When looking for student accommodation, you'll often come across phrases like "bills inclusive" or "bills excluded". At first glance, these terms might seem simple, but they can hugely impact your budgeting and overall living experience. Understanding what they mean is important for choosing the best place to live during your university years. So, what’s the difference, and which option suits your lifestyle?
"Bills inclusive" means that your rent covers the cost of utilities like gas, electricity, and water, along with other potential perks like a TV licence and Wi-Fi. Essentially, all your essential living expenses are bundled into one fixed rent payment, with no hidden costs to worry about.
However, what’s actually included in your rent can vary between student accommodation providers. Some places only cover utilities, while others throw in extras like high-speed Wi-Fi or even cleaning services for communal areas, giving you even more value for money. It's always a good idea to check with your accommodation provider to confirm exactly what’s included.
Budgeting made easy: Knowing that all your bills are covered means you won’t get hit with unexpected expenses each month. You’ll pay a consistent amount, so it’s easier to plan your finances, especially if you’re on a tight student budget.
No bill splitting: In shared student houses, you won’t have the hassle of chasing housemates to split the gas or electricity bill.
Less stress: Managing one fixed payment each month is much simpler than keeping track of multiple utility companies, which can be a lifesaver during busy exam periods.
Higher rent: The convenience of having bills included usually comes with a slightly higher rent. You’re paying a premium for the simplicity of a one-payment system.
Lack of control: Since your bills are pre-paid, you might not feel motivated to conserve energy. On the flip side, if you're an eco-conscious student who uses less electricity, you won’t benefit from potential savings.
Possible limitations: What’s included in "bills inclusive" varies, and sometimes things like TV licences or Wi-Fi aren’t covered, meaning you might still have extra costs to consider.
On the other hand, "bills excluded" or "exclusive of bills" means you are responsible for paying all utility bills on top of your rent. This can include gas, electricity, water, broadband, and any other extras like a TV licence. If you opt for accommodation where bills are excluded, you’ll need to manage these payments yourself and keep an eye on your usage.
Potential for savings: Depending on your lifestyle, you might be able to save money by using less energy or water, especially if you share the cost with housemates who are also mindful of their energy usage.
Full control: You’ll have the freedom to choose your own utility providers. This can be handy if you want specific broadband deals or prefer a green energy supplier.
Flexibility: If you’re someone who prefers flexibility, paying bills separately gives you the option to adjust services, like opting for faster Wi-Fi or changing energy suppliers based on better deals.
Budget uncertainty: If your rent has bills excluded, your monthly expenses can fluctuate depending on your usage and the time of year. For example, heating bills can skyrocket during winter, making it harder to predict your total costs.
Time consuming: Handling bills separately means you’ll need to spend time searching for the best deals on utilities, setting up accounts with different providers, and juggling multiple payments each month. This can be very time consuming and add unnecessary stress.
Chasing payments: When bills aren’t included, it’s up to you and your housemates to divide the costs fairly. This can sometimes lead to awkward situations if someone doesn’t pay their share on time, leaving others to cover the shortfall. Chasing payments can be frustrating, and if a bill goes unpaid, you could face late fees or even have services like electricity or broadband cut off—definitely not ideal during exam season!
Choosing between bills inclusive or bills excluded accommodation comes down to personal preference and how you like to manage your finances. Rent with all-inclusive bills makes budgeting straightforward and stress-free but often comes at a slightly higher rental price. If bills are excluded in the rent for your student accommodation, you could benefit from potential savings and more control, although it requires greater effort in managing payments and staying on top of utility costs each month.
For many students, the convenience and predictability of all-inclusive rent are worth the slight premium, especially during the hectic university term. If you're unsure or need help finding the right place to live while you study, simply get in touch with our friendly team.
In the meantime, why not learn more about living with us or check out our range of affordable, high-quality student accommodation, where all bills (including free Wi-Fi AND contents insurance!) are covered? You’ll soon find out why Sanctuary Students is a place where students choose to live!