Top 5 Tips for Getting Your Money Ready for Moving Off-Campus
Are you getting ready to move off campus? Here are our top 5 tips to get your money ready!
1) Check your rent contract
Make sure you check your contract so you don't get any unexpected charges at the end of the rental period. For example, there may be a clause about keeping the garden tidy and if you don't do this you will be charged. The SU Advice Centre will check your contract for free and it's well worth it to save yourself some money!
2) Work out your bills
If your bills are not included in the rent, make sure you have a plan for how you're going to manage these between housemates. Save the Student has an article on how to setup, compare and split bills. Energy bills can be confusing but it's important that you understand your bills so you can check you are being charged correctly. The uSwitch website has FAQ's on Energy BillsLink opens in a new window which include links to how to read your bills depending on your provider.
3) Remember the cost of travel
As you will be moving off campus you may need to purchase a travel pass to get around. You will need a different pass depending on whether you are living in Warwickshire or Coventry so make sure you buy the right one! The Living off-Campus pages have guides on each area where you can find out which buses go where so you can plan. Make sure you factor this cost into your budget.
4) Don't forget insurance
Insurance is included in on-campus rents but when you move off-campus you will need to arrange your own. It's really important to protect your belongings in case of loss, theft or damage so don't skip this. However, you may be covered on your parents' home insurance so make sure you check before you get your own. Money Saving Expert has a great guide on their website.
5) Sort out your Council Tax exemption
Full-time students don't have to pay Council Tax but you need to provide the Council with evidence you are a student in order to get your exemption. You can get a Student Status Letter from your Student Record Online to prove your student status and you will then need to send this to Coventry City Council or Warwick District Council (depending on where you live).