The International Office
Online Handbook
Accommodation
Council Tax
Council Tax pays for services such as rubbish collection, police and fire brigade. Most students do not have to pay Council Tax. To avoid paying it you must be studying at a UK institution, on a course which
- lasts for at least one academic year
- involves at least 24 weeks per year
- involves at least 21 hours of term-time study per week (postgraduate students may be asked to pay council tax when they change to writing-up status)
Halls of residence
If you are living in one of our halls then you do not pay Council Tax.
Private sector accommodation
Full-time students in private accommodation are exempt from council tax. Wait for your council tax bill and then claim exemption by telephoning the Council on (01225) 477777 or visiting their office at the following address:
Council Tax Office, Revenue Services Division, Guildhall, Bath, BA1 5AW.
If you live outside the B&NES council tax area, then you can request a University letter which proves you are registered on a fulltime course by going to ROL. Once you receive the letter you should send it to the appropriate council tax office.