This article will provide some tips for being a good neighbour if you are living in private housing.

The University is located in the heart of the city of Portsmouth. When you become a member of the University, you also become a member of the local community. The local community is made up of a wide and diverse range of people, from young families to professionals to elderly people, and it's likely that your neighbours will lead different lifestyles to you and your housemates.

This may be the first time you've had neighbours of your own that are not students and it's great if you can take some simple steps to establish a good relationship with them. A good starting point is if you see your neighbours (perhaps when you're entering/leaving the house at the same time), a friendly "Hi!"" is a simple but effective way of not being strangers to each other. Remember, your neighbour may have different neighbours every one-two years, so it can be reassuring for them to know who lives next to them.

The following tips are designed to make living independently within the local community easier and to give you pointers for some of the things you need to consider.

 

Noise

A common cause of friction between students and their neighbours is a difference in opinion and tolerance over noise levels.

  • Ask your neighbours to let you know if noise levels from your house disturb them. If they approach you, be polite and responsive. It can really upset people if they feel their concerns are not being taken seriously.
  • Position speakers (especially wireless ones), TVs, games consoles etc. away from adjacent walls.
  • Remember that neighbours may keep different hours to you - make sure you (and your guests!) respect this potential clash in lifestyles. 
  • Be particularly sensitive if you live alongside families with young children or elderly persons.
  • When coming home late keep your voices down.
  • Sound travels a great deal in the early hours - slamming car doors or the front door as you enter the house can sound like an explosion to those asleep in surrounding houses.
  • If you can hear your music from outside the room, so can everyone else. Use headphones and observe the time when playing your music, computer games etc.
  • If you play a musical instrument, practise it at a reasonable time and not early in the morning or during the late evening or night.

Read this article on noise for some extra handy hints and tips on noise levels.

 

Rubbish and recycling

Read this article for information on rubbish and recycling in private housing.

 

Maintaining relations

The University is committed to maintaining the best possible relationship with the local community and is very aware of the important contribution that students make to the city.

However, problems occur from time-to-time and the University has a responsibility to investigate any complaints received from local residents about the behaviour of University students. We will make you aware of any complaints we receive and encourage you to try and resolve any difficulties with your neighbours amicably.

One of the best ways to maintain good relations is to respond positively if anyone contacts you about noise - a willingness to resolve problems goes a long way to sorting them out.

The service is here for you too. If you are having difficulties with your housemates or your neighbours are disturbing you with excessive noise, we can offer advice and assistance to help you resolve any problems that may occur.

For more information contact the Student and Neighbour Liaison Service:-

University of Portsmouth

Student and Neighbour Liaison Service
Student Housing
Floor 6, Mercantile House
Hampshire Terrace
Portsmouth
PO1 2EG

T: +44 (0)23 9284 3214

E: student-neighbourliaison@port.ac.uk