What’s included in university halls, and what you’ll need to bring
Most university halls include rent plus utilities: heating, electricity and internet are usually covered. Your room will most likely come furnished too, with a bed, desk, wardrobe and chair as standard. So that’s what’s already covered – everything else is up to you.
You’ll need bedding (check the mattress size before you buy), towels, kitchen basics, toiletries and cleaning supplies. None of these are huge expenses individually, but together they can easily run to £100–200 before you’ve attended a single lecture. If your budget is tight, you can always ask friends or family if they have anything they no longer need or look at charity shops for second-hand finds.
Aside from plates and bowls, you might want to hold off on some kitchen items until your first week. Your new flatmates may bring things with them and it’s quite common to end up with two toasters or several sets of utensils!
Other things worth checking before you arrive:
- Is laundry included, or pay-per-use? Most university halls use commercial laundry providers. A wash and dry typically costs £3–6, and prices have risen in recent years.
- Are there parking costs if you’re bringing a car?
- Is contents insurance included in your accommodation fees? Many universities offer it, but not all.
The hidden costs of student life: transport, printing and social spending
Beyond the setup, there are ongoing costs that catch a lot of students off guard.
Transport is a big one. Getting around a new city costs money, especially if lectures or placements aren’t all on campus. Factor in bus passes, railcards or cycling costs from the start, as well as the cost of visiting home in the holidays.
Printing and stationery sound minor until you’re paying per page in the library at 9pm before a deadline. Most universities give you a small printing credit at the start of term. It rarely lasts the year.
Social spending is real, and it’s okay to name it. Freshers’ week in particular comes with a lot of spending pressure. Having a rough idea of how much you’re looking to spend through the week makes it easier to enjoy yourself without the anxiety that follows.
Moving into private renting: deposits, bills and furniture
If you’re moving straight into private renting or moving from halls to private renting, there are a few extra costs to consider.
Deposits
Before you even get the keys, you’ll usually need to pay a holding deposit to secure the property, a tenancy deposit and the first month’s rent upfront. That can mean handing over a significant amount of money before you’ve moved a single box. Start saving earlier than you think you need to. University house hunting tends to happen early, so try not to leave it to the last minute.
How much is a student rent deposit in the UK? Deposit caps vary by nation:
| Country | Deposit cap |
| Scotland | 2 months’ rent |
| England | 5 weeks’ rent |
| Northern Ireland | 1 month’s rent |
| Wales | No statutory cap (most landlords ask for around 1–6 weeks) |
Protecting your deposit and checking the inventory
Your tenancy deposit must be registered in a government-approved deposit protection scheme. Your landlord is required to do this within 30 days of receiving it, or 30 working days in Scotland. Get the details in writing and keep them. You’ll need them when you move out.
When you move in, your landlord should provide an inventory: a record of the property’s condition and contents. Go through it carefully, take photos of any existing damage and make sure everything is noted and agreed in writing before you settle in. This protects you when you move out: you can only be charged for damage that wasn’t already there, and a thorough check-in record is your evidence.
Bills and furnishing a private let
Bills in private renting are almost always separate. Gas, electricity, water and broadband are typically split between housemates. Comparison sites can help you find more reasonable deals. Choosing a fixed-rate energy tariff at the start of your tenancy can avoid mid-year price rises.
Unlike halls, private rentals aren’t always furnished. Check what’s included before you sign anything. If you do need to kit out a room, you don’t have to buy everything new. Facebook Marketplace and charity furniture shops often have solid basics at low prices. You may also find end-of-year student sell-off groups online for your city.
Council tax: the exemption most students don’t know about
Full-time students in the UK don’t need to pay council tax. If you’re in university halls, this is usually handled automatically. If you’re in private rented accommodation, you’ll need to apply for the exemption yourself. Your university’s student services team can walk you through it.
If you’re living with people who aren’t students, the household isn’t automatically exempt. The non-students will owe council tax, but your student status means the household bill should be lower. It’s worth flagging this to your housemates so nobody overpays.
Before you need it, find out where it is
Most universities have a student money advice service. They handle financial difficulty, emergency hardship funds and welfare support. Most students don’t find out these services exist until things have already gone wrong, and it costs nothing to know they’re there.
Moving to university is one of the biggest financial transitions most people go through. The gap between those who feel confident navigating it and those who don’t is almost always about knowledge, not ability. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you arrive. You just need to know where to look.
Your questions answered
No. Full-time students in the UK are exempt from council tax. In halls, this is usually applied automatically. In private renting, you need to apply for the exemption through your local council, and your university’s student services team can help.
Deposit caps vary by nation: 2 months’ rent in Scotland, 5 weeks’ rent in England, 1 month’s rent in Northern Ireland, and no statutory cap in Wales (though most landlords ask for around 1–6 weeks).
Most halls include rent plus utilities such as heating, electricity and internet. Your room will most likely come with basic furniture like a bed, desk, wardrobe and chair. You’ll need to bring bedding, towels, kitchen basics, toiletries and cleaning supplies.
Setup costs like bedding, towels and kitchen basics can add up to £100–200.
Most universities run a student money advice service. This team can help you manage financial difficulty and signpost to hardship funds and welfare support.