Adaptive Consultant

Nobody tells you these things when you land, but you could get in SERIOUS trouble.

As international students, we have strict rules. Here’s what you need to stop doing:

1. Watching Live TV (Without a TV Licence)
• The Mistake: Thinking you’re fine because you don’t own a TV. You just watch live sports on your laptop, stream the news on your phone, or watch shows on BBC iPlayer.
• The Truth: In the UK, you MUST have a £169.50 TV Licence to watch ANY live TV broadcast on ANY device. This also includes watching or downloading ANYTHING at all on BBC iPlayer (even catch-up).
• Yes, they have inspectors, and the fine is up to £1,000.
• What’s ‘Safe’?: Watching only catch-up on services like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime (as long as it’s not a live stream).

2. Working Over Your 20-Hour Limit
It’s not a ‘guideline’. Working even one minute over your 20-hour (term-time) limit is a visa breach. The Home Office can find out and will cancel your visa. It’s not worth it.

3. Ignoring Your “Council Tax” Bill
Students are exempt, but it is NOT automatic. You MUST apply for your exemption to the local council (using a uni certificate), or they will send you huge bills and bailiffs.

4. Running a “Side Hustle”
Your Student Visa BANS all self-employment. This means NO freelance work, no Deliveroo/Uber Eats, and no running a business (like on Depop/Vinted).

If any of these rules are hard to understand, send us a DM! We will respond to queries that need our attention and help clear things up for you.

Share this with another student to save them from a massive fine!

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