Our advice on how to look after yourself, your mates and the neighbourhood

1. Good neighbours really do become good friends.

Don’t forget to meet your new neighbours. They might be students, just like you (hello, instant friend group), a young family, retired, or working professionals. In any case, your neighbours form an important part of your community and getting along with them will smooth your transition to university life.

2. You can get more from your student community

There is safety in numbers, so team up with the people on your street. Make sure you get along to your induction presentations in September – a great chance to meet students and others who live in the area. Find out what’s happening locally and get advice on keeping safe, housing rights, beat the burglar, local support, volunteering opportunities and loads more.

3. House guests are your responsibility

Look after your property and take care with visitors as you could lose your deposit if they cause damage – so think before letting that random into your start-of-term get-together.

4. It’s important to look out for your friends.

Ensure everyone gets home safely after a night out by sticking with friends. If you go out together, come home together.

5. House rules apply – even off-campus

Even living in private accommodation, off-campus noise disturbance is still a breach of the University’s Conduct Regulations, so act respectfully. This means being polite to your neighbours and keeping the noise down - especially late at night.

6. You can beat the burglar

Shut windows and doors, and hide valuables from view when you head out. 

7. You can easily avoid rogue landlords

There is a tonne of information available online to help you rent smarter as a student, including information on protecting your deposit, living safely, handling repairs and other landlord issues.

8. You can make a difference in your community

So make the most of your time at Queen’s and get involved in the community. More information on local volunteering opportunities.

9. Walking can save you heaps of cash

If you’re living in and around the university area, ditch the car. Walking, cycling or taking public transport can help keep you fit, reduce stress and save cash. If you do need the car, watch out for a permit only and pay and display bays. You can be fined or clamped for parking in these illegally.

10. Eco-awareness is on you

Start the year off clean and green by checking your bin collection days. Order new bins and get recycling information

11. You don’t need to put up with noisy neighbours

If noisy neighbours are disturbing your forty winks (or late-night study time), you can report noise disturbances to the Council’s Noise Team on 028 9037 3006 or envhealth@belfastcity.gov.uk

12. Booze can be a bummer - drink responsibly

Go easy on the booze as too much can lead to accidents, choking or alcohol poisoning, or make you do things you will regret later. See here for tips on managing alcohol. Drugs? Don’t wing it, see the facts.

13. The importance of consent

Always seek consent and make sure you have consent every time when you engage in any type of sexual activity with another person. People cannot give consent if they are unconscious or incapacitated and remember you have the right to withdraw consent at any stage. More information and support.

For free sexual health advice and contraception, drop into the weekly drop-in at the Students’ Union or contact Common Youth on 028 9032 8866.

14. Remember Help is always on-hand, so please talk

Feeling stressed? Get yourself back on track by talking to someone at:

1. Inspire (Student Counselling Service) on 0808 800 0016 or email qubstudents@inspirewellbeing.org
2. Student Wellbeing 028 9097 2893 or email studentwellbeing@qub.ac.uk
3. SU Advice su.advice@qub.ac.uk
4. Student Officer Welfare su.welfare@qub.ac.uk