What can I do if I'm worried I can't pay my King's Residence fees on time?

Residence fees are charged termly, based on the weekly rate and the number of weeks in each term. This means instalments vary in size – they are not evenly split across the year. Typical payment dates:

• October (Term 1)

• Late January (Term 2)

• April/May (Term 3)

• June (if staying for the summer)

A full breakdown is available on the Credit Control Residence Fees page.
 

• You’ll receive a reminder from the Credit Control Residence Team.

• If you don’t pay or respond, reminders will continue and may escalate.

• You should engage with Credit Control to explain your situation and explore options. This may include providing evidence of your situation and/or negotiating when and how you can make payment, such as:

• Evidence of current income, savings and future funding.

• Short-term payment arrangements: even if you can only make a partial payment – it's best to pay something based on what you can afford.

• Come to an arrangement to pay the outstanding fees within a reasonable time period when any delayed funding or income has been received.

• If you don't have the relevant funds to cover the full cost of your accommodation you should also speak to a Money & Housing Adviser to explore how to increase your income and reduce your costs.
   

If your accommodation is unaffordable or you're struggling to manage financially, the Money & Housing Advice Service can help you explore:

• Hardship funding

• Budgeting and money management

• Alternative accommodation, but any early release from your contract is at the discretion of King’s Residences and you will likely need to find a replacement occupier who the King’s Residence team has approved. This forms part of the Contract Change policies, please refer to the King’s Residence Team guidance on Request to Swap, Extend or Move Out Early. 

• Broader financial wellbeing strategies

You can speak to the Money & Housing Advice Service by phone, email or campus drop-in. Full details on the MHAS website.

If you’ve missed several instalments and haven’t agreed a plan or are unable to demonstrate that you have met the criteria for and applied for additional funding that would assist you to cover the cost:
 

• You may receive a formal warning that your room is at risk.

• The university may threaten to cancel your agreement, but this does require a legal process and takes time; nevertheless, if enacted, it can lead to more costs.

• Additionally, they may warn of court action to recover the debt if payments are not maintained.

Immediate impacts may include:

• Not being able to extend your contract into the summer.

• Being ineligible to reapply for accommodation the following year (This can happen as early as February/March, when rebooking opens).
   

No. Residence fee arrears don't affect your academic progression or enrolment as your housing contract is separate from your tuition contract.
However, both types of debt may eventually be referred to external debt collection if unpaid.

Rent payments can count towards your credit score, but only if your landlord reports payments to one of the Credit Reference Agencies – this service is available in the UK but not commonly used by landlords. King’s have confirmed that they do not currently report rent arrears to the Credit Reference Agencies.

If your debt is later referred to a debt collection agency, they may make a note on your credit reference file. If the debt is not managed and court action is taken, this will also be recorded on your credit reference file and will remain on your file for six years.

If you're concerned about rent arrears impacting future applications for housing, read Shelter’s guide on how landlords and letting agents check tenants.  Important to know: Students with a debt to King’s Residences cannot apply for a room until their debts are cleared in full.

If residence fees remain unpaid at the end of your contract (when you move out), and you are unable to make payments or demonstrate a realistic plan to clear the debt within a reasonable timeframe (typically 3–6 months), the following may happen:

• Your debt may be referred to a debt collection agency. These agencies act on behalf of the university to recover payments over a longer period, depending on your personal circumstances.

• The university will always try to resolve the debt while you are still living in halls. Students are encouraged to engage with Credit Control, apply for hardship funds, and seek advice from the Money & Housing Advice Service. However, if this is not possible, referral to a collection agency may be necessary if a debt remains on the account 3-6 months after the contract ends.

• Why does the university use debt collection agencies?
  Like many large organisations, universities are not set up to manage long-term payment plans. Their systems are designed to handle live payments. Debt collection agencies are used to manage older or unresolved debts.

• For some students, having their debt referred to a collection agency can be a more manageable option than facing immediate payment demands — particularly if you've experienced a significant change in circumstances that will take time to resolve. 

  However, it’s important to continue paying what you can, when you can, no matter how small, to demonstrate your commitment to managing the debt.
  o    It’s essential to understand the implications and seek advice early. Managing older debts alongside current living costs can be challenging, and it’s vital to avoid falling into further arrears with a new landlord or housing provider after you move.
  o    Students fall into rent arrears for many different reasons, and the solutions can be just as varied. There are specialist services — both within the university and externally — that can support you. Please don’t wait to reach out for help.
  o    If left unresolved, rent arrears can lead to legal action. In most cases, debt collection agencies will not pursue court proceedings if you engage with them and agree to a repayment plan that reflects what you can realistically afford. This means making payments from your surplus income, after covering essential living costs.
  o    You are protected by law from harassment by creditors or their agents. It’s important to understand your rights and how to challenge unfair treatment — National Debtline: Dealing with your creditors – refused offers is a helpful starting point.
  o    However, if no arrangement is made, the agent may apply to the County Court for a County Court Judgment (CCJ). This can lead to formal enforcement action, such as a court-ordered payment plan or, in rare cases, bailiff enforcement. These steps are always a last resort.
   

According to PayPlan guidance: 

• Rent arrears are considered priority debts due to the risk of eviction.

• You won’t automatically lose your room if you’re in arrears — your landlord (in this situation the university) must follow a formal process for eviction and debt recovery. You can: 
  o    Keep paying what you can afford
  o    Share your budget with Credit Control
  o    Seek money advice from the Money & Housing Advice Service on hardship funds and managing your budget to try and get back on track
  o    Seek external independent advice on your housing rights with Shelter, your local Citizen’s Advice or Legal Clinic.

If you're juggling multiple debts or unsure how to manage your finances:

• National Debtline

• Citizens Advice

• StepChange

• PayPlan

• Gov.uk Debt Advice for further options.

These services are free, confidential, and impartial. There are many free debt advice options, be wary of organisations charging for their services or consolidated debt options, consult a free community debt advice agency first.