The Student Community Partnership, which comprises of the Council, Bath’s two universities and their Student Unions, has launched its annual Good Neighbour campaign.
The Partnership gives practical advice on how students new to Bath, and those who are now in the second, third or fourth years, can make the right impression with their neighbours.
The advice includes tips on introducing themselves to neighbours, considering noise levels, hints and tips about waste collections, safety information, and how to get involved in the local community by volunteering.
To raise awareness of these issues, members of the Partnership will be knocking on doors in various locations around Bath to speak with new student residents to welcome them to the local community, promote the messages of how to be a Good Neighbour and encourage them to meet their new neighbours.
Councillor Paul Crossley, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Chair of the Partnership, said: “The Council is delighted to continue our support for promoting good communication between students and their neighbours, which is key to preventing tensions and misunderstandings arising.
“The Moving In Checklist and Top Ten Tips for living in Bath are useful guides for both new and existing students wanting to play a positive part in their communities after moving into independent or shared accommodation.
“Practical advice on issues like noise and waste collections is invaluable as these matters can avoid tension between students and permanent residents in some areas.”
Tommy Parker, Community Officer of the University of Bath Students’ Union, added: “The moving in campaign is incredibly important in bringing both students and local resident together and creating a greater sense of community.
“Bath is such a kind and vibrant city and the more we can do to allow both students and residents to be apart it the better.
“Simple things like introducing yourself to your neighbour goes a long way in feeling welcome in your local area.”
Robert Gould, Vice President for Welfare at Bath Spa University Students’ Union, said: “With student residents forming such a high percentage of the residents in Bath, instilling a sense of civic pride and engagement in the individuals choosing to study here is of paramount importance, alongside recognition of the myriad of positive ways in which students contribute to the city.
“These seemingly enormous goals begin not with grandiose, headline-grabbing acts, but with the small gestures that we overlook all too frequently, such as a friendly greeting and a passing conversation with our neighbours.
“By encouraging these small interactions, starting with the door knocking and moving in campaigns, hopefully Bath will soon be a city we can be even prouder to inhabit, for its open and welcoming atmosphere as well as its stunning architecture and cultural relevance.”
A Moving In Checklist and Top Ten Tips for living in Bath for all students moving into privately-rented accommodation have also been produced to assist students with the transition of moving from Halls of Residence.
The Partnership will also be using social media to communicate key messages.
The Partnership will make it even easier for residents to introduce themselves by giving out Good Neighbour postcards, designed by local children, as a way of new neighbours introducing themselves and giving their contact details to their neighbours.
Along with the Council’s Waste Awareness Officers, Jenny Dean, the Community Liaison Co-ordinator for the SCP, has set up an information stand at the Co-op in Oldfield Park for students to visit to find out about their local area including information on B&NES waste and recycling services.
The SCP will also be at both university’s Fresher’s Fairs.
Council Connect is the contact for residents and students so that they can offer any praise or report any issues or complaints to be reported, logged, and investigated.
Log into: www.bathnes.gov.uk/reportit or [email protected] or Text SMS 07797 806545 or call 01225 39 40 41.
