Getting to grips with utility bills and how to pay them is a real challenge for many.
If you lived in university halls, you likely didn’t have to think about paying utility bills as they were probably included in your rent. Living in a shared house in your second year, or even after university could mean tackling utility bills for the first time.
But there’s no need to panic – the team at Split The Bills has put together this guide with all the information you need to know!
We’ll cover:
A utility bill is a monthly statement from a company that provides an essential service, such as electricity, gas, water, or broadband. Your utility bill can also act as proof of address if you need it in the future.
Below, we’ll discuss the main types of utility bills you’ll likely encounter as a student.
One of the biggest parts of your utility bill will be electricity. This powers pretty much everything in your student house, from your lights to your TV.
If your student house uses gas (not all houses do), you’ll also have a gas bill to think about. Gas is usually used to heat your home and sometimes for other appliances, such as a gas cooker.
Different utility companies charge different rates for energy, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal. However, energy rates are also controlled by the Ofgem Energy Price Cap, which sets the maximum you can pay for each unit of electricity you use. Although this is often presented as a yearly amount (based on an average household), it’s the rate that is capped, so if you use more energy, you’ll pay more for your electricity bill.
If you’re worried about how much energy you and your housemates will use, you can always opt for an uncapped plan (like the one we offer at Split The Bills). This plan allows you to use as much energy as you need for a monthly payment, without being charged extra for going over your predicted usage.
If you’re unsure where to start setting up your energy bills, our ultimate guide has all the information you need.
Another big part of your utility bill is water. Your water usage includes all the water that enters your property. This includes water you use to wash your hands and shower and water for appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
There are many different energy suppliers, but each area only has one set water supplier, so you don’t need to worry about hunting for the best deal.
Have a look at our guide to setting up your water bill for a complete breakdown of what to do.
Many people consider broadband to be a utility bill as it’s an essential service. When it comes to choosing the right broadband for your student house, it can quickly get confusing – there are so many different speeds it can feel impossible to know which one is best.
The broadband speed you choose will depend on how many housemates you’re planning on living with. More people in your house means more people who’ll be trying to stream Netflix, play online games, and scroll TikTok at the same time – you’ll need faster broadband if you want to avoid buffering and lagging! Our blog, ‘Best broadband speed for student houses,’ provides a detailed breakdown.
It’s essential to get your broadband sorted as soon as possible, as it can take up to two weeks for your router to be installed. Our broadband bills guide has everything you need to know about setting up your broadband.
Even though it’s a household bill that most people in the UK have to pay, council tax is not considered a utility bill. Utility bills are based on usage, while council tax is based on your property’s value.
The good news is that all full-time students are exempt from paying council tax – so this is one bill you might not have to think about!
If you have a landline in your student property (which is probably pretty unlikely), the bill from this would be considered a utility bill. However, a mobile phone bill isn’t considered a utility bill because it’s a personal rather than a household expense.
If you plan on watching live TV or anything on the BBC, you’ll need to pay for a TV Licence. Although this isn’t considered a utility bill (because it’s not essential, like energy or water), it is a household bill that your house might have to budget for.
Have a look at our guide for more information on setting up a TV licence for your shared house.
Now that you know what utility bills are, you might be wondering who’s responsible for paying them. Unless your student house comes with all bills included (meaning utility bills are already included in your rent), you and your housemates will be responsible for paying all of your utilities.
Although you can handle these yourselves, it’s easier said than done – you’ll have to spend time researching the best deals, calling suppliers, setting up utility accounts, organising direct debits, making sure your housemates pay their share… It can be a lot of hassle, especially when you’ve got assignments to focus on.
The good news is that there is a simple, stress-free solution to your shared utility bills – a bill-splitting service.
At Split the Bills, our mission is to make shared household bills as simple as possible. You choose the services you want included in your package, including electricity, gas, water, broadband and even a TV Licence if you need one. Your energy package is uncapped, so you can use as much as you need without worrying about being hit by a hefty bill!
We’ll set everything up and work out how much everyone needs to pay. All you need to do is pay one neat bill each month – it’s a straightforward solution to the challenging task of splitting shared utility bills.
If you want to pay your utility bills without any hassle, learn more about what we do or get in touch with our team!
With the end of the year fast approaching, you may be thinking about heading home for Christmas to spend time with family and friends. The uni term will slowly be winding down, and you’ll feel more and more festive each day.
The move from first to second year at university often comes with a lot of change as most students will have to start paying bills for the first time. In this feature we discuss how you can keep your finances organised and pay bills responsibly.
The move from first to second year at university often comes with a lot of change as most students will have to start paying bills for the first time. In this feature we discuss how you can keep your finances organised and pay bills responsibly.