Parents of Students - Frequently Asked Question 

When do I need a TV Licence?

It doesn’t matter what channel you choose – it could be terrestrial, cable or satellite. And it doesn’t matter what equipment you use – traditional TV, games console, laptop or mobile phone. You still need to be covered by a licence if you are watching programmes at the same time as they are shown on TV. If you’re found to be using TV without a licence, you may be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.

This means that if you are watching or recording programmes via the BBC iPlayer at the same time as they are shown on TV, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. If you are only watching or downloading programmes that have already been broadcast using the iPlayer or other internet services, a licence is not required.

How will anyone know if I don’t have a TV Licence?

TV Licensing’s database lists addresses that don’t have a TV Licence, including university accommodation and enquiry officers do visit unlicensed properties.

If you use television-receiving equipment without a valid TV Licence, you risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000, plus court costs, and you will need to buy a TV Licence if you still need one.  A colour licence costs £145.50.

To find out more about whether you require a licence, contact TV Licensing on 0300 790 6090 or visit the TV Licensing website (www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo).    

Yes, parents can make residence fee payments on behalf of their child. Please see Fee Payment advice.

If your son or daughter is going to be living in university accommodation, then basic insurance for personal property is included in the accommodation fees. However, there are some exclusions to be aware of (such as bicycles) so you may wish to top-up the basic policy. 

Please view the Insurance Policy document.

The security of staff and students is of paramount concern to the University and a comprehensive network of security measures is in place to ensure that Dundee remains one of the safest places to study in the UK. In addition to the Sanctuary Management Services  Security Team, there is a 24-hour manned security station at the heart of the city campus co-ordinates regular security patrols by uniformed officers, while numerous CCTV cameras at strategic external locations complement systems located in all University buildings. In addition, all Residences have security door entry, emergency telephones, Student Support Assistants and bicycle storage facilities. For further information, please consult our Security website.

The University does not keep a registered list of private accommodation. No private properties have been inspected by University staff therefore the University is unable to give any recommendation, endorsement or guarantee in regard to any private property, property owner or agent.

All full-time registered students at theUniversityofDundeewill normally qualify for exemption from council tax. Please visit our webpage about council tax for comprehensive information.

Before the start of Welcome Week, we invite all new students who live in the local area to come to an informal welcome evening on campus. This allows students who live at home to meet each other before classes begin.

We also have student-led groups, Moody Minds and Peer Connections, who will be running various events during Welcome Week to ensure that all students settle in. This support network will connect new students to existing students and services so your son/daughter need not worry about feeling isolated.

The accommodation is owned and managed by a partnership includingUniversityofDundeeand Sanctuary Housing Association.

The practical running of the residences (issuing keys, maintenance, security) is managed by Sanctuary Management Services.

Applications for student accommodation, allocation of accommodation, issuing of Licence Agreement, collection of Residence fees and Discipline matters remain the responsibility of the University.