Campaign launched for new University students
STUDENTS are being encouraged to think, think, think about their local area at the start of a new term in Loughborough.
Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough Police and Loughborough University are urging new and returning students to #THINKcommunity, #THINKsafe and #THINKbins as the new term starts.
Police, council officers and university staff are visiting hundreds of properties between 1pm-7pm on October 3 and 4 armed with information packs bearing the hashtag messages.
The teams will offer advice and tips on personal and property security and how to be a good neighbour.
Chris Traill, the borough council’s strategic director for neighbourhoods and community wellbeing, said: “We’re proud of our university town and we’re keen to ensure that all students can become part of their local community.
“It can be overwhelming moving to a new area and there’s lots of information to take in, so we hope by visiting students, we can answer questions they have about living in Loughborough.
“We also want to make sure that students are aware that they are moving into residential areas, and to consider their neighbours during their time in living here.”
Jenny Ardley, Loughborough University community warden, said: “The university is delighted to be working with its local partners in this joint effort to ensure students are given the support they need at the start of term.
“We very much hope that local residents will join in and support students so that they quickly understand what it involves and means being part of the community in Loughborough.”
PC Charlotte Dickens, Loughborough Police beat officer for the university, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming freshers, returning students and international students to the town.
“We know for many students this will be their first time away from home and they won’t have had to think about crime prevention before.
“We’ll be giving hall talks during fresher’s week and patrolling the campus to help people as they settle into the new academic year.
“We are working with the council and university to give students all the information they need to have a safe time studying in Loughborough and ensure students and local residents live happily side by side.”
The hashtags will be used on social media throughout the year, along with advice and information for students.