Living in shared accommodation means some level of noise is unavoidable. Even with good soundproofing in the property, creating a peaceful environment depends on everyone being considerate of those around them. To help make this easier, we ask all residents to follow these basic guidelines.
In all of our accommodations, quiet hours are between 10pm and 8am daily, and there should be no noise between these hours. Noise levels should be respectful at all other times, as it is a breach of your lease for noise to be audible outside of your room or flat. Frequent or excessive noise violations may result in action under the Code of Student Conduct.
Noise levels that negatively affect study, sleep or other activities will not be tolerated, no matter the time of day. It is the responsibility of all residents to be considerate of their neighbours.
1. Music: Use of electric guitars, drums, etc. is not advisable outside of music rooms, available within the University and in some of our accommodation buildings. Keep stereo equipment to acceptable limits. If you are listening to music late at night, please use headphones. Reduce noise pollution by closing windows.
2. Noise in the stairs: Be aware of the noise you and any guests make entering and leaving the building, especially late at night. Do not shout.
3. Doors banging within the flat: Please close doors quietly, especially at night. If your door closer is faulty, report it for repair.
1. Approach your neighbours and explain the problem. If possible, let them hear the noise in your flat/room/hall. It is surprising how often people are unaware of the noise they are making, and once they realise how disruptive this is, they are happy to reduce the noise. If you feel unable to approach your neighbours directly, contact a member of staff who can intervene on your behalf.
2. If the noise is excessive and requires immediate attention, then phone the ACE Response Team on 0131 651 2094.
3. If the noise problem persists, you will liaise closely with staff to report all instances of noise pollution, which will allow us to build an eviction case. This can be a slow process, and we are rarely able to produce a speedy solution if neighbours will not cooperate.
1. On receipt of a noise complaint, we will contact those making the noise and ask them to speak to the Property Team or the Residence Life team. It may be that by explaining the problem, we can reach a solution.
2. If further complaints are received, we will speak to those making the noise again and explain that further action will be taken. For example, the Police may be called as they have the authority to remove equipment if there is persistent excessive noise. We will also carry out a sound test, involving two members of staff and all neighbours concerned. The aim is to allow the students to experience the noise levels in each other's properties and agree on mutually acceptable noise limits. This has helped resolve noise complaints in the past. If this action is unsuccessful and complaints persist, it will be necessary to move towards the formal eviction process.
3. If the noise is from an outside source, e.g. a bar, we will contact Environmental Health. They have powers to deal with noise that we do not have.
4. Should the source of the problem be uncooperative and the process is taking a long time to resolve, if possible, we will offer you alternative accommodation to allow you to study in peace while we reach a resolution.
Noise problems can be difficult to resolve. Tolerance to noise varies from person to person, and this, combined with different lifestyles, can lead to difficulties. Accommodation, Catering and Events will work towards a resolution that suits all parties; however, there are no quick answers unless everyone involved is prepared to compromise and show mutual respect for their neighbours.
If you are unhappy with the action taken by Accommodation, Catering and Events, please note that the University has a complaints procedure.
