House hunting
Rent is getting more and more expensive, but we've put together our top 10 tips for cheaper rent to help make sure you get the best deal. Setting a budget and sticking to it is important when looking for a house, and we've put together a list of our top 10 house hunting tips you might want to consider.
SHU Accommodation offers a range of housing to suit all budgets. Whilst you might be bombarded with adverts for top-of-the-range budget busting pads, it's important to know that whilst appealing, they're not always affordable or even the best fit for everyone, and there are always plenty of options available.
Reducing energy costs
We've put together a dedicated list of our top tips for reducing energy bills, including ways to cook, save water, and heat your home for less.
Hideout (located at the SU's HUBS building) offers students a relaxed and inviting space to unwind, study, and socialise, as well as facilities to charge your phones, tablets, and laptops, and microwaves to heat your own food.
The Government has created an Energy Saving Resource full of helpful hints and tips to help lower your household costs. They focus on reducing energy usage in small, easy to manage steps, taking just 30 seconds each to do.
Ever wondered whether it's cheaper to run a gas or electric oven? Or how about an electric blanket for 3 hours versus turning the heating on for 30 minutes? GoCompare have created a really useful interactive Energy Cost Calculator tool to find out how much something costs to run.
Comparing energy tariffs
If your bills are included in the cost of your accommodation, it's unlikely you'll be able to influence the cost of your energy bills. If your accommodation doesn't include bills however, it's worth comparing supplier tariffs through comparison websites such as MoneySuperMarket, Uswitch, GoCompare, and ComparetheMarket. The majority of suppliers will likely charge a similar, but it's always worth checking.
Council tax
Households where all tenants are full-time students do not have to pay council tax. If you do get a bill, you can apply for an exemption. You'll need to provide a Council Tax Student Certificate, which you can download from My Student Record.
If there's someone in your household who isn't a full-time student, you will have to pay council tax but will be able to apply for a discount.
Phone bills
If you already have a phone that's out of contract, there are some great rolling sim only deals around. VOXI are currently offering 20GB data and unlimited social media for £10 a month, SMARTY offer 50GB for £8 a month, and Lebara currently offer 5GB for £5 a month, and just £1.48 per month for the first 3 months when you buy through Uswitch! Remember that if you choose a contract where you're tied in for a period of time (usually 12 or 24 months), you won't be able to shop around for better deals until your contract ends.
If you're with one of the major phone network providers, it's likely there will be a rewards app for you. Three+, O2 Priority, Vodafone VeryMe, and Voxi Drops all offer rewards that give you access to weekly freebies, discounts, and priority booking for events. Regular freebies often include coffees, pastries, and even beer!
If you're with EE, Giffgaff, O2, Three, or Vodafone, you can access Airtime and earn cashback to use against your phone bill. Simply download the app, link your payment card, and earn money as you pay for everyday items.
Additional support
Whether you're already struggling to pay your household bills or are concerned about energy costs in general, Citizens Advice offers loads of free information on additional support that may be available to you.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions, supporting energy efficiency measures in the home of those considered to be in fuel poverty. If you're a homeowner or tenant, you can find out whether you're eligible for the scheme via the homeowners and tenants section.
Sheffield City Council have their own dedicated Cost of Living website which has lots of information on a range of support available for those living in the city. Resources and support on their site include the Local Assistance Scheme, Council Tax Hardship Scheme, and alternative funding for energy bills, to name just a few.