Swansea University has warned students that they could face sanctions if they continue to host loud parties in their student homes in Brynmill. Staff from the CampusLife department have written letters to students living on Bryn Road to make them aware of "noise complaints" they've received from local residents amid "rising tensions" and an "anti-student" feeling in the area.
In the letter, which you can read in-full below, CampusLife says students' behaviour is "impacting other residents" and warn that if they receive further complaints, staff and local police officers will attend properties in-person.
Potential sanctions involve the students being required to apologise to locals or receive a formal written warning from the university or a "behavioural contract". Or, ultimately, students that continue their disruptive behaviour could face suspension or exclusion from the University - though staff say this is the "last thing" they'd want to have have to do.
Read more: Swansea residents to get free bus travel during the school summer holidays
The letters also act as a reminder to students that in joining the University as students, they have agreed to "abide by the Student Charter" which requires students of both Swansea University and University of Wales Trinity St David's to "respect the personal safety of students, staff and the wider community".
Students are further reminded to "behave with dignity and respect" towards each other, "play a positive role" in encouraging others to follow guidelines and take measures to minimise risk to themselves and others.
The warning letter reads: "Dear Students of Bryn Road, I am writing to you to make you aware of noise complaints we are receiving in the area. There have been a few parties of late, where music has been going on until the early hours of the morning.
"This behaviour is impacting other residents within the community. Please note that this is an advisory letter at the moment. However, if we do receive a complaint about your property, we will be issuing a stage 1 notification. This will be followed up with a visit by myself and the local Policing Team.
"Swansea has a high-density student resident population. While the vast majority of students have no intention of causing a negative impact on those around them, there are rising tensions within the community, which is increasingly becoming anti-student as a result of the poor, persistent behaviour of a minority of student households.
"When enrolling with Swansea University you have agreed to abide by the Student Charter. The Student Charter is intended to respect the personal safety of students, staff and the wider community. Student Charter - Swansea University. Please take a look at this charter to remind yourself of your responsibilities as a student of Swansea University. The same will apply if you are a student of University of Wales Trinity St David's. Any breach of the expectations in the Student Charter could result in disciplinary action."
The Charter continues: "Potential sanctions range from offering an apology, issuing formal written warnings or a behavioural contract, through to suspension or exclusion from the University. This is the last thing any of us want to happen to any student pursuing successful completion of their studies with us.
"We ask you to behave with dignity and respect towards each other, University staff and members of the wider community and play a positive role in encouraging others to follow guidelines and proactively take personal measures to minimise risk to yourself and others.
"As a tenant of Bryn Road, you are responsible for what happens in the property. Please take your neighbours into consideration and work with us in our ambition to make the local community one in which students are celebrated for the significant positive contributions you make and not vilified because of perceived anti-social behaviour."
WalesOnline approached Swansea University for further details about the complaints. A spokesperson said: "After receiving any complaints, our community liaison officer and members of the local policing team visit the respective student properties involved, and issue warning letters. Failure to comply with these warnings will result in further action.
"In line with our regular processes we have carried out a letter drop in the area this week to remind our students about their responsibilities as members of the Brynmill community.
"We want to reassure residents that we take such complaints seriously and value the good relationship that exists between the community and the vast majority of our students who are part of it.
“Our Community Liaison Officer Steph Standen is based on campus and is the primary contact for anyone in the local community who wishes to raise any issues relating to students. Tel: 01792 6020000 between 9am and 4pm, or email: community.campuslife@swansea.ac.uk”
READ MORE:
Mumbles digger finally recovered after four days in the sea
The little pizza shop where you can grab a slice and eat it on one of Wales' most beautiful beaches
Family devastated as young man missing for days
Lidl withdraws plan for new supermarket in Mumbles Road, Swansea
