Looking after yourself

Here you can find useful information about staying safe and looking after yourself while living in Belfast. Select a topic to find out more.

Events

There are lots of ways to enjoy yourself in Belfast.

Throughout the year Belfast plays host to a variety of sporting events, concerts, art exhibitions, tours and cultural celebrations. For more information on events happening in the city, visit our events section

Your house

If you rent from a private landlord both you and your landlord have certain rights and responsibilities.

Your landlord must give you: Ask your landlord for these documents and if you have any problems call us on 028 9027 0428.

Certain rented houses require a fitness inspection. If you want to make a complaint regarding fitness or disrepair in your property please contact us on the above number.

For advice on houses of multiple occupancy (two or more people sharing), contact the NI Housing Executive on 028 9031 8931 or visit www.nihe.gov.uk/hmo

If your house has gas appliances or flues your landlord must provide you with a copy of the annual gas safety check. For futher advice on gas contact the Health and Safety Executive's free gas advice line on 0800 300 363, or visit the Health and Safety Executive website

Unlawful eviction and harassment

If a landlord wants you to leave your property they must give you 28 days and this notice must be in writing. The landlord must not change the locks without obtaining a court order.

If they make you leave the home by interfering with gas, electricity, water, making threats, or frequently entering the property without consent, it is harrassment.

If you are worried about this, call 028 9027 0428.

Fire safety

Make sure you: Before you go to bed: For more information, call 028 9066 4221 or visit www.nifrs.org

Landlords are required to make sure furniture and electrical items they supply are safe and meet relevant fire safety requirements. Students can contact Health and Safety on 028 9027 0431 if they have concerns about how fire resistant the furnishings are.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Feeling a bit under the weather? Too many pints last night? Or is it the flu? Did you ever think it could be carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that has no smell, colour or taste. It can be released by any appliance that burns oil, solid fuel, wood or gas, including boilers. When you inhale carbon monoxide it starves your body of oxygen – low level exposure over a long period of time can cause permanent brain damage and in more serious cases death.

For many students this is the first time they have lived away from home and it's important to know the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you are aware of the symptoms and how to protect yourself and your house mates. You should also install a carbon monoxide detector.

If you think there are carbon monoxide fumes in your home or suspect that a flue or heating appliance is blocked or faulty, you should switch off the appliance and open your window. You should not sleep in the room.

We can investigate complaints regarding fumes or carbon monoxide entering your property. Call us on 028 9027 0428 for more information. For more information, visit watchout.hseni.gov.uk

Personal safety

Don’t be a victim of crime. Keep safe by following these hints: Good relationships with neighbours can help make sure suspicious activity is reported.

Remember, in an emergency call 999.

In a non-emergency, you can contact your local police on 0845 600 8000. You can get more crime prevention advice and other useful information on the Police Service of Northern Ireland website

Sexual assault and rape

Drink responsibly. Excessive alcohol may cloud your judgement.

Don’t leave drinks unattended.

Don’t be an easy target. Walk in groups at night, stay over with friends or travel by taxi. Plan your journey home. Remember that your safety is worth more than the cab fare home!

Young men need to be sure their partner is able to give consent before sex. Sex without consent is rape. Offenders will be arrested, investigated and sent to prison if convicted.

If you do become the victim of an attack phone 999.

Health

The nearest hospital to the university area with an Accident and Emergency Unit is the Royal Victoria Hospital. The number for emergencies is 999.

Smoking

We offer a free Stop Smoking Service to students in the Belfast City Council electoral area.

Drugs

It’s important that you know all the facts about what drugs contain, what the risks are and where to go to get help if you need it. Try www.talktofrank.com for information about types of drugs, as well as links to local and national services.

Sexual health

If you are going to have sex, make sure you and your partner always use protection. It could save you from getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or causing an unwanted pregnancy.

You should get regularly checked for STDs at a GUM clinic. A full list of Belfast sexual health services is available from the Sexual Health Project Board

Fitness

Boost is the council leisure centre membership scheme which offers student discounts to anyone in full-time education. The Indoor Tennis Centre and Ozone Complex is close to the Holyland area.

All Boost members have access to all of our leisure centres. If you prefer to exercise outdoors you can visit our parks for free and enjoy walking, jogging or cycling in pleasant surroundings. Parks in and around the greater university area include: For a full list of parks, playing fields and open spaces in Belfast, visit our parks section