Keep it down to keep the peace

Living in student halls can be an exciting mix of new friends, late-night chats and shared experience. But when you're sharing a building with 200 others, noise can quickly go from background buzz to a serious issue. 

One of the most common complaints in halls is noise – whether it's loud music, shouting in the corridors or constant door slamming. While a bit of noise is to be expected, persistent disturbances can really affect your neighbours' and flatmates' ability to study, sleep or simply switch off. 

What's considered too loud? 

A good rule of thumb to follow: if someone outside your room can hear it, it's probably too loud. 

This includes:

• Loud phone calls or group chats in your room
• Music, films or games played without headphones
• Playing musical instruments – which must be used with headphones in bedrooms (if you need a practice room, you can contact Chaplaincy or the Music Cottage). 
• Slamming doors and shouting in corridors
• Returning from a night out in the early hours and chatting near entrances

Even during the day, excessive noisy behaviour isn't OK. 

Please be considerate when returning to halls and keep any outdoor activities away from the residences, especially during the quiet hours period. 

Any disturbance complaints during quiet hours will be reported to Safeguarding and ResLife, and may lead to disciplinary action. 

What happens if noise gets out of hand? 

The Residence Life and Safeguarding team will decide what counts as excessive noice, and their decision is final. Persistent noise will not be tolerated and could lead to disciplinary action, and in some cases, you may be asked to leave the halls entirely. 

What should I do if someone else is being noisy?

If you feel comfortable, speak to them calmly – they may not realise they're being disruptive. If the noise continues, raise the matter with the Residence Life team who may take disciplinary action. 

For any disturbance during quiet hours, please contact the Safeguarding team for support. 

Follow these easy steps to make your halls a happy (and reasonably quiet) place to live.