STUDENTS hoping to save money on bills by skipping payments have been fined thousands of pounds for doing so in the last 12 months.

Those studying for degrees in the city and choosing to live in flats and houses must pay for a TV Licence, but 55 homes in York were caught without one between September 2013 and August 2014, forcing the culprits to pay out up to £1,000 for their wrongdoing.

Figures released by TV Licensing found more than 27,000 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 were caught watching live TV without a licence in the past year.

Students are now being warned to buy a licence or face the fine after research by the company found one-in-ten undergraduates believe they will not be caught watching live TV without a licence.

Matthew Thompson, spokesman for TV Licensing, said: "On average, students own three devices capable of streaming live TV so it is important they understand the law when it comes TV and devices.

"Watching live TV on any device is illegal, without a TV Licence, and could result in prosecution and fine of up to £1,000.

"If you’re a student and you are worried about paying for a TV Licence, get in touch.

"We know some people struggle to pay which is why we have many payment options available to spread the cost in smaller, more manageable chunks."

The city's two universities today said they inform their students about signing up for a licence at the start of term.

A spokeswoman for the University of York said: "We advise all our college based and off campus students about the importance of getting a TV licence irrespective of what device they are using to watch live TV.

"Although it's unfortunate that 55? students were fined this is from a population of 50,000 students studying in and around the city."

Sue Waller, head of campus and residential services at York St John University, said: "York St John students are made aware of the necessity of a television licence as part of their Residence Agreement when they start in September.

"For prospective students we include information about licences on the student pages of our website and in Open Day leaflets."