Living away from one of our sites or getting ready to move into a house in the local community?
Having good relationships with your neighbours can make a big difference to your university experience.
Check out our Dos and Don’ts for living in the local community:
DO:
- Say hello and strike up conversation with your neighbours. Most will be happy to chat and will appreciate you taking the time to reach out. If you don’t feel confident to say hello in person, a note popped through a door is also a nice touch.
- Remember everyone isn’t a student. Some of your neighbours will have families and full-time jobs so might not appreciate a karaoke session in your house at 3am.
- Get involved. Neighbourhoods like the Garden Quarter hold regular events like community meetings and street parties – why not get involved and build some connections?
- Treat your neighbours with respect. Remember, you’re representing the University, so we ask you to please treat your neighbours with compassion and courtesy.
DON’T:
- Be afraid to ask. If you want to have a party, have a conversation with your neighbours about it, agree a time for the party to finish – and stick to it! This can help to build trust and mutual respect.
- Disrespect your neighbourhood. You may only be living in your student house for a year, but your neighbours probably have mortgages and live there full-time. Simple things like remembering to put your bins in and out – and respecting boundary lines can make all the difference.
- Think your behaviour will go unnoticed. The University has close links to our local communities and residents can report inappropriate student behaviour to the Proctor’s Office. This behaviour will then be investigated and could lead to disciplinary procedures if appropriate.
Check out our handy guide below for more tips for living off campus.