We expect students to behave in a way that is respectful and courteous of their neighbours and other members of their community and not to engage in anti-social behaviour.

We work in partnership with the University of the West of England Community Liaison teams, Bristol City Council Neighbourhood Enforcement and Avon and Somerset Police. 

We do not have legal enforcement powers in many situations so it may be more appropriate to contact the relevant organisations that do. 

If you are experiencing a problem with student behaviour in your neighbourhood, we recommend trying to resolve the issue informally first. Speak to the landlord or letting agency, and/or contact the appropriate organisation.

If the issue isn’t resolved or you need further support, you can report it to the University. We will formally communicate with students who behave in an unacceptable manner to resolve and monitor problems.

Try to resolve the issue informally

Try to resolve the problem by talking to the students:

• Introduce yourself. You may want to print out our greeting template for saying hello to student neighbours (PDF, 213kB) and post it through their door.
• Suggest exchanging phone numbers and agree to give them a call if you experience any noise.

You could also print and post these flyers that address common issues (there are two per page):

• bins on the pavement (PDF, 118kB)
• incorrectly sorted recycling (PDF, 169kB)
• overflowing bins (PDF, 106kB)
• going away for the holidays (PDF, 118kB)

If this does not resolve the problem, you can report the behaviour or make a complaint.

How to make a report to the University

To make a report about student behaviour, complete the Community living report form (Office document, 40kB) and email it to our Community Liaison Officer at community-living@bristol.ac.uk. 

Your personal details are treated in confidence by the University and will only be used and stored to:

• investigate complaints
• and undertake any necessary disciplinary actions. 

Anyone raising a formal report is expected to identify themselves. We will not take action against a student about a problem reported anonymously unless it is possible to verify the issue.

Generally, if you make a complaint, your name is protected and not shared with students. However, as part of the later stage of the formal disciplinary process, it may be necessary to provide your name to a student. In this situation, you will be asked for consent before we share this information.

There is a protocol for responding to student misconduct in the community (PDF, 178kB)‌ between the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England, and the Bristol City Council Neighbourhood Enforcement Team.

Report to the landlord or letting agency

You may choose to report your problem to the landlord or letting agency.

You can find the name and address of a property owner via Land Registry. There is a small fee for this service.

You can also use the register of licensed properties to request a landlord or letting agency's contact details for a house of multiple occupancy. Members of the public can make up to 3 requests at any one time.

If you rent a property to student tenants and are dealing with complaints, read our guidance for landlords and letting agents.

Contacts and support for specific issues

The University of Bristol does not have legal enforcement powers in many situations. You may wish to contact another organisation for assistance with the following issues. 

Noise

The Bristol City Council Neighbourhood Enforcement Team have legal powers to deal with noise complaints, including Noise Abatement Notices, formal cautions, and prosecution with fines of up to £5,000. In extreme cases involving loud music, the council can also confiscate music equipment.

If you experience a persistent noise problem, the council requires you to keep a 14-day noise diary before making a complaint.

You can also report the pre-planning of unlicenced or potential large unlicensed gatherings and one-off events.

You can report a noise problem via the Bristol City Council website.

Operation Beech

The University of Bristol works with Avon and Somerset police to provide an on-the-night response to noise disturbances believed to be caused by our students. Extra police patrols are added to some student areas on specific days of the week.

If you are disturbed by a house party or street noise caused by University of Bristol students between 8 pm and 2 am on a Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday, text the street name and house number to +44 (0)7773 816 248. Police patrols will respond on a priority basis.

The designated area includes all roads within the border of Chandos Road, Hampton Road, Redland Grove, and Trelawney Road, with the addition of:

• Ashgrove Road
• Manor Park
• Highbury Villas
• Eaton Crescent
• Arlington Villas

On days when Operation Beech is not running, you can report noise and anti-social behaviour directly to the police by phoning 101. If a crime is in progress, there is a danger to life, or if violence is used or threatened, phone 999.

Waste and recycling

Visit Bristol City Council’s bins and recycling pages to report misuse of recycling services, bins left on the pavement and missed collections.

You can report fly-tipping via the Bristol City Council website too.

Parking

If a vehicle is preventing you from exiting your driveway, contact the police on 101.

If a vehicle is preventing you from entering your driveway or is parked on zigzag lines, double yellow lines or single yellow lines during restricted times, contact Bristol City Council Parking Services on +44 (0)117 922 2000. Ask for parking services and select option 4.

Criminal and anti-social behaviour

Complaints about criminal and anti-social behaviour, including vandalism and harassment, should always be made to the police on 101. Phone 999 for emergencies.

Visit the Avon and Somerset Police website for further advice and information.

Guidance for landlords and letting agents

If you receive a complaint about University of Bristol student tenants, email our Community Liaison Officer at community-living@bristol.ac.uk for assistance.

If you receive a complaint about UWE student tenants, contact community@uwe.ac.uk.

We believe the most effective way to respond to an allegation of student misconduct is for the Community Liaison Officer and the landlord or letting agent to visit the property and talk to the tenants together.

In most cases, once students are aware of complaints, the offending behaviour stops. However, if the behaviour continues and further complaints are received, we will take action in accordance with the University's Student Disciplinary Regulations and Procedure.

We encourage you to share the following resources with all University of Bristol students at the start of their tenancy:

Guidelines for student behaviour in the community.
Community behaviour rules for all students.

Student Disciplinary Regulations and Procedure.
The University’s framework for dealing with allegations of student misconduct.

Bristol Waste Company student recycling guide.
Helpful guides for what to recycle and when.

Anti-social behaviour of tenants.
A best practice guide for landlords and letting agents from Bristol City Council.