In Germany you also have to pay for a TV. Or a radio. Or any device being able to connect to the internet (mobile phones, PCs and the like). As soon as you have one of these you get ripped off (at least there's a maximum fee of 15 ? or so/month).
You don't have to use the devices nor do they have to prove you use it, as long as you have it in your household you pay for it.
The GEZ (the fee collecting central) also has some very nice inspectors which kinda spy on you and are even said to impersonate someone else just to get a quick peek into your home...
I heard it's qite difficult to unsubscribe if you for example sell all your media-receiving devices.
At least if you get public support (money) as a student you don't have to pay the license fees.