Newcastle University can fine students for house parties

Newcastle’s infamous student nightlife is well known for its club nights, trebles, and a love for house parties. However, this culture is now at the detriment to students, as Newcastle University can fine students for hosting disruptive house parties. Though this policy isn’t entirely new, it reflects the university’s ongoing efforts to implement a balance between the beloved student lifestyle, with the concerns of community disruption. 

In 2018, The Tab Newcastle stated Newcastle University had reportedly issued £27,000 in fines for house parties over three years. It seems the university won't be easing up on their policy either, as their updated ‘fines and charges’ policy now denotes that, as of September 2023, fines for ‘noise nuisance an/or anti-social behaviour in the community’ could be as high as £300.

Though this effort to improve community life may have some success, the debate continues over the economic burden on students who face fines and as a result. Additionally, there is the potential for restraints on the social lives of those affected, with added stress resulting in students to feel disconnected from their peers due to the pressures.

Ultimately, whilst it is understandable that the community shouldn’t tolerate anti-social behaviour from students, it also has been argued that fining students for social gatherings, including house parties, undermines the student culture that defines Newcastle. This reiterates the question as to how Newcastle University could attempt to mitigate anti-social behaviour in the community, as well as maintaining the lively student culture.