TV Licensing is working with UCAS to help new students and their parents understand the law around watching TV before moving into university halls or rented student accommodation.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re heading off to university in the next few weeks you should have received information on TV Licensing in your UCAS confirmation packs.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to know that you need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch or record programmes live as they are being shown on TV, on any device. Anyone caught watching TV without a licence can face prosecution and a fine of up to a \u00a31,000 \u2013 definitely not a good financial start to the year, and something you certainly want to avoid!<\/p>\n
Despite the financial risk just two out of five students ask their parents for advice about the TV Licence, according to new research by TV Licensing*.<\/p>\n
As 99% of students own a device capable of streaming live TV*, it\u2019s crucial freshers understand the law so they\u2019re covered to watch the TV they love for the academic year ahead. Getting a TV Licence is an important part of the \u2018to do list\u2019 before you leave home.<\/p>\n
Stephen Farmer, TV Licensing spokesperson, said: \u201cStarting university for the first time can be both exciting and daunting. With so much to think about, TV Licensing is on hand to clearly explain when a TV Licence is needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cA TV Licence can be bought online in minutes and costs \u00a3145.50 for the year. There are many ways to pay including weekly, monthly and quarterly payments.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cFinance savvy students who move out of their term time address over the summer could be eligible for a refund of around \u00a336, as long as your licence is still valid for at least three full calendar months and you don\u2019t need it again before it expires.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n How much does a TV Licence cost? If you are moving back home for the summer from university and no longer need a TV Licence over the holidays, and there are three full calendar months before your licence expires, you are entitled to a refund for the unused, quarter of your licence, as long as you don\u2019t need it again before it expires.<\/p>\n To be eligible for your refund at the end of the year you need to buy your TV Licence before October.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>A colour TV Licence currently costs \u00a3145.50, and a black and white licence is \u00a349. They will remain at these rates for the next few years as the TV Licence fee has been frozen until 2017.<\/p>\n