Good Neighbour Guide

When you stay in accommodation off-campus you will be living amongst the permanent residents of the area. Your behaviour is perceived by the local community to effect the reputation of the University, and that of University of Birmingham students.

It’s important to look after your neighbours as they may look after you. Many residents have prevented student properties from being burgled or can simply help with local information.

Get to know your neighbours and please try to be considerate to them – they may be elderly, have young children or have to get up early each day. Or indeed other students wishing to study.

Keep music and noise to a reasonable level, especially after 11.00 o'clock at night.

It is courteous to advise your neighbours if you plan to have a party. Try and agree a mutually acceptable time for the party to end and do your best to stick to it. If you are happy to give a telephone number to your neighbour it can avoid a confrontation if your neighbour has to come round late at night to make a complaint about the noise.

It can be very intimidating to have to knock on a door to make a complaint when there are lots of young people having a party. Ensuring that you communicate with your neighbour prior to having a party will help to avoid the risk of a confrontation.

Try and avoid offensive behaviour – such as shouting or drinking in the streets, urinating in gardens (including your own) and tasteless notes or posters in front windows.

Try and respect other people’s property – such as fences, walls, street furniture and parked cars. Behaviour that seems funny when you’ve had a drink could result in you being arrested and/or receiving a fixed penalty notice.

Try to consider others when parking your car – elderly neighbours or those with young children need to park outside their houses.

Try to keep your garden and surrounding areas tidy and free of rubbish. Run down areas can attract criminal activity.