House Rules
House Rules summarise aspects of your contractual obligations which concern safety and behaviour in residences. They reflect the minimum acceptable standards of behaviour we would expect of University Residents: in essence, they are about respecting the rights of others. In addition to reading the House Rules, make sure you check out our top tips for how to get along in Residences.
1 Noise
Excessive noise is the principal cause of disturbance and stress among students living in residences and is to be avoided at all times and particularly between 23.45hrs – 07.30hrs. Action may be taken against students responsible for persistent, excessive noise.
2 Behaviour
Offensive, violent or anti-social behaviour is not tolerated in residences and may lead to disciplinary action being taken against those responsible.
3 Fire-fighting and Safety Equipment
Fire equipment must not be tampered with. The lives of others may be at risk. Anyone who abuses fire equipment will be fined £75 and may be evicted. Students have also been prosecuted for deliberately causing false fire alarms.
4 Fire doors
Fire doors are a vital control on the spread of fire and must not be wedged open. These doors are fitted with automatic closers and display the sign ‘Fire Door – Keep Shut’. Door closers must not be removed or tampered with. If kitchen doors are wedged open, cooking fumes may enter the corridor and cause a false fire alarm.
5 Candles
Candles are a serious fire hazard and must not be brought into any part of the residences. University staff will confiscate any candles found. Please note that this includes ornamental or decorative candles.
6 Soft Furnishings
Soft furnishings such as easy chairs and floor cushions are a potential fire risk and are not allowed in residences.
7 Fridges
Residents are only allowed to have a fridge in their room on medical grounds. Permission must be obtained from the Accommodation Office in advance.
8 Bicycles
Cycles left in common areas such as corridors and stairways are a hazard to residents, particularly in an evacuation. Cycles found in such areas will be confiscated and if this involves cutting off a cycle lock the University will not be liable for the cost of a replacement lock. Cycles are not permitted in bedrooms because of the soiling and damage caused to walls, floors and carpets of the residences, and the need for University staff to work safely in the room when required. Disciplinary action may be taken against residents who refuse to remove cycles from their rooms.
9 Posters and Fabrics
Too many posters in a bedroom constitute a fire hazard. Advice from University Safety Services states that the coverage in a study bedroom must be no greater than an area equivalent to half the floor space. Any excess will be liable to confiscation. Pin boards should be used primarily, and residents should avoid damaging walls as this will be charged for. No paper or material of any sort should be hung from ceilings or attached to light fittings as this would constitute a fire hazard. Such materials, if found, will be confiscated. Posters are also not to be put on walls or doors in kitchens, corridors or any other communal area.
10 Firearms
Firearms, fireworks or other weapons (including air guns, air pistols and pellet guns) are not permitted in residences.
11 Norfolk and Suffolk Terraces Flat Roofs
Residents and guests are not allowed on to the flat roofs of Norfolk and Suffolk Terraces on the instructions of the Health and Safety Executive.
12 Security, Maintenance and Cleaning Staff and Resident Tutors
These staff act with the authority of the University and must be accorded due respect. Their legitimate instructions must be complied with.
13 Parties
Parties may not be held in residences. Large parties may be held in the Hive or the LCR (subject to availability).
14 Guests
Occasional overnight guests may remain for a maximum of 3 nights but only with the prior permission of the Resident Tutor. No children under 14 years old may stay as guests in residences. We can only allow one guest per room.
15 Smoking
In residences, smoking is permitted only in individual study bedrooms. Smoking in all other parts of the building is ILLEGAL, this includes kitchens/corridors, stairwells, entrances and common rooms. In addition, students must conform to requests to provide a smoke free atmosphere I order for UEA to carry out essential services to the study bedroom. For further information please read the Accommodation Contract Terms & Conditions.
16 Pets
Pets (including birds, fish, reptiles and insects) may not be kept in residences.
University Sanctions
In the interests of all residents, action may be taken against those whose conduct renders them unacceptable as occupants of University residences. Such action can range from financial penalties to exclusion from residences. Breaches of the Regulations and the Licence can be dealt with under the Code of Discipline. In addition, the Terms and Conditions of the Licence can be enforced by the University acting as Landlord without reference to the Code of Discipline.
