Do you plan to rent an apartment in the United Kingdom as an international student? If that’s the case, then you need useful information to help you move and settle in.
One of the things you must consider is the utilities you need. Utilities keep your apartment running to maintain the livable space. These are essential services that provide you comfort and convenience daily.
Like anywhere else in the world, you also need basic utilities in the UK. These include electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable.
Feeling a bit confused in understanding these utilities? Read on to learn more:
Electricity
Energy is essential to make your electronic devices and appliances function. It is also the backbone of any home, making it a basic utility in most households.
Your apartment may already be supplied with electricity, but you can switch to a different provider. With a privatized energy market, you can expect to pay higher tariffs.
You can choose between a fixed or variable tariff on your electricity. Some energy companies also offer a dual fuel account. Under this, you can combine your gas and electricity accounts to save more.
Corporate energy giant’s service people on a national scale. It may be best to subscribe to their services for more convenience. Here are some electricity providers you can choose from:
- EDF Energy
- Npower
- Scottish and Southern Energy
- British Gas
Gas
You need gas for cooking your meals or heating water. Even if you choose to mostly dine out during your stay, gas is still vital to have.
Gas and electricity are like twin utilities in the UK. Most residents opt for combined gas and electricity accounts from the same company.
You can get a centralized gas supply from the same companies that provide electricity. As mentioned, you can opt for a dual fuel account to combine tariffs on gas and energy.
Using gas canisters is also a viable option. You can use them on a portable stove for light cooking.
Water
You may survive without gas and electricity but not without water. How else would you drink, bathe, and clean without a water supply in your apartment?
In the UK, tap water is safe for drinking so you shouldn’t worry. You can also buy faucet filters to soften the water’s quality.
Water suppliers depend on your apartment’s location. In England and Wales, the water supply is privatized. For the rest of the UK, you can use the local water supply.
Internet and TV Cable
The Internet and TV are more for entertainment than necessity, but they’re vital to have as well.
For internet services, you can choose to use broadband. Compare various providers to see which deals are the best for your budget.
You can get a TV License if you want to enjoy tv shows. It would cost you around £150 per year. Alternatively, you can subscribe to Netflix for more movies or series.
If you’re planning on renting an apartment in the UK, there are plenty of things you need to know. Visit our resources here at MSM Unify to check out more content like this.
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