As universities across Wales prepare to welcome thousands of students, Covid-19 looks set to impact both lectures and lifestyle. Despite the changing picture, many are predicted to swap their dancing shoes for slippers as a night in-front of the TV replaces nights out on the town.
In preparation for their return, TV Licensing is encouraging young people who are substituting sticky dancefloors for toppling showstoppers, such as Connell’s Chain and the UEFA Nations League, to make sure they are correctly licensed.
Third year University of South Wales Journalism student, Harry Pettigrew, said, “Being in my final year, I didn’t see myself going out as much anyway, but with clubs being closed for the foreseeable future, I think most students will be staying in.
“Luckily, I live with a close group of friends, so we’ll be revisiting old films and TV programmes films like Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Doctor Who. Even though a lot of things have opened up after lockdown, my mates and I feel most comfortable at home.
“I think the licence fee is great value for money and is essential for the course I study. I also split the TV Licence cost between all my flatmates so I get loads of content for just over £30 a year”.
Spokesperson for TV Licensing, Ellen Leach-Hutchings, said: “While the fresher week experience will be very different this year, we know that young people love the shared experience of television and that it’s a great way to bond with new friends.”
“With thousands of hours of quality drama, reality TV, live sport and music available, we don’t want students to miss out, nor do we want them to risk prosecution and a fine. Whether they are living in halls or a house-share, students can visit tvlicensing.co.uk/uni for more information.”
The law still applies to students living away from home in halls or shared accommodation, regardless of the device they use, and a TV licence is required to watch programmes as they are being shown on TV live or when watching on BBC iPlayer.
How to get a TV licence
Buying a TV licence online is quick and easy and with the Night In being the new Night Out, it represents great value for money. If students living in a shared house or flat have a joint tenancy agreement, then one TV Licence may cover the whole house. Go to tvlicensing.co.uk for more.
The law on TV Licensing
The law states that you need to be covered by a TV licence to watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, or live on an online TV service (e.g. YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Now TV, Sky Go, etc.). A licence is also needed to download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer. This applies to any device, whether it is a TV set, laptop, tablet, mobile phone or games console.
