TV Licensing is reminding students in the run up to the final term of the academic year, that advisors are on hand to answer their questions.

As well as giving advice over the telephone, TV Licensing's team has been at a number of housing fairs at universities in the region, answering questions about the law, new technology and spreading the cost of a licence.

Universities hold their housing fairs to provide a host of information about accommodation, safety advice, social activities and financial matters.

With students able to watch live TV or iPlayer on so many different devices, Mark Whitehouse, spokesman for TV Licensing in the West Midlands, said it was important that events such as university housing fairs continued to pass on a range of information.

"If students are going to be watching TV programmes as they are broadcast, or on demand - including catch-up TV on BBC iPlayer - they need to be covered by a TV Licence," said Mr Whitehouse.

"We're very keen on helping students in Worcester understand the law," he added.

"We'd much rather they built a TV Licence into their budget than run the risk of getting caught, which could result in a fine of anything up to £1,000.

"At the events we've attended recently, we've been able to advise on how to arrange a monthly or quarterly direct debit plan, or set up a payment card which spreads the cost of a licence with smaller regular cash payments. A TV Licence costs £145.50 for the year, which covers a student to watch live TV on any device, including a phone, tablet or games console."

Students who bought a TV Licence at the start of the academic year and plan to return to a licensed property this summer may be eligible for a refund of almost £37, providing there are three full months remaining on the licence.

Students can get advice on the tvlicensing.co.uk or call an adviser on 0300 790 6113.