Working out how much student accommodation will really cost involves more than checking the weekly rent. Electricity, water, internet and insurance can quickly add to your monthly spending when they are charged separately.

At Fresh’s Kingston properties, essential bills are included in the rent, helping you plan your budget without having to organise separate utility accounts or split household bills with flatmates.

Fresh currently offers student accommodation at Davidson House and Quebec House. Davidson House has a choice of en-suite rooms and studios, while Quebec House offers self-contained studios.

Here is a clear breakdown of what your Fresh rent in Kingston covers, what facilities you can access and which costs you may still need to budget for separately.

Are bills included in Fresh student accommodation in Kingston?

Yes. Fresh describes the rent at both Davidson House and Quebec House as all-inclusive, with the following essentials included:

  • Hot water
  • Electricity
  • Wi-Fi
  • Contents insurance

This means you won’t need to set up separate accounts for these services or divide the bills between your flatmates.

Electricity

Your electricity use is included within your rent, so there should not be a separate monthly electricity bill to pay. This covers the everyday electricity needed to use your room and the property’s shared facilities, subject to the fair and acceptable usage terms outlined in your tenancy agreement.

Having electricity included can make budgeting more predictable, particularly during winter when you may spend more time studying and relaxing at home.

Hot water

Hot water is also included, meaning you won’t receive an additional bill for everyday use of your shower, bathroom and kitchen facilities.

At Davidson House, students in en-suite rooms have a private shower room and use a shared kitchen. Studio residents have their own en-suite bathroom and fitted kitchen. Quebec House offers self-contained studios with private bathrooms and kitchen facilities.

Wi-Fi and broadband

Wi-Fi is included in the rent at both Fresh properties in Kingston.

This means you can get online for lectures, assignments, video calls and entertainment without arranging a separate broadband contract. 

Remember that Wi-Fi access doesn’t automatically cover any subscriptions you use through it. Streaming platforms, gaming memberships, cloud storage and similar services remain your responsibility.

Contents insurance

Contents insurance is also included in Fresh rent in Kingston.

This provides a level of protection for eligible personal belongings, subject to the insurer’s terms, exclusions and claim limits. Check the policy information provided with your booking so you understand:

  • Which possessions are covered
  • The maximum claim limits
  • Whether items are covered outside your room
  • Whether expensive devices need to be registered
  • Any excess you would need to pay
  • How to make a claim

You may need additional cover if you bring particularly valuable items or want protection beyond the standard policy.

Access to communal spaces and property facilities

With Fresh, your rent doesn’t only cover your bedroom. Residents also have access to the shared spaces and facilities offered at their chosen property.

What is available at Davidson House?

Davidson House offers access to facilities including:

  • Social spaces
  • Quiet study areas
  • A TV lounge
  • A games area with a pool table and Nintendo Switch
  • A cycle store
  • CCTV and secure access
  • An on-site residents’ team
  • A security team
  • Resident events
  • Access to a Student Assistance Programme
  • A laundry room

These facilities are available within the property, although some services, such as laundry, can involve separate usage charges.

What is available at Quebec House?

Quebec House currently offers:

  • Social spaces
  • Quiet study areas
  • A courtyard
  • Secure access
  • CCTV
  • A cycle store
  • An on-site residents’ team
  • Resident events
  • A laundry room

Its rooms are self-contained studios with a private bathroom, fitted kitchen, study space, storage and TV. You can compare both properties through Fresh’s Kingston student accommodation page.

Furniture and room features

Fresh rooms in Kingston are furnished, so you will not need to bring large essentials such as a bed, desk or wardrobe. Room features vary depending on the property and room type, but typically include:

  • A bed
  • Under-bed storage
  • A desk and chair
  • A wardrobe
  • A private en-suite shower room
  • Kitchen storage
  • A microwave or oven
  • Heating
  • A television in selected rooms

Davidson House offers en-suite rooms with access to a shared kitchen as well as studios with a private kitchen. Quebec House’s rooms are self-contained studios with their own fitted kitchen.

Check the listing for your chosen room before shopping for university, as its exact furniture, size and kitchen setup may differ from other room grades.

On-site support and maintenance

Fresh properties have on-site residents’ teams who can help with practical questions during your stay.

At both Davidson House and Quebec House, facilities also include a maintenance service, security support and access to a confidential Student Assistance Programme. Residents can use the Fresh Residents' App to manage aspects of their stay, including rent payments and maintenance requests.

What might not be included in your rent?

Although the main utilities are included, you should still budget for personal and optional expenses. These may include:

  • Laundry charges
  • Food and toiletries
  • Mobile phone costs
  • Streaming subscriptions
  • Travel
  • Printing and study materials
  • A TV Licence, if required
  • Council Tax if you are not eligible for a student exemption

When it comes to Council Tax, households occupied entirely by qualifying full-time students don’t normally have to pay. GOV.UK advises that students should apply for an exemption if they receive a bill. The rules may be different if you live with someone who is not a full-time student, or if your student status changes.

Always check your tenancy agreement and property information for the definitive list of inclusions and potential additional charges, and speak to your residents’ team if you are unsure.

Why can bills-inclusive accommodation make budgeting easier?

Choosing bills-inclusive accommodation can make university budgeting feel simpler by combining your room, essential utilities, internet and standard contents insurance into one regular payment. This can help you avoid:

  • Setting up utility accounts
  • Comparing energy and broadband suppliers
  • Splitting bills with flatmates
  • Chasing people for their share
  • Unexpected seasonal increases in household costs
  • Managing multiple payment dates

It can be particularly helpful during your first year, when you may be managing your own finances and household responsibilities for the first time.

Fresh’s Kingston properties give you the choice of en-suite and studio living, alongside social spaces, study areas and on-site support. Explore Fresh student accommodation in Kingston, and compare Davidson House and Quebec House to find your perfect fit.