How to get involved and stay safe in your community

Here are some tips to help you get on with your neighbours and stay safe in your community.

Get to know your neighbours

Whether you live in halls, a Unilet or private let, it’s good to get to know your neighbours as well as the people you live with. Some local residents may have had bad experiences with students in the past, so making a friendly introduction could really help – not only when you run out of milk, but they’ll be more likely to talk to you about any issues and less inclined to make complaints. The same goes with the other flats on your floor.

Don’t make too much noise

The people living next door may have to get up early for work, or have young children who don’t appreciate your 2am garden gossip. Your flatmate might have an early lecture or just want to watch a film in their room. Leave home and return as quietly as possible for a night out. Let your neighbours know you’re planning a gathering at home and give them a contact number should the noise get too loud.

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.

Chat to the Student Community Wardens or your Res Life Assistant for more advice

Both teams are BU students who are there to listen and share advice on living with others and in the community such as asking your flatmates to be quiet, or approaching a difficult neighbour.

Plan your night out and stay safe

Think about where you’re going, and how to get there and back – maybe book a taxi in advance or check out the bus timetables so you’re not waiting around creating noise. Travel in groups as much as possible, and as great as your playlist might be, if you’re walking or cycling you can’t hear people or vehicles approaching you while you’re listening to it. Check out the #StudentSafe campaign run by the Neighbourhood Police Team for more advice.

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 now and make sure you understand which number to call and when.

You can find more details on all of this information in the students section of the website.