All inclusive option
​
Benefits
Budgeting
When living as part of a flat share, many people worry about making provision in their budget for the payment of utility bills (gas, electricity, broadband). Costs can fluctuate from one month to the next depending on usage and bills will undoubtedly be higher in winter and lower in summer. All inclusive removes this uncertainty by fixing the weekly costs, thereby making it easier to budget. However, we all have a duty to save energy and to ensure you act responsibly, there is a cap on energy use. Although the allowance is generous, if it is breached by the end of the tenancy, there will be extra charges.
Less hassle
All inclusive saves time and hassle finding and setting up accounts with utility suppliers. No waiting in a phone queue, listening to “your call is important to us”
Ready to go
For students, reliable and fast internet is essential. Being online is an absolute necessity for revision, research and keeping in touch with friends. It can involve a lot of shopping around to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal and can result in many phone calls and visits to your property before getting connected. Many providers can take days, if not weeks to visit your property and get you online. This is an inconvenience that students, looking for the tool they’ll need the most for studying, can do without. In having your internet sorted before the tenancy start date, you’re able to get online as soon as you move in.
Simplicity
No precious time wasted calculating who owes what. No chasing the same flat mate every month for their share of the gas bill. No arguing over whether the heating should be on or off.
​
​
Disadvantages
Cost
Having an all inclusive deal is great for convenience, but as with most things in this world, extra convenience comes at a cost.
To pay for all these bills, as well as the service to administer it, unfortunately means you'll pay more than you otherwise might do if you organised it yourself. How much more? - that depends on how long you're willing to search around for the best deals.
Do you value your time and friendships or is living as cheaply as you can your main priority? As with most financial decisions it comes down to a cost benefit decision.
What’s not included
Contents Insurance
Unfortunately, we do not offer contents insurance. This is because it is more cost effective for a student to organise their own contents insurance as they will more effectively choose the cover they want. Buildings insurance is included.
Council Tax
If you’re a full-time student, it’s likely you won’t have to pay council tax. However, you must apply for an exemption. Aberdeen City Council have a page on the subject of students and council tax here.
​
​
Weekly cost of All inclusive option
3 bed flat - £12
2 bed flat - £16
1 bed flat - £20
To sum up, by choosing to go all inclusive, tenants have more time to settle into their new accommodation, more time to study, socialise with friends and enjoy all that university life has to offer.
​