Moving into your first student property is exciting, but there are a few important things you'll need to sort out when you get your keys.
If you've never had to take a meter reading, set up utility accounts or deal with Council Tax before, don't worry. We've put together this simple guide to help you get everything organised.
Before You Move In
There are a few things worth organising before moving day.Check what is included in your rent
Check your tenancy agreement to see which bills are included in your rent. Depending on your tenancy, you may be responsible for arranging and paying for
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Gas
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Electricity
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Water
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Broadband
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TV Licence (if required)
If you're unsure what's included, check with us before setting up any new accounts. Get your student documents ready If you're a full-time student, you may be eligible for a Council Tax exemption or discount. Each student in the property should obtain their Student Certificate or Council Tax Exemption Certificate from your university or college. Keep this somewhere safe as you may need to provide it to Gloucester City Council.
On the Day You Get Your Keys
1. Take Your Meter Readings
This is one of the most important things to do when you first enter your new home.
Take readings for your
Electricity meter
Gas meter
Water meter if your property has one
How do I take a meter reading?
Your meters may be located
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In a kitchen or utility cupboard
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Under the stairs
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Near the front or back door
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In an outside meter box
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In a communal meter cupboard if you live in a flat
For most meters, write down the numbers shown from left to right. You can usually ignore numbers shown in red and numbers after a decimal point.
Take photos too
We strongly recommend taking a clear photograph of every meter on the day you collect your keys.
Make sure the photograph clearly shows the numbers on the display.
Keep these photos somewhere safe. They provide a record of the readings on the day your tenancy began and can be very useful if there is ever a disagreement about a utility bill.
Even if you have a smart meter, it's still sensible to take a photograph of the reading when you move in.
During Your First Few Days
2. Set Up Your Gas and Electricity (if you're responsible)
Find out which companies currently supply gas and electricity to the property and contact them to let them know you've moved in.
You'll usually need to provide:
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Your name
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Your new address
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Your tenancy start/move-in date
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Your opening meter readings
The supplier can then arrange the account for your household.
Don't assume that having a smart meter means everything has automatically been transferred into your name.
Once your account is set up, you can decide whether you want to remain with the existing supplier or look at other available tariffs or suppliers.
3. Set Up Your Water Account (if you're responsible)
You should also contact the water company responsible for your property and tell them you've moved in.
If your property has a water meter, give them your opening meter reading.
Remember to check your tenancy agreement first in case your water charges are already included in your rent.
Council Tax for Students
4. Tell Gloucester City Council You've Moved In
Even though you are a student, don't ignore Council Tax letters.
Full-time students are normally disregarded for Council Tax purposes. If everyone living at your property is a qualifying full-time student, the property may be exempt from Council Tax.
If only some people living at the property are students, the household's Council Tax position may be different and a discount may apply instead.
You'll need your student exemption documents
Each student living at the property should obtain a:
Student Certificate / Council Tax Exemption Certificate
You can normally request this from your university or college.
You'll need to provide the relevant student documentation to Gloucester City Council so they can assess and apply the appropriate student exemption or discount.
Don't assume your university has automatically sorted your Council Tax for you. Make sure the Council has everything it needs and that any exemption or discount has actually been applied.
Gloucester City Council contact details
For Council Tax enquiries:
Telephone: 01452 396 396
Email: revenues@gloucester.gov.uk
You can also manage Council Tax services online through My Gloucester.
If you already have a Council Tax account reference when contacting the Council, have it available and include it in correspondence where requested.
Parking at Your Student Property
5. Check Whether You Need a Parking Permit
If you're bringing a car to university, don't automatically assume you can park outside your student house.Many streets in Gloucester have parking restrictions or residents' permit schemes.Check the signs on your street carefully when you move in.Who deals with parking permits?This is an important distinction:Council Tax → Gloucester City CouncilResidents' parking permits → Gloucestershire County CouncilIf your property is within a residents' parking permit zone, you'll need to apply for the appropriate permit through Gloucestershire County Council.What will I need?For a residents' permit, you will normally need your Council Tax number.However, if you've only just moved in and haven't received this yet, Gloucestershire County Council allows specified alternative evidence to be provided so that a temporary reference number can be issued.This can include documents such as:Your tenancy agreementA utility bill showing your new addressA bank statement showing your new addressRelevant Council Tax documentationCheck the County Council's current requirements before applying.Parking Permit Enquiries: 0333 123 5900If you're unable to apply online, contact the parking permit team for assistance.You may also be able to purchase visitor parking vouchers for friends, family or other visitors, depending on your parking zone.
Broadband
6. Get Your Internet SortedYou'll probably want broadband working as soon as possible, so don't leave this until the last minute.Check your tenancy agreement first to see whether broadband is included.If it isn't, check which providers are available at your address and arrange an account for the household.Remember that installation can sometimes require an engineer appointment, so arranging broadband before or soon after moving in can help avoid being without internet when your course starts.
TV Licence
7. Check Whether You Need a TV Licence
Students aren't automatically exempt from needing a TV Licence. Whether you need one depends on what you watch and how you watch it, rather than simply owning a television. Check the current TV Licensing rules to find out whether your household needs a licence.
Don't Forget to Change Your Address
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8. Tell People You've MovedOnce you're settled in, remember to update your address where necessary. This could include: Your university or college
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Bank or building society
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Employer
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Driving licence
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Vehicle records
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Car insurance
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GP
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Dentist
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Mobile phone provider
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Online shopping accounts and regular deliveries
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Electoral registration
If you have a car, make sure you update all the relevant records rather than assuming that changing your driving licence updates everything automatically.
Your Student Moving-In Checklist Before Moving
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Read your tenancy agreement
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Check which bills are included
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Get your Student Certificate / Council Tax Exemption Certificate
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Arrange broadband if required
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Check whether you'll need a parking permit
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When You Get Your Keys
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Take an electricity meter reading
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Photograph the electricity meter
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Take a gas meter reading
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Photograph the gas meter
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Take a water meter reading, if applicable
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Photograph the water meter
Keep all your meter photographs somewhere safe!
During Your First Week
Contact the existing gas and electricity supplies (If you're responsible)
Set up your water account (If you're responsible)
Notify Gloucester City Council
Submit your student Council Tax documents
Check that your Council Tax exemption/discount has been applied
Apply for a residents' parking permit (if required)
Arrange broadband if you haven't already (If you're responsible)
Check whether you need a TV Licence
Update your address with important organisations
Useful Contacts for Students in Gloucester
Gloucester City Council
For Council Tax, student exemptions and discounts: Telephone: 01452 396 396
Email: revenues@gloucester.gov.uk
For residents' parking permits and visitor vouchers:Parking Permit Enquiries: 0333 123 5900
And
Finally… Enjoy Your New Home!
There's quite a lot to remember when you move into your first student property, but you don't have to sort everything in one day. The most important things when you first get your keys are to take and photograph your meter readings, check your utilities and make sure your Council Tax student status is dealt with correctly. Keep copies of your tenancy documents, meter photographs, Council Tax correspondence and important account details throughout your tenancy.If you're ever unsure about something relating to the property, please get in touch with our team. We're here to help make your move into your new student home as straightforward as possible.
Broadband