Every year, thousands of Northumbria students live alongside the local community adding a valuable cultural and economic contribution to the City.
In most cases this relationship is a harmonious one, built on respect for neighbours and the different lives that each lead.
We work closely with Newcastle Council, Northumbria Police, and Newcastle University to help reduce the impact of anti-social behaviour of students in the local community. Should you experience any issues that you feel you cannot resolve through neighbourly conversation, please report your concerns to the University Crime Prevention Team in the form below.
Please be assured that we take all complaints seriously, including reports of Northumbria students engaging in of anti-social behaviour.
Statement from Professor Peter Francis, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Northumbria University:
“We as a University are aware of the need for our students to respect their neighbours as well as others in the local community. Through our strong relationship with the Northumbria Students’ Union, we promote the need for our students to act in a responsible manner at all times where they live throughout their time at University.
“Northumbria’s students already play a key role in the community; from volunteering and raising money for good causes to offering their business expertise to help local SMEs and charities as part of our Business Clinic. It is important to remember that the majority of our students pass through the University and the City without causing problems to the wider population.
"We will continue to work with partners across Newcastle to uphold and promote this type of responsible behaviour.”
“Unfortunately, despite all best efforts, occasionally anti-social behaviour may still occur. When we receive complaints about our students, we will always investigate the matter, which includes contacting the students to talk about the complaint that has been made against them and where appropriate warn them about their future conduct. If the disturbance continues, the matter will be handled in line with the University’s wider disciplinary measures. These procedures may involve a Disciplinary Hearing, which can result in a range of penalties from a Formal Warning through to a Fine. On certain programmes of study, carrying additional social responsibility obligations, there may be implications for continuing on that programme.”
“It is our feeling that a relationship based on prevention and education, rather than a simple ‘transactional/punitive’ one, is much more effective. The evidence available to the University, in the form of total numbers of complaints and the number of repeat complaints, supports this analysis.”
What we do as a University to promote good behaviour
- We contribute funds alongside Newcastle University towards ‘Operation Oak’, which helps to provide two extra police officers to patrol Jesmond, Heaton and Ouseburn at various nights of the week.
- We visit our students in residential areas to remind them of their responsibilities, particularly at times of peak disturbance e.g. start/end of term, key hand-in dates, St. Patricks Day
- We provide guidance about living in the community to all students who are about to leave University Halls.
- We promote the need for our students to be Good Neighbours, and the importance of being good civic citizens.
- We use induction events to educate new students of their responsibilities as being part of the wider community.
- We encourage our students to take part in volunteering activities run by Northumbria Students’ Union. Last year this was over 20,000 hours. We also have a partnership with the British Heart Foundation, which has raised over £85,000 in donations from students across Newcastle as they leave their accommodation.
How to contact us
If you feel there is a serious problem requiring an immediate response, please contact Northumbria Police via 101 or in the case of an Emergency 999. In such cases, please also alert the University via the form below and we will also investigate further.
Other Useful Contact Details
- Newcastle City Council Noise Related Issues: 0191 278 7878 (available 08:30 – 16:30 Mon – Fri ) - Calls received after the times stated will be directed to a 24-hour call centre staffed by Your Homes Newcastle and will be forwarded for investigation the following working day.
- Litter/Rubbish problems – 0191 278 7878 ( ask for Envirocall )
- Criminal Damage, Vandalism or Anti-Social Behaviour – Northumbria Police 101
Report of Noise Nuisance or Antisocial Behaviour - Contact the Crime Prevention Team:
