12th November 2002

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The University of Ulster’s Community Liaison Office has written to students living in South Belfast outlining the measures it has taken to improve relationships between them and residents of the area.

In the letter, Community Liaison Officer Anne Monaghan said the different lifestyles of the students and residents – mainly elderly people or families – had caused problems in South Belfast, particularly within the Holyland area.

She added: “Residents have been complaining to the University about the fact that they are kept awake at night with house parties, loud noise in the street, people shouting and screaming inside and outside houses, and about incidents of vandalism.

Ms Monaghan told the students: “While some of this is caused by some students, not all student are to blame. As Community Liaison Officer I want to reassure you that I am here to listen to your point of view also and to give advice, if necessary, as to how to enjoy your time at University and how to enjoy life in Belfast in a way which will not draw criticism from other residents”.

She reminded them that they can play a positive role in the community through volunteering - an exercise which will give them valuable work experience and which may attract funding from the Millennium Awards Scheme. Taking part in voluntary activity will help to improve the community and lead to better relationships between residents and students.

The letter to students is part of an on-going campaign by the Community Liaison Office to resolve difficulties in the area.

Other initiatives have included backing the Get Home Safe campaign, signing up to the Let’s Tidy Belfast project, holding an advice day in the City Church in the area, attending residents’ meetings in the Holyland and addressing students at lectures on how to act responsibly.

Ms Monaghan said: “All the initiatives have a common purpose – to help students integrate as well as possible into their host communities. There can be problems of conflicting lifestyles but these can be overcome with goodwill on both sides and by people acting responsibly.”

The Students’ Union at the University of Ulster has pledged to play its part in resolving any tensions between students and residents.

A letter from overall SU President Jason McGowan said: “The Students’ Union at Jordanstown and Belfast campuses recognise that in the main students are fully aware and embrace the sensitivities which arise from living in the private rented sector, especially in areas with a high concentration of young families and elderly citizens.

“We take this opportunity to appeal to our students to give full consideration to these sensitivities. Whilst we fully and openly represent our membership, we are placed in a very difficult position when asked to defend the actions of a tiny minority who show disregard for neighbours and fellow students. You are part of the whole student body and your actions reflect on all of us. We ask that you bear this in mind and we ask for your continued support in resolving this situation”.

Students wanting to contact the Community Liaison Office should tel: 028 9033 5219

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk