[lljaneth]

i was wondering what was the policy for mini fridges, heaters and tv's?
are they allowed? are portable heaters useful? does anyone really recommend getting a tv? do people bring their PS2's? are wastebins provided?

also, for those that have been there for a year or more, what clothing would you say is the most useful for everyday wear?
and are fancy dress costumes useful to bring up?

Thanks.

[Leigh]

Mini-fridges: Forbidden, but not enforced. Loads of people have them.
Heaters: Not really needed. Didn't see anyone with one, but some might have them. I never needed one, my room was always temperate (which was surprising since I had no way of controlling heat!
TVs: People brought them but never used them since the reception was so bad. Some people had them for DVDs and stuff, but if you have a PC, that'd suffice. If you think you'll want a console to play, you'll need one, obviously.

Clothing: Nothing out of the ordinary - the weather is so messed up at the minute, who knows! I noticed it rained less than I expected, but was colder than I expected. Can't make any comment on how it'll be this year though. 30 degrees probably.
Fancy dress: Most definitely. Unless you prefer to spend the afternoon before the event making costumes, which we always did (and will continue to do). Often, I found shopping for/making more fun than the event itself, but if you have things that might be useful, by all means bring them!

[Poica]

As above - but with your PS2 if you can buy an adaptor like this one, you can play it on your computer monitor, so you won't have to buy a TV license.
As you can probably tell I brought my PS2 - actually can be quite sociable if you've got a good multiplayer game and other gamers on your corridor.

[DonneJohn]

This might sound like a totally redundant question and sorry if it is in advance, but do you need a TV licence just to have a tv?!

Ie. If i took a TV, just to use along side my PS2 would I need to have a licence?

Thanks

[alastair]

Theoretically no, if it wasn't plugged in to an aerial and wasn't tuned then you are not breaking the law and they would have to prove it. A number of people in my house in the first year didn't have a license at all since its difficult to check on campus (have to get permission from the University first and be escorted by security).

[KerriT]

I had a heater because I was in Langwith and my room had one of those 1960s heaters and it never worked. My cleaner was fine about it but the dean lived across the way and told me off but never actually did anything about it. Don't bring one, if you are unlucky enough to have a heater that doesn't work (rare) then buy one/get your parents to post you it from home.

[Leigh]

My heater didn't work. Never had an issue with my room temperature though. No idea how it kept warm, but it did.

Apparently you can contact the TV License people and tell them you have a tv but are just using it to play games and that makes using it without a license legal. I only heard this from word of mouth though, so don't hold me to it.

[Poica]

(Original post by DonneJohn)
This might sound like a totally redundant question and sorry if it is in advance, but do you need a TV licence just to have a tv?!

Ie. If i took a TV, just to use along side my PS2 would I need to have a licence?

Thanks

From the TV licensing website:
What if I only use a TV to watch videos/DVDs/as a monitor for my games console? Do I still need a licence?

You need to notify us in writing that this is the case and one of our Enforcement Officers may need to visit you to confirm that you do not need a licence.

Please write to us including your name, address and the reason you believe that you don't need a licence at:

TV Licensing
Bristol
BS98 1TL

[alastair]

I think the burden of proof is still on them though so if they came round and said you were watching tv just tell them to piss off, no chance of getting a court warrant with no proof at all!

[DonneJohn]

Christ, welcome to 1984- if you would like to use your TV for games, please write to the Ministry enforcement officers, indicating which games you would like to play and at which times of the day. I wouldn't mind not being able to watch the BBC anyway, good riddance- I hate food programmes, I don't care who ball room dances well and I don't have any antiques to sell.

Thanks to the posters who found out the answer for me though!

[Dez]

Mini-fridges and space heaters are banned. People still bring them though. I had a ridiculously hot radiator in my room so I never needed a heater, whether you'd need one or not I can't say. Just be aware that they're banned for being a fire risk -- don't leave it on overnight or when you're out of the house. It's asking for trouble.

You only need a TV license if you plan on watching TV channels (BBC, ITV, Sky, etc.). You do NOT need one to watch DVDs, play video games, or anything else. If you want to get such things working through your monitor, I'd recommend one of the Hauppage TV cards, I had a VGA box like the one linked earlier, but it was very shoddy quality and broke after a couple of months.