You need a TV Licence if you:
- watch or record live TV on any channel or streaming service
- use BBC iPlayer, including catch-up and on-demand programmes
You do not need one just to own a TV, or to watch on-demand services such as Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video, provided you aren't watching live TV.
In university halls
If you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer in your bedroom, you will normally need your own TV Licence. A licence covering the hall's communal areas does not usually cover individual rooms.
In a student house
Joint tenancy for the whole house: one TV Licence will normally cover everyone in the property.
Separate tenancy agreements for individual rooms: you may each need your own licence if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer in your room.
Can your parents' licence cover you?
Usually not. There is a limited exception if your parents' home is licensed and you're watching on a device that is powered solely by its own internal batteries and isn't connected to an aerial or plugged into the mains.
