The SU is aware of the increasing pressures facing students dealing with current cost of living crisis. The SU offers regular free meals for students, an open-access community cupboard and can issue eligible students with foodbank vouchers.
Information and guidance relating to energy price rises is detailed below but you can book in an appointment with an Advisor if you would like to discuss in more detail or have specific questions - just complete the Advice Enquiry Form or contact the SU Welcome Desk.
I live in Halls of Residence
Generally, students living in Halls of Residence have the cost of utilities included as part of your rent and your landlord has a direct contract with their energy supplier.
- You should check if your agreement has a fair usage clause as that could mean that the landlord could charge you when energy use goes above a set limit.
- You should also check to see if your agreement has a clause which would allow your landlord to charge you if energy costs increase by a certain percentage.
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My tenancy agreement includes bills
It is worth checking and understanding the arrangements for the payment of bills if your tenancy agreement includes bills.
- You should check if your agreement has a fair usage clause as that could mean that the landlord could charge you when energy use goes above a set limit.
- You should also check to see if your agreement has a clause which would allow your landlord to charge you if energy costs increase by a certain percentage.
- You should check whether you will be individually or jointly responsible for paying any bill excess. The University guidance on communal living suggests ways to navigate this with your house/flatmates.
- A failure to understand the terms and conditions relating to bill payment will not exempt you from any charges you may have incurred.
- Not all students with bills inclusive agreements will be affected by cap increases. If you are not sure what your situation is, make an appointment with one of our Advisors.
Take regular meter readings and report these to your energy provider. As a minimum this should include:
- When you move into a property (to make sure you don’t pay for previous tenant’s energy use)
- When you move out of a property (to make sure you’re not eligible for reclamation of unpaid bills following the end of your tenancy)
- Prior to any further increases of the energy price cap, estimated to be April 2023 (to make sure you pay the appropriate tariff for your energy usage).
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My tenancy agreement does not include bills
If your tenancy does not include bills, you may be vulnerable to rising costs or unexpected bills. You and your house/flatmates can act to reduce your energy use and associated costs. Regular meeting readings and/or smart meters can help you keep track of your energy use and manage your payment schedule. Take regular meter readings and report these to your energy provider. As a minimum this should include:
- When you move into a property (to make sure you don’t pay for previous tenant’s energy use)
- When you move out of a property (to make sure you’re not eligible for reclamation of unpaid bills following the end of your tenancy)
- Prior to any further increases of the energy price cap – estimated to be April 2023 (to make sure you pay the appropriate tariff for your energy usage).
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Looking ahead to 2023/4 Academic Year
The energy price cap will be reviewed in autumn 2023. More information will be added as it becomes available but considering how you will manage this before you move into your accommodation for the 2023/24 academic year can help.
- If you have already signed a tenancy agreement for 2023/24 accommodation, check for fair usage terms and conditions and any excess charges you could become liable for.
- If you are yet to confirm accommodation for 2023/24, consider energy efficiency as you look for properties and ensure you understand liability for energy bills, fair usage and excess charges.
- Consider putting money aside to help cover any excess charges if you can do so.
- Consider ways in which you (and your housemates) can reduce energy usage. The University advice on communal living has very helpful strategies for communicating effectively with your flat/housemates: https://www2.worc.ac.uk/studentsupport/communal-living.html
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Support available through the Students' Union
If you have concerns about the cost of living, accommodation or financial concerns, you can make an appointment with one of our Help & Advice Service Advisors by completing this brief form: https://www.worcsu.com/helpandadvice/adviceform/.
This service is impartial, independent and confidential.