that include all bills. With a single monthly payment covering rent, utilities, and amenities, these accommodations provide convenience.
About Us
Student Luxe are the preferred choice for guests seeking superior comfort, flexibility & service for their studies - providing some of the most luxurious and private student accommodation London has to offer.
Most of these apartments are in the best parts of the city, with amazing on-site amenities and flexible booking perks.
If we can assist with your apartment search in any way, please let our experts know.
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