Student Advice Service – Money Matters

News from the Student Advice Service at the University of Brighton

Top money tips for moving in

Moving in to your university accommodation can be both nerve-racking and exciting and it will take some time to feel fully settled and until it feels like home. You’ll need to set some ground rules as a household regarding your utility bills, broadband, tv, so here are the Student Advice top money tips to help you on your way…. 

  • Take photos and your own inventory when you move in. If there are any scratches, marks and dents, make a note of them, ideally with a photo that tells you what date it is. Tell the letting agent/landlord as soon as possible as this could save you a big chunk of your deposit at the end of your tenancy.
  • Get organised with the bills – agree who has which bill in their name. This is often the fairest way of divvying things up and you can find lots of great tips and apps to help you.
  • Look into opening a household account where all the bills are paid from. This can pre-empt issues with people not being seen to be paying their share and also helps with your budget if you all contribute the same amount each month.
  • Shop around for the best broadband/tv/phone line deals but look out for 18 month clauses which might not be suitable despite their financial appeal
  • Make sure you understand about TV licenses for students
  • Look into contents insurance or find out if your parents insurance still covers your belongings remotely – especially with add-ons like bicycles.
  • Make a list of all the domestic items you need if the house/flat doesn’t have them and use a house kitty.

And most importantly – take a meter reading for all utilities. It is really important to know where all the meters and water stop cock are….and how they work!

3 essentials you need to need to invest in:

  1. A decent water bottle (you might get one of these free at the freshers fair) – there are free water stations all over campus so save your money and the environment by refilling your bottle.
  2. A thermos cup – you can save £200 a year by bringing your own brew into uni.
  3. A decent packed lunch box so you can bring your own lunch and snacks.

Happy moving in and if you have any questions for us, write them down and come and ask us when you enrol.

Best wishes from all of us in the Student Advice team

 

 

Helen Abrahams • September 21, 2018


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