Get licensed as you start university

As students across Ballymoney & Moyle celebrate their A-Level results next week (August 18), TV Licensing is reminding those heading to university for the first time that they can give themselves one thing fewer to do during hectic Freshers’ Week by buying their first TV Licence online now at www.tvlicensing.co.uk
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Aug 2011, 14:08 BST

Those who get organised now and buy a licence to cover themselves from the start of term could also save themselves money in the long run. Refunds can be claimed for any three full calendar months before a licence expires so anyone returning home for the summer holidays may qualify to receive around £37 back.

A TV Licence is needed for watching or recording any programmes at the same time as they are shown on TV, regardless of the equipment used, including computers and mobile phones. With students increasingly taking laptops, smartphones and next-generation games consoles to university, TV Licensing is reminding students - and their parents - about when a licence is needed, so that they have all of the information they need to ensure they are on the right side of the law from day one.

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Students can buy a licence in a matter of minutes with a few clicks of a mouse at TV Licensing’s website - just visit TV Licensing for Students.

Deborah King, TV Licensing spokesperson for Northern Ireland said: “Starting university is a really exciting time for new students but it’s also incredibly busy at the start of the term, particularly during Freshers’ Week. Students may find they have a rather long to-do list at that time, so it makes sense for them to get organised ahead of term and buy their TV Licence now at www.tvlicensing.co.uk or by calling 0300 790 6090. Plus, if they buy in good time they can save money at the end of the year.

“It’s not worth risking being caught without a TV Licence. Anyone caught watching TV illegally risks prosecution and a maximum fine of £1,000.”

Lynne Condell, Chairperson of the National Association of Student Money Advisers, said: “We know that students are extremely busy at the start of their first term at university so it’s good to get some of the important things, like buying a TV Licence, out of the way. Buying a TV Licence early may pay off financially later in the year as it means students could be eligible for a partial refund when they return home for the holidays for the last unused quarter of their licence.”

Related topics:TV licenceStudents