Big Energy Saving Week is here. Lets get started

Not able to knock up a wind turbine in the back garden to save on your bills? No problem. The Student Advice Service is here with some step by step ‘how to’ ideas to save on your bills and energy saving suggestions. Throughout this week we’re supporting the Citizens Advice national campaign Big Energy Saving Week on campus and online to help students better understand their bills, check their usage and learn how to switch provider.

There is a wealth of information and advice out there already, so instead of reinventing the wheel, we’re signposting to our tried and tested go to places for the best deals, comparison sites and top tips. These are all sound sources of information which we use very regularly in our day to day work.

Save the Student is a fantastic place to start. They have a team of researchers who have the most up to date unbiased information for students. Have a look at the following articles:

1. Best energy value guide for students article
2. How to set and split the cost of bills
3. Best energy comparison sites for students

First things first though – how can we understand our bills better? It might be boring, but it is important and a valuable life lesson. Start with watching the Energy Saving Trust video:

It may not be convenient or feasible to switch provider now, but this is certainly something you should think about when looking for your next accommodation, or if you’re in Halls and looking to rent in the private sector in September. We know that many students prefer to rent places which are all inclusive, as this removes the pressure from tenants stressing about how to split the bills evenly. You also avoid the shock of a large bill dropping on the doormat with arrears of 6 months to suddenly find. However, it is worth noting that as ‘inclusive’ as the bills may be, you may still need to pay for broadband/tv/landline phone line on top.

At the stall in Moulseoomb today, we learnt that students living in the private rented sector were paying £40 – £45 per month. This is more than the national average for student households, which is in the region of £37 per person, per calendar month. We also learnt that our students are increasingly using bill sharing companies such as Glide and Splitwise so ask around to see how things work for others. It might be worth paying that bit extra each month so you don’t have to chase housemates for their share each month. Could be worth considering if you’re in a large share.

Out top energy saving tip of the  day……. make sure your washing machine is full every load so you save on electricity and water or the cost of washes if you’re using a launderette.

Where are we going to be for the rest of the week?

• Tuesday 22nd Jan 12.00 – 2.00, Hastings – Havelock Road
• Wednesday 23rd Jan 11.00 – 1.00, Falmer – Checkland atrium
• Thursday 24th Jan 12.30 – 2.00, Eastbourne – Greynore canteen
• Thursday 24th Jan 12.00 – 1.30, Grand Parade – café/bar

Hopefully see you there 🙂

Student Advice Service