Student Guide to TV Licencing

Each room in a hall of residence is a separately occupied place, and this means that, if you're using a TV, you will need a TV licence of your own - regardless of whether the hall itself has one.

If you are going to be sharing a house, usually, a shared tenancy agreement would mean only one licence is needed, regardless of the number of TV sets in the house. A separate tenancy agreement would mean that you will need your own TV licence if you have a TV in your room. Only one licence is required if the only TV in the house being used, is in a communal area.
A TV set powered by its own internal batteries - a pocket sized TV or a mobile phone for example - may be covered by a licence at the student's parents' address. However, you must not install the device (plug it into the mains) when using it to receive television. If there is no TV licence at your parents' address, you will need to obtain one to watch TV in this way.

TV Licence Refund

If you are not staying at university over the summer, and do not need your TV licence again before it expires, you could be entitled to a refund of any unused quarters (three full calendar months).So long as you bought your licence in October, and don't need it for July, August and September the following year, you could be eligible for a refund.

A TV licence currently costs £159 per year. There are several ways to pay:

Direct Debit: Direct Debit is now the most popular and hassle-free way to pay for your licence - over 12 million licence fee payers now pay this way. Phone 0870 241 5590 or visit to set up a monthly, quarterly or annual Direct Debit.
Credit/Debit Card: Simply call 0300 790 6071 and pay by credit or debit card. This facility accepts payment from a range of cards including Visa, Mastercard, Maestro/ Switch, Solo and Delta. You can also pay online using your credit or debit card at
Over the Counter: You can no longer buy your licence at the Post Office. To carry out any TV Licensing transaction in person (for example, buying a new licence, or making a cash or debit card payment towards a licence face to face), visit one of more than 15,000 local PayPoint outlets. Go to to find your nearest outlet.
TV Licensing savings card: If you already have a TV Licence, this offers you a simple way to save for your next licence. You can deposit savings whenever you like, with a minimum payment of £2.00. It's free to apply and there's no charge for using it. You can apply by calling 0300 555 0281.
By Post: Simply send a cheque made payable to 'TV Licensing' to the following address: Customer Services, TV Licensing, Darlington DL98 1TL . Please write your name, address and reference number (if renewing)on the back.

If you move, to remain correctly licensed, your licence must be transferred to your new address. Please let us know by calling 0300 790 6071 or visit