How TV licences work for students in the UK
If you are a student, you may be wondering if you need a TV licence in the UK. Whether you’re watching live TV or streaming the latest shows, you’ll need legal permission in the form of a TV licence to enjoy all of your favourite post-lecture entertainment.
This also includes viewing TV on devices like your phone, laptop or games console.
Feeling confused? Don’t worry - in this article, we detail everything you need to know about getting a TV licence in the UK as a student.
Do I need a TV licence?
You’ll need a TV licence to use certain TV services in the UK, such as BBC iPlayer. Whether it’s live or catch-up shows, a TV licence will allow you to watch a variety of content, including Live TV.
Live TV is any show that you watch at the same time as it’s being broadcast on TV. This includes the news, sports, series and movies - if it's happening now and you're watching it, it's live.
At iQ Student Accommodation, our communicable areas include TVs which are covered by a TV licence. If you choose to bring your own TV or use one in your shared living area, you’ll need to purchase your own TV licence. Get some tips about student living costs.
If you decide to cover the TV licence cost, you’ll be able to view a variety of programmes spanning beyond live TV, including radio and online services.
Here’s a list of what you’ll have access to with a TV licence:
- Eight national TV channels - this includes regional services and is a great way to stay up to date with local news and weather
- BBC iPlayer - on-demand programmes covering news, sports, drama, comedy, documentaries, lifestyle programmes and movies
- BBC Sounds - the home of BBC Radio featuring a huge range of musical genres, radio stations and podcasts
- BBC website - this includes News, Sport, Weather, CBBC, Food, Bitesize, Arts and BBC Three
- BBC World Service - international broadcaster of TV, radio and sport
- BBC apps - apps include Bitesize, CBeebies, Food, News, Sport and Weather
Do I need a TV licence for streaming services?
The good news is that you won’t need a TV licence to binge your favourite content on streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, Apple TV and YouTube because these are not live broadcasts.
Take note that these services may require a separate subscription fee so be sure to check the T&Cs and whether your student budget is flexible enough.
How to apply for a TV licence?
It’s easy to apply for a TV licence. Just visit the official TV Licensing website and follow the step-by-step instructions. Remember, you'll only be able to do this once you move into your student accommodation as you will need to provide your address and payment details.
How much does a TV licence cost?
A TV licence in the UK currently costs £169.50 per year. You can choose to pay a one-off yearly fee, every quarter or monthly. Learn more about setting up a student bank account.
If you only use the TV for part of the year, you could request a refund for the unused months, but you must have at least one complete month left on your TV licence that you won't need before it expires.
FAQs about TV Licences
Do I need a new TV licence if I change my address?
If you move student accommodation or change your address, you’ll need to update your details on the TV Licensing website to ensure you’re covered. You can actually change your TV licence address up to three months before you actually move.
What happens if I don't pay my TV licence in the UK?
If you watch or download TV programmes illegally, it can lead to a hefty fine of up to £1,000. It’s best to avoid the stress and make sure you're covered.
How do you cancel a TV licence?
If you no longer need it, you can cancel a TV licence online at any time. You might even get a refund for the months you don’t use it, which can be a handy way of protecting your student budget.
There you have it! We hope this article was helpful and now you know everything about getting a TV licence in the UK as a student. If you’re already an iQ Student Accommodation resident and have questions about TV licences at one of our locations, feel free to contact us and chat with our friendly team.
