Whether or not you need to have a TV licence depends on the type of accommodation that you live in.
Student halls – you’ll need to be covered by a licence to watch TV in your room.
House or flat share with separate tenancy agreement – you’ll need to be covered by your own licence.
Property with joint tenancy – you’ll need one licence to cover the whole place.
You must remember that you need a TV licence to watch or record TV programmes, irrespective of what device you are using and how you receive them. So, you still need a licence if you are using a computer, laptop or mobile phone for example to receive pictures. Equally, receive them by cable, satellite, terrestrial, internet or any other way and you need that licence!
You need to be covered by a TV licence to download or watch BBC programmes on demand - including catch-up TV on BBC iPlayer. This applies to all devices including a smart TV, desktop computer or laptop, mobile phone, tablet, digital box, streaming stick or games console. Even if you access BBC iPlayer through another provider, such as Sky, Virgin Media, Freeview or BT; you must have a TV licence.
Remember - if you get caught without a TV licence you could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 plus the cost of the licence and court costs.
Check out the TV licensing website for more information that is specific to students.
If you are moving out of halls or other student accommodation, your licence does not automatically go with you; you need to notify TV Licensing of your new address for this to happen. You can update your details by visiting www.tvlicensing.co.uk and following the instructions.
If you are not staying at university over the summer and therefore don't need your TV licence again before it expires, you are entitled to a refund of any unused quarters which means three full calendar months. So, as long as you buy your licence in October and don't need it for the whole of July, August and September, you could be eligible for a refund.
Remember: The fine for not having a licence when you are using television receiving equipment is up to £1,000, plus court costs and the price of a licence too!
TV Licensing General Enquiries - 0300 790 6090
Current costs are £159 for a colour TV and £53.50 for a black and white one.
Scams are on the increase everywhere, which is why TV Licensing is working to help customers protect themselves against fraudsters. To help stop the scammers, we are asking people to Stop – Check – Ask if they receive any suspicious communications from TV Licensing.
If you are made aware of any suspicious emails, please forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk and they will investigate. If the email links to a scam website it will be taken down or blocked.
If you’ve already entered your personal details on a suspicious site, report it to Action Fraud immediately or call 0300 123 2040. And if you’ve provided any card or bank details, you should also speak to your bank straight away. To report any scam or suspicious emails, forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will investigate. If the email links to a scam website it will be blocked or taken down.