Now that you’ve settled into the new academic year, we hope you are also settling into the local community. Below we’ve shared our tips and advice to help you support your community, get on with your neighbours and stay safe when out and about.
Get to know your neighbours
Whether you live in halls, a Unilet or private let accommodation, it’s good to introduce yourself and get to know your neighbours as well as the people you live with. Some residents may have had bad experiences with students in the past, so making a friendly introduction could really help – they’ll also be more likely to talk to you about issues and less inclined to make complaints. The same goes with the other flats on your floor.
Be considerate of your noise levels
Be considerate of your noise levels when at home or leaving and returning late at night. The people living next door might have to get up early for work or have young children. Your flatmate might have an early lecture or exam or might just want to watch a film in their room. A little consideration goes a long way, and your neighbours or flatmates will be more inclined to repay the favour in future.
It’s a good idea to let your neighbours know if you’re planning a gathering at home and to give them a contact number should the noise get too loud so that they can let you know, rather than making a formal complaint. Making too much noise can lead to a noise abatement order which, if breached, can lead to prosecution, a fine or community service, a student disciplinary and a criminal record.
Park respectfully
We advise students not to bring their cars to university and instead make use of the excellent cycle, bus and rail networks in the area. The streets around BH9 can get very busy with lots of vehicles and not much off-road parking. If you have a vehicle, try to park off road if you can, but if you must park in the street, make sure you are not blocking anyone else’s driveway. Make sure that your vehicle wheels are not up on the pavement, blocking access to pedestrians, pushchairs and wheelchair users.
Remember your bins and recycling
It is important you know when your rubbish collections are, and that you recycle responsibly and regularly to contribute to a more sustainable community. Check your bin collection dates and details of what sort of waste can be thrown into which bin on the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council webpage.
Plan your nights out
Think about where you’re going, and how to get there and back – you might want to book a taxi in advance or check the bus timetables ahead of time so you’re not waiting around. Travel in groups as much as possible, and if you’re walking or cycling, make sure that you can hear people and vehicles approaching you. We all enjoy listening to music, but please remember that your safety always comes first. Check our Bournemouth Campus Police page for more safety tips and advice.
Speak to a Student Community Warden
If you live in private rented accommodation, Student Community Wardens can provide help and share advice on anything related to housing and living with others in the community including dealing with landlords, bins, parking issues, noise complaints, advice on asking flatmates to be quiet, or approaching a difficult neighbour. Find out more about the team and how to contact them on the SUBU website.
Know what to do in an accident or emergency
In you’re involved in – or witness – an accident or emergency on campus you should call 01202 962222. That way we can make sure the right action is taken and any emergency services can be directed to the right location.
If you’re off campus, the national emergency number to call is 999. For non-emergencies off campus, call 101. These numbers work from both landline and mobile phones, so save them to your phone so you can refer to them should you need to.
More information about living in the community, safety and security is available on the BU website.
