Complaints about student behaviour
The University treats complaints about student misconduct in the community very seriously and there is a process in place to address and monitor reported problems. We will formally communicate with students who are known to have behaved in an unacceptable manner. The objective is to end such behaviour and to avoid any repetition of it.
What to do if you are experiencing a problem
In the first instance we would ask you to try to resolve the matter with the student(s). For some students this may be their first time living independently in the private sector and they may not have realised that their behaviour has affected anyone else. An effective approach with regards to noise problems is to take the students’ mobile numbers and to agree that you will give them a call if you are disturbed in the future.
These templates may help ease introductions:
Say hello (PDF, 213kB) to students
Say hello (PDF, 222kB) to your neighbours
You may also wish to take the matter up with the landlord or letting agency. You can normally locate a landlord or letting agent on this map: Bristol - Pinpoint local information. In the left-hand menu, click on the Housing Tab, then select the three ‘Property Licence’ options.
You can also find out the name and address of a property owner via the Land Registry. There is a small charge for this service.
Waste and recycling mismanagement
Sometimes a gentle reminder is all that is needed. One option is to print and post these flyers (there are two per page) which address common problems: bins on the pavement (PDF, 118kB) , incorrectly sorted recycling (PDF, 169kB) and overflowing bins (PDF, 106kB). Holiday flyers are also available: going away for the holidays (PDF, 118kB).
If this does not prove effective, please report as a complaint.
How to report a problem
If you are unable to resolve the issue with the students then our Community Liaison Officer will be happy to assist. If possible find out the names or address of the students you wish to complain about, and/or which University they attend.
Complainant details are treated in confidence by the University and will only be used and stored by the University to investigate complaints and undertake any related disciplinary actions. They will not be shared with students unless written permission to do so has been obtained. Information about the nature of a complaint may be shared with the students concerned and external agencies (eg Bristol Waste/letting agents) to resolve problems.
email: community-living@bristol.ac.uk.
Who else can help?
It is important to remember that the University does not have legal enforcement powers in many situations and therefore you may wish to contact the organisation that does have more appropriate powers.
The University of Bristol and the University of the West of England Community Liaison teams and Bristol City Council Neighbourhood Enforcement have a joint working protocol (PDF, 178kB) for responding to noise and environmental nuisance involving students.
For issue specific contacts please see below:
Noise
The Bristol City Council Neighbourhood Enforcement Team have legal powers to deal with noise complaints, including Noise Abatement Notices, formal cautions, prosecution (maximum fine £5,000 for domestic cases) and in extreme cases involving loud music, confiscation of the music equipment.
They will require a 14-day noise diary before taking action. They also recommend the use of the noise app to record evidence. You can then report a noise problem via the Bristol City Council website.
Criminal and anti-social behaviour
Complaints about criminal and anti social behaviour, vandalism, harassment etc. should be always be made to the Police on telephone 101 or 999 for emergencies.
Advice and information is available on the Avon and Somerset Police website
Waste and recycling
To report missed collections, bins left on pavements throughout the week, misuse of Bristol’s recycling service etc., please visit Bristol City Council 's bins and recycling pages, to report fly tipping please visit Bristol City Council report flytipping page.
Parking
If a vehicle is preventing you from exiting your driveway please contact the Police on 101.
If a vehicle is preventing you from entering your driveway or there are vehicles parked on zig-zag lines, double yellow lines or single yellow lines during restricted times please contact Bristol City Council Parking Services on 0117 922 2000. Ask for parking services and select option 4.
Shush Campaign
Download and print flyers from our Shush campaign (PDF 15,787KB)
Student policies and procedures
Complaints and disciplinary procedure
In most incidences, once students have been made aware of complaints made against them, then the offending behaviour will stop and not be repeated.
However, should this not be the case and further complaints are received, then the consequences for students escalate in line with the complaints and disciplinary procedure.
This is demonstrated on the Student behaviour in the community page.
Student Union Club or Society Code of Conduct
All Student Union clubs and societies operate within a Code of Conduct which sets out the level of behaviour and discipline expected of all members.
Comments or concerns about student behaviour related to Student Union club or society activity should be reported using the form on the Bristol SU feedback and complaints page.
Operation Beech
The University of Bristol is working with Avon & Somerset Police to put on extra police patrols in some student areas. Responding to concerns from local residents about the increase in late-night parties, the aim is to make sure noise is kept to a minimum to help maintain good student-resident relations.
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
Text 07773 816 248 between 8 pm and 2 am on Operation Beech dates if experiencing house party or street noise disturbance that is believed to be caused by Univesity of Bristol students. Please include street name and the house number and the extra Police patrols will respond on a priority basis.
Text numbers and details of the text are shared with the University of Bristol along with a summary of any actions taken these will be used and stored by the University to investigate noise and anti-social behaviour issues and undertake any related disciplinary actions.
Operation Beech started on 1 September 2022 and will continue to operate until further notice. Operation Beech runs between 8 pm and 2 am every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.