If you are a student coming to the end of your first year, you may be thinking about your accommodation options for Year 2.  For many, this is the first time living independently away from home.

While you look around and consider your option, there are some things you should be aware of.  Whilst there are many students living in the surrounding areas, they are just one element of the diverse demographic of South Belfast.  You could easily find yourself in a terraced property sandwiched between a young family and a house of professionals where the walls are thin enough to hear a sneeze.  Nobody wants to get up at 6am for work after being disturbed by music blaring in the middle of the night.  Nobody wants to get on the wrong side of a parent who has spent hours settling their child only to be woken by a party going on next door.  So it’s important to get a feel for the area you may live in for the rest of your time as a student.

Living harmoniously with your neighbours doesn’t necessarily mean rocking up at your neighbour’s door with a casserole on moving in day.  But it’s important to be on good terms with them and to treat them respectfully.  The Neighbourhood Engagement Team support positive relations between residents and students in the local area.  You may wonder why this is needed, but as a student, you’re a representative of Queen’s University Belfast.  Your behaviour is seen as a reflection on the wider institution and as other students.  It is also a reflection on future, professional you. 

If you are familiar with Belfast at all, you would know that the Holyland area in particular has a traditional association with students.  It is important to note that the demographic in the area is changing significantly, with more newcomer families, an increase in social housing and young professionals returning to the area.

There are also long-term residents who are living with a legacy of being impacted by the behaviour of young people in the area.  There is then the potential for certain sensitivities, especially if your new address has a history of incidents or issues which although unrelated to you, are associated with the property.  Residents have several ways to deal with noise or antisocial behaviour on their doorstep.  One way is to contact us, the Neighbourhood Engagement Team.  You will then find yourself receiving a knock at the door from our Neighbourhood Officer who will be keen to get your perspective on the alleged incident. 

Depending on the circumstances, the penalty will vary.  It may be useful to know that the standard penalty for an Off Campus Disturbance is currently a fine of £150 and a written warning which goes on your academic record.  We may not be the first port of call for residents and it is also worth knowing that the Belfast City Council has a very active Noise Team in the area.  Once called, they too have the power to issue fines.  There is then an escalation in penalties for repeat offenders and ultimately court proceedings if disturbances continue.  There is also a requirement for Landlords to get involved if their properties are cited for antisocial behaviour which could threaten your tenancy. 

We don’t want to see students being issued with penalties that could impact their future careers.  We are aware how difficult things are with the cost of living crisis and believe that money is better spent on staying warm and fed than paying for a poor decision.  Here is some food for thought to help you avoid all of this:

• Consider agreeing house rules for you and your housemates. If you are on the tenancy agreement, you will be held responsible for anything that happens in the property.
• Consider the impact of your behaviour on the people around you. You are a member of a diverse community with a range of life circumstances.
• Keep guests to a minimum, and only let those you feel you can trust into your property.
• Make use of the University facilities. There are plenty of other places you can meet friends.
• It is best to avoid the area on key dates such as St Patrick’s Day and Halloween.
• Take precautions to stay safe. This includes keeping your doors locked and planning a safe route home when you are out.
• Get involved! There are many ways you can help your new, adopted community.  Handy Helpers is a volunteering scheme with events throughout the year.  You sign up for whatever event suits you, so no long-term commitments are required.  The advantages include meeting new people, giving back and having something extra for your CV.  There may also be free pizza on occasion.  Winning!

In the end, our aim is the same as yours.  We want you to have a happy and safe experience throughout your time at Queen’s.  In order to do that, you need to be familiar with the potential pitfalls so that you can avoid them.  If you have concerns about your tenancy, the Student’s Union is there to support you.  If you have concerns about safety in your neighbourhood, there are many options for support, including the PSNI and Belfast City Council.  We are also available to signpost you to the best place where necessary so come and talk to us if you’re worried or just need some advice.