Settling in
Bills/utilities
There are many suppliers in the UK of gas, electricity, broadband and mobile phones. Price comparison sites are a good way to see what providers are in your area and to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Note that some rented properties come with energy bills included in the rent.
Water
Water is normally supplied by a regional company; you can find further details here about your supplier and bills.
Television Licence
You may wish to buy a television when in the UK. You need to be covered by a TV Licence to:
- watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or live on an online TV service
- download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer.
- This could be on any device, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.
It is compulsory to buy a TV licence if you buy a television. Licences currently cost £154.50 per year and can be purchased online. It is possible to pay by instalments. TV licences must be renewed yearly.
Council Tax
Council Tax is a local tax, set by councils to help pay for local services like policing and refuse collection. It applies to all domestic properties, including houses, bungalows, flats, maisonettes, mobile homes or houseboats, whether owned or rented.
Further information can be found on the Council Tax website.
Getting around/getting to know the area
Depending on your choice of degree, you may be based at our Streatham Campus or St Luke’s Campus in Exeter, or at our Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
Each campus mixes new and historical buildings in grounds that are repeatedly acknowledged as some of the most beautiful and botanically interesting of any UK university. You'll find modern facilities including libraries, teaching spaces and labs along with sports centres, shops, bars and food outlets.
Law
The Citizens Advice Bureau can provide a range of advice ranging from legal matters (including the legal system in the UK), consumer, housing and money advice.
The University has a Community Law Clinic to assist individuals who are not eligible for legal aid or are otherwise unable to afford private legal advice.