For the Neighbourhood Engagement Team, sitting in front of groups of students as they explain how they have come to the attention of an Investigating Officer is common.  The job of our Neighbourhood Engagement Team is to support positive relations between students and their neighbours.  This can mean dealing with complaints from residents as well as statutory partners, and helping to facilitate behaviour change to avoid it happening again.  If you end up sitting in an interview with an Investigating Officer, chances are it is because somebody is unhappy with something that has gone on at your property.  Typical responses in this situation when students are questioned about the incidents include ‘I wasn’t even there.’ and ‘It wasn’t me.  People just came into my house’. 

Regardless of the situation, the fact is that as a tenant of a property, you are responsible for whatever goes on in it.  We have heard variations of responses, with the problems coming from things like: the front door doesn’t lock; housemates were having friends over; housemates advertised parties on social media; friends let random people into the house, and housemates left their guests unattended. 

These are all worthy of further attention but the theme is clear.  One thing could prevent many of these issues – good communication.  Or, more specifically assertiveness.  Whether you are trying to hold your Landlord to account to fix a broken lock; or have found your home filled with loud people you didn’t invite, it is important to recognise where your responsibility lies.  This is not just a responsibility to your property and your neighbours but to yourself as well.  Situations can arise where you might feel uncomfortable or unsafe and of course these are best avoided.  It is within your rights to ask for what you need.  This can certainly be difficult, especially when you don’t wish to cause conflict or are concerned about what your peers think of you.  The bottom line is however, that your safety is more important.  As is your future.  Nobody wants to commit three years of their life to study only to have a police record impact their future career.  As far as safety is concerned, having uninvited, intoxicated people in your house increases risk to yourself and can potentially cause conflict with your neighbours.

So, what can you do?

• Establish expectations when you move in with your housemates. Set ground rules that you all agree to about what is and isn’t acceptable.
• Hold your landlord accountable. All HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) must have a license.  Landlords are required to adhere to rules including maintaining security such as doors.
• Use the facilities that are available to you to meet your friends. Make use of common areas.  Hang out in One Elmwood for example, where you don’t have to pay for heat or electricity, and can make yourself a snack.    Just make sure you plan your route home and it involves staying safe.
• Seek help when necessary. SU Advice can offer support with tenancy issues.  Queen’s Wellbeing service is available to support you to manage difficult relationships in your household, including building, and help with your confidence and resilience.  If you are feeling unsafe, the PSNI can be contacted.  You are also welcome to contact us at Neighbourhood Engagement if there has been an incident or issue you are worried about. 

The bottom line is, we probably share the same hopes.  We want students to have an enjoyable experience where they can complete their education in a safe and harmonious environment.    As with life in general, it often takes a bit of work to make this happen.  Adulting is a tricky business fraught with complications.  We are not going to please everyone all the time and there will probably be disagreements with the people around you at some point.  It is worth it though if it means not compromising on your security or your future.   As Brene Brown states: “We can have courage or we can have comfort, but we cannot have both.”