Moving into the community: Looking after your bills and budgeting

If you’ve lived in Halls and are now preparing to move into a house, don’t forget to consider how you will manage your household bills! To help you feel ready to take this on, we’ve listed our top recommendations...

It’s particularly important to factor in your household bills following the recent increase in the energy price cap (April 2022). Over the summer, take a look at your contract and find out how you will be charged for your energy use. Unsure? Contact your accommodation provider. Once you move into your new home, remember to…

• Take a meter reading so that you do not get charged for the energy used in the house before your contract start date, then submit the reading to your accommodation provider or energy supplier
• If you have a smart meter, take photos of your usage on the day you move in (your photo will be date and time stamped)
• Set a reminder in your phone to take regular meter readings to evidence your usage throughout the year

Concerned about the cost of your energy? Contact your accommodation provider and discuss what you should expect your bills to be approximately.

Reducing your energy use is not only beneficial for the environment, but also helps you to control your energy bills. Try the following to help you reduce your energy:

1. Don’t leave electricals plugged in and switched on when not being used e.g. leaving your tv on standby, leaving your phone charger plugged in
2. Try not to spend too long in the shower
3. If your boiler heats up your water or turns on your radiators automatically, speak to your provider or landlord about controlling this yourself to save on unnecessary energy use and costs
4. Try to use the washing machine only when you have a full load to maximise its use
5. Wash your clothes at cooler temperatures and on shorter cycles e.g. 30 degrees
6. Don’t overfill the kettle, just boil as much water as you need
7. Use a lid on your pan when cooking as this helps your food to cook quicker and avoids condensation
8. Noticed any draughts from windows or doors? Speak to your accommodation provider about fixing this to avoid heat escaping

SOS-UK (Students Organising for Sustainability) also have some handy, practical tips for saving energy usage in the home. If you need further advice on this topic, contact the team at Liverpool Student Homes.

Remember, the University has a dedicated Student Support team for anyone who may need it, including a Money Advice and Guidance team.