Happy Halloween to everyone celebrating spooky season this week.
We hope you’ve got some great plans but remember that there are plenty of ways to have fun, without being a scary neighbour.
Respecting your community
Whether you are staying in halls or you’re renting in the city, your role in our local community is really important and maintaining good relationships with those who live and work in our neighbourhoods will help you to really enjoy your time in Liverpool.
Anti-social behaviour – whether it be noise, litter or inappropriate behaviour – can cause major issues for local residents, which in turn impact on your overall experience as a student here.
It’s great being with friends but please remember that houses or flats with multiple occupants can easily cause disturbance to neighbours, especially if you are planning a celebration at home or are gathering with friends before or after going out.
It’s likely that you will have families with young children living nearby, or elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Please try to think of others by:
- Keeping the music down and general noise levels at a reasonable level. Most people agree that 11pm is a suitable time to make sure you reduce noise levels so you are not disturbing the sleep of those around you
- Being aware of your surroundings when walking through neighbourhoods at night. Loud voices carry and could wake young children and people getting up early for work
Your conduct
- Remember that as a student you need to adhere to our Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline.
- If you’re not familiar with the policy, make sure you take a look and read the document, as it outlines how we expect you to behave both on and off campus as a student at the University.
Your safety matters too
As well as being a good community member, it’s important to consider your own safety too. The nights are getting darker so please take care by:
- Being aware of your surroundings. Street crime is often opportunistic, so making yourself less of a target by being aware of where you are and what’s going on around you
- Travelling safely. Try to stick to routes and forms of transport that others are using. If you do walk home alone, stick to main roads. If possible, travel with a friend. If you use taxis, only use those that are licensed
- Going against the flow. When you’re walking on the pavement face oncoming traffic, as it will make it far more difficult for anyone to approach you in a vehicle without you noticing
- Protecting your valuables. Be vigilant when you have your phone out your pocket
- Attracting help if you need it. If you feel threatened, make as much noise as possible to identify yourself in order to warn off the individual and to attract help from others
- Drinking responsibly on nights out. Alcohol and drugs will reduce your reaction times and inhibitions. You are far more vulnerable when you are drunk, especially if you are on your own. Eat before you go out and try to alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks
We hope you have a frighteningly good time this Halloween and respect those around you!