Building positive relationships in the wider Durham Community

Building and maintaining positive relationships with neighbours and the wider Durham community will lead to a better student experience living out. It can also contribute to a sense of belonging and citizenship, helping students feel connected to the local area.

Though transient in nature, our students’ presence in the city can leave a lasting impact in local neighbourhoods. For example, on a street where 10 out of 20 houses are student rentals, as many as 150 different students could pass through the neighbourhood during an average undergraduate degree. Small actions can have a big impact on how students are perceived.

Students can make a positive impact by:

• Introducing themselves to their next-door neighbours either in person or in writing.
• Ensuring they know how to report local issues such as fly-tipping (illegal dumping of household or trade waste), abandoned vehicles and vandalism.
• Collecting parcels from neighbours’ houses promptly and in a way that is considerate of their time and circumstances.
• Using shared amenities with respect and consideration to other users (footpaths, communal bins, green areas etc.).
• Joining their local residents’ association by social media, newsletters, local meetings, events or taking up a committee position on the group.
• Exploring volunteering opportunities in the local area via Volunteering & Outreach
• Promoting events in College to their neighbours where they are open to non-students.

Additional reading:

Local Issues Leaflet 24-25

Volunteering and Outreach - Durham University

Student Community Wardens Instagram

Durham University and Residents Forum