Student Bills 101: A Guide to Understanding What’s Included in Your Manchester Student House
Hey there, university students of Manchester! We know that handling bills can be a bit of a headache, especially when you’re already juggling lectures, social events, and trying to keep up with your studies. But fear not, because we’re here to break it down for you and make it all a little bit easier to understand.
So, let’s start from the top – you’ve found the perfect student house in Manchester (congrats!) and the landlord has mentioned that the bills are included in the rent. But what exactly does that mean? Well, it typically includes the essential utilities such as gas, electricity, and water. This means you won’t have to worry about setting up separate accounts or paying multiple bills each month – it’s all taken care of in one go.
Now, you might be thinking, “What about the internet?” Good question! In some cases, the landlord may also include the cost of internet in your rent, which is a huge bonus as it means you can browse, stream, and study without any additional hassle or expense. But if it’s not included, don’t fret – you and your housemates can easily split the cost of a monthly internet package and set it up yourselves.
So, what about other expenses like TV licenses or contents insurance? Well, in most cases, these aren’t included in the bills, so it’s important to double-check with your landlord or letting agency to see if these are something you need to take care of separately. TV licenses are a legal requirement in the UK if you’re watching or recording live TV, so it’s definitely something to think about.
Now, let’s talk about heating. Manchester can get pretty chilly, especially during the winter months, so it’s important to know whether the cost of heating is included in your bills. Some student accommodations may have a communal heating system, which means the cost is shared among all the tenants. Others may have individual heating systems, in which case you’ll need to keep an eye on your usage to avoid any unexpected costs.
Speaking of unexpected costs, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of your energy usage. Taking shorter showers, turning off lights when you’re not in the room, and being mindful of leaving appliances on standby can all make a big difference to your bill at the end of the month. Plus, it’s good for the environment too – win-win!
And finally, let’s touch on the topic of council tax. If you’re living in a student-only household, you won’t need to worry about council tax as students are exempt from paying it. Just make sure you have your council tax exemption certificate handy in case you need to provide proof to your local council.
So, there you have it – a brief overview of what’s included in your bills when you’re living in a student house in Manchester. Of course, every accommodation is different, so it’s always best to double-check with your landlord or letting agency to ensure you have a clear understanding of what’s covered and what’s not.
At the end of the day, managing bills as a student doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little bit of knowledge and some good communication with your housemates and landlord, you can rest easy knowing that everything is taken care of. Now, go enjoy your time at university and let the worries of bills fade into the background – you’ve got this!