Post exam party noise - ten ways to avoid waking the neighbours

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seen in a Brighton student rich neighbourhood

It’s that time of year when students of all ages need quiet time as they knuckle down to study for exams. A survey earlier this year found that noise from housemates causes annoyance for flats sharers – which may be a surprise to families and working people living in neighbourhoods where late night noise from shared student accommodation often keeps them awake!

We should all be able to have fun - but late night loud partying, or impromptu after pub or club gatherings at home often mean loud music waking up neighbours. This is a particular problem as the end of exams and end of term are celebrated - often in a number of homes in the same neighbourhood. We don’t want to spoil everyone’s fun, but remind students that while exams might be over for you, your neighbours have to work, children may still be studying for their exams and your housemates may still have work to do – and no one will appreciate being kept awake.

Many student bodies are aware of noise issues and work with students to ensure noise is kept to reasonable levels. Good examples can be seen in guidance from housing provider Unite, from Southampton Solent University who work with local police on a Shush campaign and from Nottingham University who publish their own student party guidance as well as running a SSShh campaign to reduce noise on the streets after club nights.

To avoid post exam celebrations causing problems, here are our noise guidlines:

1. If you want to enjoy really loud music – go to a gig or club night
2. If you really must have a house party, consider your neighbours – do they have small children, get up very early to work – adapt your party plan to avoid disturbance - and stick to it
3. Let your neighbours know you’re planning a party a few days in advance – they are far less likely to complain
4. Have your party at weekend when neighbours are less likely to be getting up early for work/school and will be more tolerant of some noise
5. Keep music to a reasonable volume – and if your celebration continues into the early hours, turn the music right down
6. Turn the bass down – even with windows and doors shut bass can travel through walls
7. Impromptu party after clubbing? Keep music down and keep loud conversations indoors
8. If anyone complains – be polite and turn it down. Being woken by noise can be very upsetting – think how would you feel if someone stops you from sleeping.
9. Leave recycling your bottles and cans until the morning to avoid clanking glass
10. Remember many areas have night noise patrols, so if you do disturb your neighbours you may be reported. You could even face a noise abatement notice or have your equipment confiscated.

Find more on noise laws here

And remember, overdoing noise exposure can harm your hearing – so turning it up to 11 is bad for you as well as your neighbours – as musicians old and young(er) and DJs have found out!