Preparing for student life

Living independently

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a university student is the opportunity to live independently. The checklist below contains issues that are important to all students, not just those living independently for the first time. There are two further pages containing advice for local and mature students.

Taking charge of your own money, paying bills and doing your own washing up are extremely important (if not always very enjoyable) lessons. At the end of Welcome Week each year, we always ask students what they have found most enjoyable about starting at university. A significant minority report back that being independent for the first time is the most enjoyable aspect. That might be worth remembering when you're looking for a teaspoon under a mountain of dirty dishes.

Council tax

Full-time students will not have to pay council tax if they are in full-time education (at least 21 hours a week and 24 weeks a year) or on a placement year, and they are fully-enrolled. Halls are exempt from council tax, and students living within Nottinghamshire and the surrounding area have their details automatically sent to the Councils by NTU when you become fully-enrolled. Students living outside of the Nottinghamshire area may need a tax exemption certificate from the University. Please see the frequently asked questions section to check whether your local council is included, and for further information.

Insurance

Ask your parents or guardians if your possessions can be added to their contents insurance. If not, you should get insured before you arrive. It's a good idea to take your most valuable stuff home for the holidays and to use a UV pen to write your name on valuables and keep a record of the model and serial number of electrical equipment. Make sure you back up your computer regularly.

TV licence

If you get caught without one, you'll be taken to court and fined. A licence from another address (e.g. your parents) will not cover you away from home.

• If you are using a TV in halls, you will need a licence of your own.
• If you share a house, check your tenancy agreement to see if you require your own licence.
• If there is only one TV being used in a communal area, only one licence is required.

Visit the TV Licence website for more information.

TV Licensing refund for students
If you are moving back home for the summer from university and no longer need a TV Licence over the holidays, and there are three full calendar months before your licence expires, you are entitled to a refund for the unused, quarter of your licence.

You will need to ensure you buy a licence early on, by the end of September/ early October, in order to allow enough time at the end of the academic year to qualify for a refund. The refund on a TV Licence bought after April 2010 will be around £37.

If you wish to arrange a refund or would like further information visit the TV Licensing for Students website or call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6090.

NTU Catering - Save 10% with your Student Card

You can load money onto your Student Card and use it to pay for food and drink on campus. You'll save 10% when you pay with your Student Card.

You can load money onto your card ready for when you arrive at NTU.

Recycling and environmental issues

The University has made a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and minimising waste. Visit our EcoWeb site to find out how you can help the environment.

Public transport

NTU and Nottingham City Transport bus services offer termly and yearly bus passes which can be loaded onto your Smartcard. The passes offer unlimited travel on all NCT buses and are £199 for the whole academic year. Find out more and buy your pass from the Nottingham City Transport website.

For more information about getting around the city and University, please see our Virtual Open Day, transport and maps and locations pages. You can also find out about parking arrangements at Clifton campus.

City site and Clifton campus bus service

A fleet of state-of-the-art bendy buses travels every 12 minutes during term time (7.30 am to 9.15 pm) between both sites, calling at the Meadows, West Bridgford, and Wilford Lane.

Parking

Check the parking arrangements for your hall of residence or rented property. Cars parked in residential parking areas without a permit are liable to be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice requiring the payment of between £50-£70. Student permits expire at the end of the academic year. If you are living in private rented accommodation and will be parking in an area covered by a Resident Parking Scheme, you must apply for a permit before bringing your car to Nottingham. Not all properties are eligible for a permit and even if you have a permit there may not be space for your car. To request a permit, telephone +44 (0)115 915 6655 or download an application form from the Nottingham City Council website.

Get involved in the community

Find out about how you could get involved in the local community during your studies. You will not only benefit those you are working with, but also improve your CV and gain some great experience. Check out our volunteering activities and opportunities to help in local schools for more information.