Uni gives lessons in the quiet life (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Uni gives lessons in the quiet life

8:15am Wednesday 19th September 2007

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Roehampton University has promised to teach its students to respect the local community, after mounting tension among residents over noisy late-night parties.

It launched a campaign last week to raise community awareness among students and encourage better "town and gown" relations.

“Several residents have complained about students living nearby, mostly over noise. If all parts of the community can get on, it makes Roehampton a nicer place to live.”

Councillor Adrian Knowles

"We want to remind students that it's not just us living here," said student welfare officer Ejiro Ejoh.

"There are young families, older residents and people who work at different times during the day and night living in close proximity to our campus. They have been living here for years and we have to respect that."

She said there had been complaints from residents since the opening of the Whitelands Campus three years ago. These were particularly common at certain times of the year, such as freshers' week and the end of term.

Roehampton Students' Union will be distributing posters, wristbands and wall planners with slogans like: "Ssh! Not everybody's clubbing!" and "Be noise aware". It will also be fundraising for Regenerate, a charity which runs activities and schemes for young people on the Alton estate.

Roehampton students will be given training sessions in living independently and encouraged to volunteer at local projects including mentoring schemes where they could advise children with their schoolwork.

Roehampton councillor Adrian Knowles welcomed the initiative.

He said: "Several residents have complained about students living nearby, mostly over noise. If all parts of the community can get on, it makes Roehampton a nicer place to live."

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