Many students chose to live in private sector housing in the local communities of Englefield Green and Egham during their time at the university. We take being a good neighbour seriously; encouraging all students living or passing through the local community to follow our Be a Good Neighbour expectations  so we are all working together to maintain a happy and harmonious community. Our support teams are here to support you if you are living in the local community and experience issues with your neighbours, your housemates or have questions about living in the private rental sector. 

Be a Good Neighbour: Key Expectations

Living in the local community comes with responsibilities. To ensure positive relations with your neighbours and the wider community, we ask you to keep the following in mind:

Noise Disturbance:

• Keep noise levels down, especially late at night and early in the morning. Remember that families, working professionals, and elderly residents live nearby and may have different schedules.
• Avoid hosting large gatherings that could disturb your neighbours. If you do have friends over, ensure they are respectful of the community’s peace.

Parking:

• Park considerately, ensuring you do not block driveways or park on grass verges. Always follow local parking regulations and be aware of any parking restrictions in your area.
• If you have a car, make sure it is parked legally and does not cause inconvenience to others. If public transportation is an option, consider using it to reduce the demand for parking.

Bins and Waste Management:

• Ensure your rubbish and recycling are placed in the correct bins and put out on the designated collection days. Avoid overfilling bins, as this can lead to littering and attract pests.
• If you’re unsure about collection days or which items go in which bin, check with Runnymede Borough Council for the latest information.
• After collection, promptly bring your bins back onto your property to keep the streets tidy.

Support for Community Living

We understand that living in the local community can sometimes present challenges, whether it's dealing with noise disturbances, managing relationships with housemates, or understanding your responsibilities as a tenant. Our support teams are here to help:

• Neighbours: If you experience any concerns with your neighbours, whether it's noise, parking disputes, or other concerns, we encourage you to address these issues calmly and directly with your neighbours first. If this approach doesn’t resolve the problem, our support teams are available to assist you in finding a solution.
• Housemate Concerns: Living with others can sometimes lead to disagreements or misunderstandings. If you’re having trouble getting along with your housemates, we offer mediation and advice to help you navigate these challenges.
• Private Rental Sector Queries: Navigating the private rental sector can be complex. Whether you have questions about your rights as a tenant, need help understanding your tenancy agreement, or have concerns about your landlord, the Student Union advice team can provide guidance.

Support Contacts

Community Wellbeing: We have a team dedicated to providing you with the support needed to ensure you are a good neighbour and that you have access to advice.

Students' Union Advice Centre: The SU Advice Centre offers free, confidential advice on a wide range of issues, including private housing advice.

If you need further assistance or encounter more serious issues while living in the community, the following contacts may be helpful: 

Runnymede Borough Council: For general inquiries about local services, waste collection, and housing, visit the Runnymede Borough Council website.  For concerns about noise, waste management, or other environmental issues, contact the Runnymede Borough Council’s Environmental Health Team.

Surrey Police (Non-Emergency): For non-urgent matters such as reporting anti-social behaviour, contact the police on 101.

Emergency Services: In case of an emergency, always call 999 for immediate assistance.

Resources

Information about how to Be A Good Neighbour.

Students' Union Housing Advice