💷🏠 What’s Included in Your Rent? A Guide to Student Accommodation Costs
💷🏠 What’s Included in Your Rent? A Guide to Student Accommodation Costs
When choosing student accommodation, it’s easy to focus on room size, location, or how close it is to the nearest kebab shop — but understanding what’s included in your rent (and what’s not) is just as important. Hidden extras can quickly blow up your budget.
Here’s a student-friendly breakdown of what you’re actually paying for — and how to tell if you’re getting a good deal.
💡 1. Utilities (Gas, Water & Electricity)
✅ Usually Included (but check the fine print)
In most purpose-built student accommodations and some private rentals, utilities are bundled into your rent. That means:
- Unlimited heating, hot water, and electricity
- No bill-splitting or chasing housemates for money
- Predictable monthly expenses
🔎 But be careful: Many student housing contracts include a “fair usage” cap. Go over the limit, and you could be charged extra. Some providers give as little as £350 per tenant per year in allowance, which can be tight in winter (Save the Student).
🛑 Beware utility-splitting services: According to The Guardian, some bill-packaging firms charge double the direct supplier rates, and many are not regulated by the Energy Ombudsman.
🌐 2. WiFi & Internet Access
✅ Often Included
Fast internet is pretty standard in student halls and most student lets. It’s typically shared bandwidth — good enough for streaming and late-night essay uploads.
🔧 Tip: If you’re a gamer or heavy downloader, ask if Ethernet ports are available or if you can upgrade your package. In shared houses, you might need to arrange your own broadband deal.
🛏️ 3. Furniture & Room Setup
✅ Included in Almost All Student Housing
Furnished accommodation is the norm. Your room will typically have:
- A bed (usually a small double)
- Desk and chair
- Wardrobe and/or drawers
- Curtains or blinds
- Shelving or basic storage
🛁 Ensuite rooms come with private bathrooms, while studio flats often include a kitchenette. (The Student Room)
🧼 4. Maintenance & Repairs
✅ Included
Landlords and housing providers are legally required to fix essential problems like heating failures or broken appliances — but the speed and efficiency varies.
📞 Make sure you know:
- How to report a fault
- The average response time
- Whether repairs are handled in-house or outsourced
♻️ 5. Cleaning & Rubbish Collection
🤷 Sometimes Included
- University-owned halls often clean communal areas weekly.
- Private halls may offer more frequent cleans, but bedroom and ensuite cleaning is usually your responsibility.
- Shared houses: you’re probably on your own.
📦 Bin collection is managed by the local council, but check who’s responsible for putting them out and when collection days are.
📺 6. TV Licence & Entertainment
🚫 Not Included (Usually)
If you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, you’ll need a TV licence — even on your laptop. That’s currently £169.50 per year (TV Licensing).
🎮 Some accommodations have shared common rooms with TVs or games consoles, and that licence is usually covered by the provider.
🧺 7. Laundry Facilities
🧺 Usually Extra
Most halls and private residences have onsite laundry rooms. But:
- You’ll typically pay £2.50–£5 per wash and dry
- Payment is via pre-loaded cards or laundry apps
- Detergent isn’t included
Tip: Bulk wash with a friend or flatmate to save cash and energy.
🛠️ 8. Contents Insurance
✅ Sometimes Included
Some providers (like Unite Students or University halls) partner with insurers like Endsleigh to offer basic protection for student belongings.
🧾 Always check:
- What’s covered (theft, damage, fire)
- If there are limits per item
- Whether accidental damage or expensive gadgets are included
- If you can upgrade for extra protection
📊 Example: What Your Monthly Rent Might Include
| Item | Included? |
|---|---|
| Gas, electricity, water | ✅ Yes (often capped) |
| High-speed WiFi | ✅ Yes |
| Furniture & maintenance | ✅ Yes |
| Room cleaning | ❓ Sometimes |
| Laundry access | ❌ Extra |
| TV licence | ❌ Not included |
| Contents insurance | ✅ Sometimes |
🧠 Final Thoughts
Your rent isn’t just about the room — it’s about what’s bundled in. “All-inclusive” might seem expensive at first, but it could save you hundreds in utility bills and reduce the stress of managing payments.
Key takeaways:
- Ask for a full breakdown before signing a tenancy
- Watch out for usage caps and sneaky extras
- Don’t pay for what you won’t use (e.g. TV licence if you don’t watch live TV)
References: