When it comes to being a neighbour, we all have some ideas of just what this means. However, sometimes in the midst of uni work and socialising, it can be easy to forget about the people around us, particularly our neighbours!
As part of my Student Wellbeing Champion blog series, I asked my colleague Will who lives in Worcester to share his views on being neighbourly! Here’s what he had to say…
“I was thinking when you’re a student, living in rented accommodation, with course work, societies, sports, flat mates, deadlines, projects, group work, dissertations and research projects, who has time for neighbours?
But like all things there are always two sides to every story. Although I have met enough residents who genuinely dread the thought of more students moving into the same street, I have also met students that are the definition of considerate.
So, this got me thinking. Firstly, it’s not a fair attitude and students and local residents often give each other a hard time. Secondly, it does not have to be this way.
I am a post grad “mature” student, a local resident home owner and mortgage payer, but I also have been an undergraduate and lived the life of a fresher once too. What I have learned from this is that being neighbourly is essential! So, what can you do? Here are my top tips.
Introduce yourself when you move in. No need to overdo it, just let your neighbours (especially those who share a wall with you) know who you are and that they can speak to you or a nominated house mate if there are any concerns.
Be reasonable. If your neighbours work, consider their working pattern. If they have young children, be considerate and compromise.
Taxi etiquette. Sound travels far at night, so when you have had pre-drinks, be mindful of this and wait until you’re over the bridge before letting your hair down.
Negotiate. If you want to hold a house party or celebrate a birthday, talk to you neighbours in advance. Give them notice and work with them. Perhaps Friday nights would work best?
Knowledge is power: the base beat from your speaker is probably the louder than anything else and more annoying to neighbours than the actual music.
Good relations with your neighbours can be helpful. Its less stressful, which is well worth it in the run up to exam season. Also, good neighbours look out for each other.
You probably know that sometimes student houses can be targeted by thieves so when your away, your neighbours can even keep an eye on your place.
I hope this blog has been helpful and given you something to think about, even if your already knew all this.”
Worcester Student Life 