Buying a tv license student

If you watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV you must, by law, be covered by a TV Licence, no matter what device you are using. Your hall probably has a licence covering communal areas, but this won't cover you for your room. If you watch or record TV in your own room, you will need your own TV licence.

If you don't have a licence between you, whoever is found watching TV when an Enquiry Officer visits you is the one who risks a prosecution and a fine. However, there may be other reasons why you need your own separate licence, such as whether or not your accommodation is self-contained - i.

If you are unsure whether this applies to your particular circumstances, contact tvlicensing to find out more information. You only watch downloaded or streamed TV after it has been broadcast. Make sure you check carefully before telling the BBC you don't require a licence.

By law you need a licence to: watch or record TV on any channel e. On any device. Buy your TV Licence. Only staying at uni for the academic year?

For example — You choose to pay in one go for your TV Licence and use it for 9 months during the academic year. When the academic year finishes you leave your accommodation and no longer need a TV Licence.

Think you might not need a licence? Need some more help? Watch our short guide on when you need a TV Licence at university. Still have questions?

If you are moving out of halls or other student accommodation, remember that your TV licence does not move with you and you will need to notify TV Licensing of your new address. You can update your details by visiting the TV licensing website and following the instructions.

It only takes a minute or two. At the same time, you can choose to receive your TV licence by email instead of receiving a paper license in the post. If you are not staying at university over the summer and do not need your TV licence again before it expires, you are entitled to a refund of any unused quarters three full calendar months. Most students would need to buy a TV licence at the beginning of the term in October in order to allow enough time at the end of the year to qualify for a refund.

However, if you plug your device into a mains socket outside your home, that site needs its own TV licence. Technically, this should also apply if you plug in your device to watch TV or BBC iPlayer in a coffee shop or on a train, and so on, though that would be somewhat hard to control. This has separate sections for home, student and business addresses.

First, you can get a refund on fees you have already paid. Second, it will avoid the problems that will arise if you simply stop paying. For example, occupiers may move house or change their viewing habits such that a licence is required.

The collection system is contracted out to Capita. You can refuse them entry, but they may come back with a search warrant.