National Student Money Week 2025 is from Monday 3rd of March – Friday 7th of March.
National Student Money Week (NSMW) is an annual campaign created by the National Association of Student Money Advisers to raise awareness about the money advice and support available to students at University and beyond.
Being cautious of any hidden costs that come accommodation is key for avoiding surprise bills. These can include:
- Cleaning fees – Before moving in and after vacating your accommodation, you may be asked to cover the cleaning.
- Fines – If you happen to cause any accidental damage to the property, this will often lead to a fine to cover repairs when living in an HMO property.
- Deposits – You’ll need to put down a deposit to secure your tenancy once you find suitable accommodation –
As well as an advanced rental payment, you could also be asked to pay a deposit (often equivalent to one month's rent) to cover breakages and damage. This could be about £200 in university-owned accommodation and as much as £300 in the private sector (much higher in London). Your deposit will be returned, minus any deductions, at the end of the contract.
Bills
It's common for landlords to include the cost of energy and sometimes other items such as water, wi-fi and possibly contents insurance. It is important you read and fully understand your tenancy and if something isn’t mentioned, ask about it before signing.
Never part with money without getting a receipt and keep a copy of all documents. Remember that by law, your landlord cannot increase the rent more than once a year unless your agreement contains a rent review clause.
Students enrolled on a full-time course of study (irrespective of their mode of study) are exempt from Council Tax provided they have not completed, abandoned or been withdrawn from the course. However, you may need to get an exemption certificate from the university to offer as proof. If you are living with non-students, they will still have to pay Council Tax, potentially with a discount. However, providing you meet the criteria, you will have exemption regardless.
Electricity and gas
How much you’ll pay for these utilities will depend on lots of things, including the size of the property, how many people you live with and who your energy supplier is. However, next to rent, gas and electricity will be your biggest expense.
You can potentially shop around but it is important you see what your tenancy agreement states about this. Some allow you to switch providers but state you must inform the landlord first, and others may state that a switch will need to be switched back prior to leaving the property. Bear in mind, your electricity and gas bills will be higher over winter when your central heating is on – so, make sure there’s extra room in your budget.
Top tip: On move-in day, take a picture of the gas and electricity meter so you are not liable for any previous bills. It’s also a good idea to pay for your electricity and gas via direct debit, which could reduce the amount you pay and help you to build up your credit score.
Water
Unlike other utilities, you can’t shop around for this one unfortunately – however if you’re in a house share the cost does become more manageable.
Broadband
Essential for any student, broadband will provide all-day, every-day internet to your home. Broadband may well be covered in your bills, so again, it is important you read your tenancy. If there is no mention of broadband or speed, enquire before signing.
Travel
Factor in how many times a week you use public transport, and how much you rely on it.
Course materials
You’ll be required to buy your own resources for your Uni work, whether it’s stationary, textbooks, or other kit relevant to your course.
Food and drink
Eating well is essential for keeping focused during those long lectures. But don’t worry – it doesn’t have to cost the Earth
Join us at our 'know your rights: Shelter and Plymouth Energy Community Drop-in session'
Are you experiencing issues with your accommodation? Repairs not being done, wanting to end your tenancy or thinking about how you get your deposit back ?
Why not drop into your SU on the 7th March between 11-2pm in the SU Lounge where a specialist Housing adviser from Shelter will be on hand to assist with any questions you may have.
We will also be joined by Plymouth Energy Community - a charity providing free energy advice and support to people living in Plymouth, they also provide training to professionals who are encountering people with energy issues in their line of work.
Find out more here.
Access free financial advice at the SU:
As a University of Plymouth student, you have access to the University of Plymouth Students’ Union SU Advice team who are highly experienced and can offer free, impartial, and confidential financial advice to any student who needs it.
This includes advice on budgeting, discounts, travel, healthcare, welfare benefits and childcare costs to help make sure you are getting the best value for money.
SU Advice can also help you to navigate and understand Student Finance England (SFE), including your tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and if you qualify for any bursaries or additional grants.
Our SU Advice team are here to support all University of Plymouth students, whether they are a new student, returning student, postgraduate or international student: we are here to offer information and guidance to ensure you understand your outgoing fees and available financial support.
Get in touch by emailing advice@su.plymouth.ac.uk, by calling us on 01752 588373 (and leaving a voicemail if we cannot get to the phone), or by completing the online enquiry form here.