University accommodation offences skyrocket 2,000%

The number of students charged with antisocial behaviour in on-campus accommodation has increased twenty-fold this year, a Freedom of Information request by The Boar has revealed. 

In Term 1 alone, 208 incidents classified as ‘antisocial behaviour’ were recorded – seven times the number recorded across the entirety of the preceding academic year, 2023/24. This represents an over 2,800% rise in incidents since 2022/23. 

The data pertains only to breaches of Regulation 27, which specifically governs student misconduct in University-owned residences as opposed to wider disciplinary issues.  

Students at Warwick Business School were far and away the most frequent violators of such rules, responsible for 41% of behavioural offences in Term 1, almost four times that of any other department. Economics and Philosophy students also featured among the worst offenders with 23 and 16 breaches respectively.  

Anti-social behaviour – or at least the reporting of it – is significantly more prevalent in the most expensive accommodation options

Data obtained by The Boar also revealed the University of Warwick has raked in £10,259 in fines under Regulation 27 over the past three years. According to the University’s Life in Halls handbook, all money raised through student fines is channelled into the hardship funds to support students. 

Perhaps contrary to student expectations, it was Lakeside where the highest number of behavioural offences occurred, rising from fewer than five cases in 2022/23 to 41 in 2024/25. Bluebell followed closely behind, with incidents increasing from 10 to 38 over the same period. Other premium accommodations, including Sherbourne (26 cases) and Heronbank (25 cases), also saw a sharp rise in recorded offences. 

In contrast, more affordable options like Tocil and Westwood reported little to no incidents, with the latter recording fewer than five cases in Term 1. The emerging pattern appears to suggest that antisocial behaviour – or at least the reporting of it – is significantly more prevalent in the most expensive accommodation options. 

Nonetheless, under the Health and Safety rules which predominantly regulate smoking and appropriate responses to fire alarms, Rootes residents accounted for approximately two-thirds of breaches last term. The majority of students disciplined under these rules were charged with failing to evacuate during fire alarms. 

Data obtained by The Boar also confirms that a minimum of one student has been charged with illegal substance use in campus accommodation in every year since 2022. 

Abishek, a first-year Claycroft resident, told The Boar: “In my personal experience I haven’t seen any antisocial behaviour [but] I’m quite close with my flatmates and neighbours.” He went on to suggest that conflicts were more likely to arise “in halls with a greater number of people in shared spaces”, leading to higher rates of reporting to the Residential Community Team. 

“The drop in “total income recieved” from fines highlights our focus on education over punishment”

University spokesperson

Another first-year student expressed anxieties at the rise in antisocial behaviour: “Honestly, it’s really concerning, it’s clear that the University isn’t doing enough to make students feel safe in their own accommodation.” 

In a statement issued to The Boar, a University Spokesperson insisted: “The rise in recorded incidents reflects a proactive shift in how the Residential Community Team (RCT) supports student behaviour, not an increase in anti-social activity. 

“Since launching in 2022, the RCT has moved away from immediate fines, instead offering warnings and IMPACT sessions to encourage reflection and behavioural change. 

“This approach, particularly during high-noise periods like Arrivals Weekend and Welcome Week, helps students adapt to communal living while easing financial strain. The increase in incidents includes those engaging in these interventions, not just new violations. The drop in “total income received” from fines highlights our focus on education over punishment, though fines remain for serious health and safety breaches and repeated anti-social behaviour breaches. 

“By prioritising support through warnings, meetings, and educational sessions, the RCT fosters a more positive, community-driven approach to student behaviour, ensuring long-term change over short-term penalties.”