Regarding the cable/satellite, if you find that you want to go cheaper and just do internet or internet and phone, freeview boxes offer quite a bit of programming for free (just TV licence). On ours, an older model that doesn't get every channel, we usually have about 30 channels on air at one time. Not bad for free if you aren't that into TV.
ksand24, wow, that is only slightly more than what we're paying for just phone with Virgin. Granted, we have some sort of international package that lets us call the States for a few pence a minute, but we'll definitely have to look into that package when we move.
ETA: Your gas and electric can vary widely, but when I was researching about average rates, a couple usually pays about £25-30 for electric per month if it's not used for heat. Gas is going to depend upon how well your house is insulated, size of home, windows, habits, etc.
If you're on billing, then usually it's quarterly (but make sure you ask for paper bills if you want to use them for proof of address/ILR. It might cost a pound or two). Some rented flats are on key meters. Usually this is only if someone has not paid the bill, but I've seen flats advertised as having them. This is where you put money on a card at a paypoint and it gives you credits. I think it's a total rip-off, but the energy companies claim they give the same rates. My inlaws had them when we moved in, and we were thankfully able to switch our electric bill to normal billing. My BiL still has the key meter for gas, which is always great when you're in the shower and it runs out.
