Neighbourhood Relations

Leeds is home to one of the largest student populations in the UK. Students make an important contribution to the city and many live alongside long-term residents in neighbourhoods across Leeds.  

Through our student citizenship work, we help students understand their role as residents and the positive contribution they can make to the places where they live, study and socialise. We provide guidance, campaigns, and opportunities for students to connect with local communities, understand local expectations, be considerate neighbours and contribute positively to community life. 

Positive relationships between students and communities are built through collaboration. We work with residents, community organisations, local councillors, Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police, students’ unions and other higher education partners to understand local priorities and develop shared solutions.  

Throughout the year, we support opportunities for students and residents to work together through volunteering, environmental projects, community activities and initiatives that improve shared spaces and strengthen local relationships. 

We also support neighbourhoods during key periods of the academic year, including tenancy changeover, when large numbers of students move into and out of local communities. Through initiatives such as Moving Out, we help students dispose of unwanted items responsibly, reduce waste and environmental impacts, and support local neighbourhoods. More than 45 tonnes of reusable items are collected each year and redistributed to local communities, including through our annual Free Shop at All Hallows. 

By encouraging connection, participation and shared responsibility, we help create communities where students and residents can live, learn and thrive together.  

We also learn from communities, research and good practice from universities and organisations across the UK and internationally to continually improve our approach.

The University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University co-fund a Dedicated Noise Service operated by Leeds City Council. The service responds to noise nuisance and antisocial behaviour in neighbourhoods with large student populations, including Headingley, Hyde Park, Woodhouse, Little Woodhouse and Burley.  

Report noise nuisance or anti-social behaviour: 

• For an urgent response (Wednesday 6pm- Sunday 3:30am plus key dates like Welcome and Induction Week) - call 0113 376 0337   

• Find out more about making a noise complaint to Leeds City Council 

Response officers patrol the community to stop problems before they escalate and gather evidence that can be used by the universities to discipline students or by the council to issue noise abatement notices. 

For waste, environmental concerns and other local services, please visit the Leeds City Council website. 

Where a University of Leeds student is identified as being involved in serious or repeated concerns, and where engagement and education have not resulted in improvement, action may be taken under the University’s student conduct procedures.