Being a student is not cheap, so it is important and very useful, to do what you can to make money stretch as far as possible.

One way to assist with that, is by making sure you take advantage of every discount and exemption that comes with being a student.

Council Tax is one such exemption and that can save you a hefty chunk of money, which we are sure you can find better things to spend on.

Students enrolled on a full-time course of study (irrespective of their mode of study) are exempt from Council Tax provided they have not completed, abandoned or been withdrawn from the course.

You are still defined as a full-time student if you: 

• repeat some, or all of your modules, and we temporarily change your mode of attendance from full-time to part-time for your repeat year
• interrupt your study and return at a later date to complete part or all of the year again.
• are writing up your postgraduate research.

To ensure you get that exemption, you will need to apply for it at the start of each academic year (unless you are living in university halls).

The University provides local Council Tax offices with a list of all students who are defined as disregarded. The list is sent to them at the end of October, beginning of March and end of April.

The local council checks the list against the applications they receive from students and will let you know if you qualify for a discount or exemption.

There may be occasions when your local council office asks you to obtain a Council Tax certificate from the University.

If that is the case, you need to email your faculty office requesting this.

If you have any difficulties obtaining this evidence, please contact our Advice Team.