Whether you’re a student, a parent or you provide student accommodation, find out when a TV Licence is needed and how much it costs.
The law still applies to students. You must be covered by a TV Licence to:
This could be on any device, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.
A TV Licence costs £150.50 a year
You can pay in one go, or spread the cost weekly, monthly or quarterly. You can buy and manage your licence online. And if you don’t need your licence for a full 12 months, you could apply for a refund.
A halls communal licence won’t cover your room. But you may be covered by your parents’ licence. If you think you are, please check that all of the following are true before telling us you don’t need one:
Before you tell us you don’t need a TV Licence it’s worth checking carefully. We do make visits to confirm that a licence isn’t needed. This is necessary because we find almost 1 in 6 people who have told us they don’t need a licence actually do need one. If you are sure, tell us you don’t need a TV Licence.
If you are still uncertain about the rules for tenancies, please check our advice for tenants and lodgers.
If you are going home for the summer – and won’t need the licence you bought to cover you in term time – you may be able to get a refund. See if you’re eligible for a refund.
Your licence won’t automatically move with you. Once you know where you’re moving to, and when, update your details to stay covered.
Our collection of resources for halls managers includes imagery in handy formats to print and display in communal areas or for use in your emails, websites or social media.
We offer detailed information and advice for residential landlords.
You could be prosecuted if we find that you have been watching or recording live TV programmes on any channel or device, or downloading or watching BBC programmes on iPlayer, without being covered by a licence. The maximum penalty is a £1,000* fine plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.
*The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey