Noise Levels in Student Accommodation

Students living in shared flats will no doubt have experienced the occasional argument with their housemates or neighbours. It’s a fact of student life that you will be thrown into a group of people with very different lifestyles, attitudes and backgrounds. This can cause tensions at times and, in the worst case scenario, it can result in a break in a lease agreement and eviction. With this in mind, both Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan have employed security patrols known as the ‘Visible Guardians’ to crack down on rowdy student behaviour in their popular student areas of Fallowfield and Withington. The patrols are aiming to keep noise levels down in the area and encourage students to respect their neighbours by being civil at all times.

While this might seem like a drastic measure, the Manchester student accommodation say it’s essential in order to maintain a good relationship with local residents who are also students. They have already received a number of complaints from residents in the area about noise and anti-social behaviour and are keen to prevent this from happening again. The patrols are currently operating on a regular basis in both Fallowfield and Withington, escorting noisy students back to their own homes and handing out noise abatement notices to those who ignore the requests to quieten down.

It is important for developers of student accommodation to consider the acoustics of their buildings in order to protect the wellbeing of students and local residents. They should ensure their buildings are designed and built to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations Approved Document E. This provides testable minimum standards for sound insulation between dwellings. The document covers houses, apartments and ‘rooms for residential purposes’ such as hotels and student accommodation.

Guidelines For Noise Levels in Student Accommodation

The standard applies to new buildings as well as those that are undergoing conversion from other types of building. The document includes guidance on the selection of materials, detailing soundproofing performance and specifying a maximum ceiling level for the noise source. In addition, the document requires the developer to undertake a full sound test on completion of the construction works in order to confirm that the building has met the required standards.

Living in student accommodation fosters a sense of community and facilitates interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds. Students have the opportunity to meet individuals with similar academic interests, which encourages intellectual discussions and the exchange of ideas. This collaboration not only broadens their horizons but also enhances their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, these accommodations often organize social events, workshops, and study groups, further promoting interaction and creating a supportive learning community.

This year has seen a huge increase in the number of new Manchester student apartments, and it’s important that developers take the appropriate steps to protect the health and wellbeing of students and their local residents. Noise testing is an essential part of the process, and acoustic consultants can advise on best practice in terms of design, materials and ventilation to achieve acceptable noise levels.

A reputable acoustic consultancy, such as Lighthouse Acoustics can provide sound testing and expert advice on how to minimise noise issues within new student housing. Their team of qualified engineers are members of the ANC Pre-Completion Sound Testing Scheme and are fully insured to carry out sound tests on behalf of clients.