As the academic year begins, UK universities buzz with freshers’ week festivities, bringing social events, late-night parties, and increased noise levels. While these activities help students settle in, they often disturb nearby residents and students like Maisie, a third-year at the University of Manchester, who struggle to sleep amid the chaos.

Maisie shared her experience: “Most nights, everyone in the house will be kept up by a housemate of ours who is an avid gamer. As the walls are so thin in our house, any sounds or shouting are very audible. Not only that, but as our street is situated in a very busy area, like most student housing, I am often woken up by people going out and walking past. The blinds are also incredibly thin, which led me to invest in an eye mask.”

She recounted a specific incident: “Once, my housemate had a French speaking exam the next day, but all she could hear while attempting to sleep were students outside on the street waiting to go clubbing, and our housemate speaking loudly while gaming. The sound levels and pressures to perform this year at university even led to me trying the viral ‘Lemme Sleep’ vitamins that Kourtney Kardashian created.”

Recent data from MattressNextDay, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, revealed the University of Manchester ranked seventh among UK universities for noise complaints resulting in disciplinary action between 2020 and 2025. This highlights a growing issue as student areas become noisier, impacting sleep and academic performance.

Martin Seeley, Senior Sleep Expert at MattressNextDay, said: “It’s understandable that with extreme noise levels in many student areas, people are turning to sleep aids, especially with the buzz that social media and celebrity endorsement creates around these products. I must stress that supplements with melatonin should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor, and it’s always safer and more beneficial in the long-term for your circadian rhythm to opt for natural sleep aids first. If you are seriously struggling with sleeping, always consult a doctor.”

Noise disturbances can exacerbate stress and anxiety, particularly for students facing academic pressures. Poor sleep is linked to reduced concentration and performance, making effective solutions vital. Seeley offered practical advice for students and residents in noisy areas.

Top tips for sleeping in noisy environments

• Rearrange your room to block out noise. Consider moving your bed further away from any sources of noise like windows or thin walls. You could also put up heavy, sound-blocking curtains to make sure fewer interruptions drift in through your windows at night.
• Wear earplugs. If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution to noise issues, looking into buying some earplugs to block out any unwanted sounds at night. There’s a range of plugs available to buy, ranging from cheaper disposable pairs to high-tech reusable ones if you’re looking to invest long-term in your sleep quality.
• Try using white noise. Ambient noise can help mask any unwanted interruptions, and it’s much easier to filter out when trying to get to sleep. There are a number of apps and devices that can play ambient sounds to help you get a better night’s sleep, with many offerings of other sounds such as rain or waves.

Seeley added: “Creating a comfortable and supportive sleep environment is essential, especially in noisy areas. A high-quality mattress and bed setup can make a world of difference by minimising pressure points and promoting relaxation, helping you fall and stay asleep even when external noise levels are high. Your bed should be a sanctuary that insulates you from the chaos outside.”

As universities continue to host vibrant freshers’ weeks, balancing student celebrations with the well-being of residents and studious peers remains a challenge. For those in noisy student areas, adopting natural sleep solutions and consulting professionals can help mitigate the impact of sleepless nights caused by urban bustle.