Edinburgh students told how to party

Published on Saturday 8 August 2009 19:53

TELLING a student how to party would appear to be on a par with instructing grandmothers to suck eggs.

But undergraduates are being told to follow strict criteria when partying, to avoid annoying the neighbours in city tenement flats.

In a bid to prevent disputes bubbling over into animosity, Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA) is creating Scotland's first guide to tenement living.

The leaflet will be sent to all second-year students in September - a figure likely to be well in excess of 5,000.

Hotspots for disputes are in the Sciennes and Marchmont areas where the majority of students, most in their second year, congregate.

Thomas Graham, EUSA president, said: "Hopefully, this will help those who haven't lived in tenements understand the issues."

The leaflet suggests students introduce themselves to their neighbours.

It also offers advice on parties: "It's common courtesy to let your neighbours know in advance … They will be a lot more understanding if they know it's coming and have been consulted."

The leaflet provides information on the services students might need, such as the location of accident and emergency and where to find the local councillor.

And it gives practical advice on laws regarding Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) and suggests ways students can protect themselves, such as taking photographs of every room before moving in to prove any existing damage.

It also urges students to get involved in voluntary and community groups.

Graham adds: "My real hope is we can get a culture where students become a real part of the community.

Edinburgh City Council does not distinguish between students and non-students when attending complaints about a noisy flat.

However, an official conceded most noise complaints come from student areas.

Paul Edie, Edinburgh City councillor and leader for community safety, backed the EUSA leaflet. He said:

"Any initiative that encourages people to give consideration and respect to neighbours is to be welcomed."