Post 9 of 10 – Living Alongside Students
RHUL was founded in 1879 as a 600 bed women-only college. It has of course changed somewhat over the years. A significant phase in its recent history occurred between 2002 & 2008 when £100m was invested following its merger with Bedford University. (Bedford’s Regent’s Park campus was sold following the merger and the universities consolidated on the Egham campus.)
Currently RHUL is following their ‘Master Plan’ strategy where student numbers are planned to increase to 15,000 by 2029/ 30. With its new investment in Rusham Park and other buildings, it looks like RHUL will continue to be part of the Egham & Englefield Green community for some years to come.
So along with RHUL reviewing & implementing a conduct policy that is effective, what other measures could be considered so that local residents and students can live together more harmoniously?
Be A Good Neighbour Guide
RHUL’s, ‘Be A Good Neighbour Guide’ suggests to its students that they introduce themselves to their new neighbours at the start of the academic year. I have never experienced this personally though I have heard of it happening. (I definitely have never heard of anyone receiving a postcard though.) Most of my student neighbours avert their eyes – no doubt for some students introducing themselves is a daunting experience that they may naturally prefer not to do – or perhaps they may have missed the ‘Be A Good Neighbour Guide’ altogether.
Regardless of the reason, if they are not forthcoming, perhaps we, the local residents, could introduce ourselves to our new neighbours and welcome them to the street we live on. Could this small action help address the problem in part – I think it possibly could.
A link to the, ‘Be a Good Neighbour Guide’ can be found here including the reference to postcards:
Student ASB Hotline
One of the most frustrating things for us last year was the feeling of total helplessness each time the problematic HMO had a party. There was little we could do to get the matter addressed immediately and we just had to grit it out. We nearly called the Police on one occasion but thought better of it so reached for the ear plugs again. (The Police have limited time and stretched resources.)
One of the ideas that has been put forward for consideration is that RHUL could provide a 24 Hour Student ASB Hotline. Here local residents (and students) could phone the Hotline to report a live student ASB problem – and in turn RHUL would dispatch its Security Team to investigate.
The Security Team attending could offer advice to the students causing the ASB and collect evidence for the Community Team so that meaningful action could subsequently be taken.
The good thing about this idea is that the Security Team is already on campus, breaking up pre-drinking gatherings and other ASB – their role would be extended to go beyond the campus walls.
Welcome Visits
RHUL’s Community Team visits some student HMO at the start of the academic year. They offer guidance to its students on how to live in the community and reminds them of RHUL’s expectations. I believe they target HMO addresses that have been at the centre of the previous year’s complaints.
I think this is a good idea – prevention is better than cure. It may not resonate with all students but if it helps reduce the problem I welcome it. Could this be scaled up though so all student HMO in the community are visited?
I am sure that there are other measures that could also be considered. If you have any please do share them with Andrea. His email address do cllr.andrea.berardi@runnymede.gov.uk
Thank again for being part of this campaign.
Best
A Gnat