Costs for private rented accommodation will of course vary, depending on the standard of accommodation you select – expect to pay substantially more for balconies and sea views! However, the average cost of a room in a shared house for 2012/13 is £82.00 per week. If you are in a shared house you will need to budget for utility bills (electricity, gas and water rates) on top of your rent – you should allow £14.00 – £16.00 per week for this. The average cost for lodgings for 2012/13 is around £97.00 per week.
Most landlords will ask for a deposit of one month’s rent when you sign a tenancy agreement. By law, the landlord is required to place this in a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme and they should tell you which scheme they are using. A tenancy agreement is not usually required for lodgings accommodation.
Full time students are exempt from Council Tax for the duration of their course of study (including the vacation periods). However, if you move into your property before the start of your course, or stay on after your course has finished, you should expect a Council Tax bill for those times. If you are living in Bournemouth or Poole AUCB will notify the council to process your exemption. However, if you live outside of these areas please call in to Student Services to collect your council tax exemption certificate after you have enrolled.
Other costs you may need to consider include a television licence, and contents insurance for your personal possessions. Don’t forget to allow money for your living costs too – our page on Managing your money will help you sort out your budget.