Students

This September, many new and returning students will arrive in Belfast. We've been working closely with our partners to make sure the return of these students to the south Belfast community is as smooth as possible.

Our partners include:

the Police Service of Northern Ireland
various educational institutions including Queen's University, the University of Ulster, Queen's Students' Union and the University of Ulster Students' Union
the Department of Employment and Learning
the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
religious and faith organisations in the Holylands and greater university areas.

Together, we'll be out and about on patrol in the area throughout the academic year. We'll also talk to those living or staying in the area to make them aware of their responsibility to behave.

Working together, we want to make sure that everyone living in the area respects each other and the community.

No-one wants to put a dampener on student life but, as responsible adults, there are measures we can take to respect others around us, as well as safeguarding any future personal career and travel prospects.

In recent freshers' weeks we've experienced common problems such as antisocial behaviour, noise disturbances and littering. Anyone moving to Belfast should be mindful of the consequences of their actions, including:

any damage to houses, shop fronts or other public property could result in a fine of up to £500
antisocial behaviour could lead to expulsion from university or college
if you are caught drinking on the street, you could get fined up to £500
if you are caught making excessive noise, you could get fined up to £5,000
if you are caught littering, you will get a £50 fine and could get fined up to £2,500 for more serious offences, and
you could end up with a criminal record and seriously damage your personal career and travel plans.

And, if you are prosecuted for noise or on-street drinking offences you will have a criminal conviction which could affect future job and travel visa opportunities.

We're urging you to make informed decisions about how you spend your time in Belfast.

Enjoy yourself while respecting your community or risk gaining a criminal record through antisocial behaviour.

More information

Your studies and institutions

Find out contact information for community liaison staff at Queen's University, the University of Ulster, Belfast Metropolitan College and St Mary's University College.

Your community

Remember to respect other people in your community.

Looking after yourself

Useful information about staying safe and looking after yourself while living in Belfast.