Getting on with your neighbours (or not!)...

Noise -

For most students time away at University is the first time that they have properly been away from home and there is a temptation to treat every night like a party night but to avoid problems you need to be considerate to those living around you.

In halls there are large numbers of people so it is easy for lots of noise to be created. You will be surrounded by fellow students but not everyone will share your taste in music and certainly won’t appreciate it playing at 4am when they have an 8:30am lecture!

If you are in a house then you are likely to also have families, other locals and students as fellow neighbours and you need to be respectful of them all.

When you move in, make the effort to introduce yourselves to the neighbours and apologise for any noise made during your moving in period. If you take the time to say hello to your neighbours, tell them who you are and what you are doing, they are far more likely to help you out if you are ever stuck with anything.

If you are going to be having friends around or are throwing that all important party then make sure that you give all of your neighbours advanced warning or even invite them. They should appreciate this and are less likely to complain if they are expecting noise. Remember most people will work and families with small children will not appreciate noise late into the night so if your party is expected to go on into the small hours consider heading into town to continue the party at a club.

Noise at any time of the day can be a serious problem and if neighbours are really unhappy they can contact the Environmental Health Officers at Bristol City Council. Environmental Health has the power to remove equipment such as stereos and also impose fines so being considerate to your neighbours’ needs is key to avoiding more serious problems.

Rubbish –

For those students not living in halls, you will be responsible for ensuring that you throw away all of your household rubbish in the correct way. You will need to put the wheelie bin out at the correct time and any recycling boxes. A collection of rubbish bags outside for long periods causes unpleasant smells and can attract flies and vermin as well as being a serious eyesore!

Find out when your bin and recycling collection days are and make sure you put the rubbish out!

If you leave bags of rubbish in or just outside of the house when you leave, your deposit is likely to be reduced as the landlord will have to arrange for these to be removed him/herself.

Gardens/Open spaces –

If you have a garden, terrace or any other open space it is likely that your contract will have a clause in it which makes it your responsibility. An overgrown jungle in an otherwise tidy street will annoy and offend neighbours and is unlikely to put you on great terms with them. So, avoid any confrontation and keep the garden tidy then in the warmer months you can enjoy the benefits!

Car Parking –

Parking in general in Bristol is a nightmare so think twice – do you really need that car? There are more ways than ever before to get to Uni, regardless of your campus and they are likely to be cheaper than petrol! If you must drive though then be considerate when parking near your house. Blocking your neighbours’ drive over night when they need to leave at 8am for work will again do you no favours so park safely and sensibly or use the bus!