Finishing Uni for the year? Here’s what you need to know

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14 June 2025

Citizens Advice recently wrote a blog for students finishing University for the summer. We have copied that blog below.

"Finished your last uni assignment? Whether you’re heading home for the summer, staying in your student town or city, or figuring out what’s next, there’s a lot to think about. From moving out to money worries, here’s a quick guide to help you feel more in control.

Moving out

If you’re in halls or a student house, check your tenancy agreement (called a ‘written statement’ in Wales). You’ll need to know your official end date and whether you have to give notice to leave.

Getting your deposit back

If you paid a deposit at the beginning of your tenancy or licence (or ‘occupation contract’ in Wales), it should be returned to you. The codes that universities sign up to (advice if you’re in Wales is on our website) say that deposits should be returned within 28 days of your agreement ending.

It’s reasonable for your landlord (or university) to take money off the deposit to cover some things. Like damage to the property or furniture or any outstanding rent that you owe. Your landlord shouldn’t deduct money to cover damage that could be wear and tear. If you’re having problems getting your deposit back or are unhappy about deductions, you should speak to your accommodation manager.

Final Bills

Sort any bills, like water and energy, with your housemates before you go. With water bills, you need to tell your supplier you’re moving at least 2 working days before you leave. Our advice here can help. Make sure they’re paid in full and everyone knows what they owe. Unpaid bills can mess with your credit score later on. Our advice on this can help if you have any questions.

Council Tax

If you’re still a full-time student, living with other full-time students, this means your house will be ‘exempt’ from paying Council Tax. The local council might ask for proof that you’re a full-time student. You can ask for a certificate from your university or college. If your course has officially ended, or you’re living with someone who isn’t a full-time student you might start being charged. Check our advice for more info.

Managing money over the summer

Without your student loan in your bank account you might find it hard to get by. But there’s lots of ways to help manage your finances until you find a job or head back to Uni.

Make a budget

One of the first steps to understanding your money is looking at what you have and how to spend the right amount. Budget planners help you understand what you’re earning and spending, and where you might be able to cut costs. You can use the free budget planner on the MoneyHelper website. The planner will be most useful if you give accurate figures. You can use rough figures if you just want a general idea of your budget. For more info on managing money, our starter guide to all things money can help.

Check if you can get benefits

You might be able to claim certain benefits, like Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment (if you have a mental or physical condition or disability). This could be the case even if you’re working or have savings, so it’s worth checking. You can also get a benefit check, check your eligibility for Universal Credit, and get support with your claim through our free dedicated Help to Claim Service.

Worried about debt?

You’re not alone. It’s easy to slip into overdrafts, credit cards, or unpaid bills, or using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), when trying to manage living costs. But don’t ignore them. We can help you understand your options and make a plan. Our blog breaks down how to start dealing with any debt you might have.

Looking for work or internships?

Part-time job? Summer internship? Make sure you know your rights. Here’s some key things to remember:

1. You must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage

This applies even if it’s a short-term or ‘experience-based’ role. Unpaid internships aren’t legal unless you’re shadowing without doing real work. Use our advice to check if you’re getting the minimum wage or living wage.

2. You should be given a ‘written statement’

Your employer should give you an employment contract document called a ‘written statement’. This should include your hours, pay, and time off. Even zero-hour contracts have rules around holiday pay and notice periods.

3. Know your payslip and tax code

If you’re working for the first time or only during summer, you should check you’re on the right tax code so you don’t pay too much tax. You can check this on your payslip. You’ll be given a payslip every time you’re paid. These can look very confusing, with lots of different numbers and codes, but don’t worry. Our blog outlines what everything means.

Moving into a new place?

If you’re moving into a new private rented house, there’s some things to check off your list to make sure it goes smoothly. From protecting your deposit, to sorting out your energy bills, our checklist can help you know what to do. It’s important to remember to contact the energy supplier for the property as soon as you move in. If you don’t, everyone living in the property will be liable to pay for the energy you use — this means they could contact any of you to pay what’s owed!

When it comes to setting up your energy bills, our advice can help you understand splitting the bills with your housemates, setting up an account with an energy supplier, and how to send meter readings to them. Find out more in our blog.

Need help?

This stuff can be a lot. If you’re worried about anything — housing, money, work, or your next steps, we’re here for you. You can speak to us online, over the phone, or face to face ".

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