Brighton Students: Bills inc. vs Sort It Yourself

17th February 2025

Managing your money as a student can feel like a full-time job. Between rent, shopping, pub and transport, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by financial responsibilities. But when it comes to your bills—specifically your utilities like heating, water, and electricity—how you choose to manage them can make a big difference in how much control you have over your budget.

In this article, we’ll break down two approaches to managing your utilities: Bills Inc. (Inclusive Billing) and Sort It Yourself (Variable Billing). By understanding the pros and cons of each, you can make an informed decision on which method works best for you.

Bills inc.

With bills inc. you’ve got predictable out goings- You won’t be left strapped for cash at the end of the month with a utility bill way higher than expected and you can stay toasty without the worry of your gas meter going through the roof.

With rent and other expenses already eating up your budget, a fixed utility fee helps you plan and avoid unexpected costs. Plus, it means fewer monthly payments to juggle, making it easier to stay organised.

No more checking the weather and bracing for higher heating costs during the winter. No more worrying about how much water you used because you disassociated while having a hangover shower.

With fewer financial surprises, you can focus on enjoying student life without stressing over whether your energy bill will blow your budget.

Sort It Yourself

If you want to have a bit more control over how much those bills are, you can pay only for what you use and organise your utilities on your own. The good news is for anyone that’s partial to a sweet treat or a last minute Uber to your 9am, you can cut back in other areas to balance things out.

Tip: The oven is by fay the most expensive appliance in the kitchen. So if you’re going to use it, batch cook! Lasagne, cottage pie, pasta bake, something big and hearty that can be frozen for a rainy day or split among you and your housemates.

Simply turning down the heating or using appliances more sparingly can help get your budget back on track; there’s even potential to save money.

Deciding between Bills Inc. and Sort It Yourself depends on your personal style and preferences when it comes to budgeting and utility management. Here are a few questions to help you decide which option works best for you:

• Do you like predictability? If you want to avoid any surprises and have a set, reliable bill each month, Bills Inc. might be the way to go.
• Are you comfortable with flexibility? If you’re confident in your ability to manage your utility usage and enjoy having more control over your spending, Sort It Yourself could offer some exciting opportunities for savings.

At the end of the day, it’s all about choosing the approach that works best for your lifestyle. Whether you go for the simplicity of Bills Inc. or the flexibility of Sort It Yourself, remember that managing your utilities wisely can help you save money and reduce stress throughout the university year.