Bills: What to avoid, how to organise, and staying on top of it all!
Written by Abigail Pearce
Moving into your student house in Leamington Spa or Coventry? While your excitement might be focused on decorating your new room and spending time with your housemates, there is one slightly less thrilling thing you need to think about: bills. From Wi-Fi and water to council tax and TV licences, here’s everything you need to know to keep your finances running smoothly – and avoid any nasty surprises.
What Bills Will You Need to Pay?
If your landlord hasn’t included utilities in your rent, you’ll usually be responsible for:
- Gas and Electricity - Make sure you contact your supplier when you move in so you’re not charged for the previous tenants’ usage. You don't have to stay with the same supplier; shop around, comparison sites can save you a lot. See Save the Student's guide to the cheapest energy providersLink opens in a new window for more information.
- Water - In Coventry and Warwickshire, your supplier will almost always be Severn Trent WaterLink opens in a new window. It’s simple and easy to set up your account with them online.
- Broadband/Wi-Fi - This will be top of your priority list (understandably) as it is essential for studying, gaming and streaming. Look for 12-month student contracts rather than the usual 18- or 24-month ones. BT, Virgin Media and other providers offer flexible student dealsLink opens in a new window that align with university living.
- TV Licence - You need one if you watch or record live TV or use BBC iPlayer, if you only stream Netflix, Disney+ or YouTube you’re fine. Be careful, it only takes one housemate streaming without a licence for the household to receive a hefty fine! See the TV Licensing's guide for studentsLink opens in a new window for more information.
- Council Tax - The good news is that full-time students are exempt from this, however you must register your exemption with your local council (Warwick District CouncilLink opens in a new window or Coventry City CouncilLink opens in a new window, depending on your address). You can do this online, and you’ll have to provide student ID.
Bill-Splitting Services: Worth It or Waste of Money?
Companies like Split the BillsLink opens in a new window or UniHomesLink opens in a new window promise to make life easier by combining all your utilities into one simple monthly payment that you can all pay individually. While this sounds great, it has its drawbacks.
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If your housemates are reliable and you’re happy managing the admin, setting up the bills yourself can save you hundreds over the year. If you’d rather not deal with the hassle, a package deal might be worth it for peace of mind.
How to Stay Organised
- Start early! As soon as you move in, list each bill, provider and payment date somewhere accessible for you and your housemates.
- Go digital: use a shared Google SheetLink opens in a new window or app like SplitwiseLink opens in a new window to track who owes what, and don’t be afraid to chase people up for what they owe you.
- Set up Direct Debits. This avoids late fees and missed payments. Just make sure you have enough money in your account before it comes out.
- Keep proof. Take photos of meter readings when you move in and when you leave and send them to your landlords to ensure you have a digital record of the readings agreed between you. If you don't know how to read your meter, check out our guideLink opens in a new window.
- Make sure you're not paying too much on your bills. See our guides on how to reduce your electricityLink opens in a new window, heating Link opens in a new windowand waterLink opens in a new window consumption.
- Check your contract. Some landlords include water or Wi-Fi; make sure you’re not paying twice.
If you are worried about money, contact Student Funding Support by email (studentfunding@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window), phone (024 7615 0096), or come to the Wellbeing Reception in Senate House (10 am-3 pm Monday-Friday).
