By
HWResLife
Posted 5 months ago
Sun 01 Sep, 2024 12:09 PM
Uni life comes with plenty of myths - like whether you can survive on instant noodles alone or if that one flatmate will ever take the bins out. But one of the biggest student debates? Do you actually need a TV Licence? Let’s clear up the confusion and make sure you know the facts.
Do you need a TV licence? Here’s the deal:
You do need a TV Licence if you:
✅ Watch or record live TV on any channel, on any device.
✅ Stream live TV on online services like YouTube Live, ITVX, All 4, or Sky Go.
✅ Watch or download BBC iPlayer content, even if it’s on catch-up.
This applies whether you’re watching on a TV, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, or even a gaming console.
You don’t need a TV Licence if you:
❌ Only watch on-demand content (except BBC iPlayer) on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or Now TV.
TV license rules do change from time to time, so always double-check for updates!
What happens if you don’t have a licence?
Ignoring the rules isn’t worth the risk. Watching TV without a licence is against the law, and you could face:
💰 A fine of up to £1,000 (plus legal costs and compensation!)
🚪 Enforcement visits - TV Licensing officers do check student accommodation.
🔎 Investigations - Don’t assume you can get away with it!
The student accommodation loophole
If you live in university halls and only watch TV in communal areas, you may already be covered. However, if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer in your own room, you still need your own licence.
If you live in a shared house with a joint tenancy agreement, one licence may cover the whole household. But if you rent individually, you’ll each need your own.
Play it safe: Get covered
Student life is stressful enough without unexpected fines. If you need a TV Licence, you can:
📌 Buy one easily at TV Licensing
📌 Pay in instalments to make it more affordable.
📌 Apply for a refund if you move home for the summer and won’t need it anymore!
