Being a good neighbour

Manchester Student Homes is a free University-run service that provides housing advice and support to students living off-campus in privately rented accommodation. 

You can come to them with any housing issues you have, whether it be finding accommodation or dealing with a problem at your current home. They can also check your housing contract for free before you sign it, provide expert advice on housing issues and, in more serious cases, act as an advocate or mediator. 

Manchester Student Homes also accredit landlords and private halls to ensure that they meet strict standards in accommodation and management practices. If you have an issue with an accredited landlord or hall, Manchester Student Homes can investigate and make sure that they’re compliant with their Code of Standards. 

• Find out more about the services Manchester Student Homes offers.

As a Mancunian, whether adopted or born and bred, you’ll be a member of the Manchester community. It’s important to remember that your lifestyle may be different to your neighbours.

You and your neighbours have the right to enjoy your home and neighbourhood in peace. So, if you are being affected by noise or anti-social behaviour, please report it to Manchester City Council. 

• Report noise issues. 

Parties or rowdy behaviour can be extremely disruptive and damaging to the community as well as other students, and we take complaints about students in the community very seriously. We work closely with partnership agencies, such as Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council, to respond to these. 

• Learn more about the University’s partnership work in the community. 

You can improve Manchester’s recycling rates and make your local area a nicer place to be by disposing of your waste correctly. If you're living in University halls, read our guide to sustainability.

If you’re living in private accommodation, look out for information about waste and recycling in your property (especially as there may be a different system to your previous address). 

If you have any questions about waste and recycling when living in private accommodation (for example, if your bins haven’t been collected or you want to order a new recycling bin) you can contact Manchester Student Homes for advice.

The University, including the Manchester Student Homes team, works closely with Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, and Manchester City Council to help keep students and their homes safe. 

Concerns or witnessed incidents should be reported directly to Greater Manchester Police. Residents can contact 999 for an emergency or 101 for a non-emergency. You can also do this online.  

Unfortunately, student properties can be targeted by criminals. A high percentage of burglaries result from unlocked windows and doors. There are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of burglary: 

• keep doors and windows locked 
• use your house alarm 
• add window alarms to your ground floor windows 
• use light timers to make it look like someone is at home when you’re away 

You can pick up free personal attack alarms, window alarms and light timers from the Manchester Student Homes Pod in the Students’ Union. 

• Find out more about personal safety in Manchester. 

Volunteering is a great way to enhance your university experience. You can make new friends, become part of the local community and develop new skills that will look great on your CV.

There's a wealth of opportunities for you to get involved and help you to feel part of Manchester. 

• Find out more about volunteering in Manchester. 

We work with a range of community partners to offer a diverse range of volunteering opportunities. To see what's available to you, visit the Volunteer Hub.