Residential Life Assistants support the Residential Life Coordinators and help you to settle into the accommodation. They are students themselves, usually in their 2nd or 3rd year.

The Residential Life Assistants:

• Welcome you on arrival and helping you settle into your accommodation
• Carry out induction meetings with each floor/building which gives you the opportunity to meet your fellow residents
• Provide a nightly drop-in service where you can call in and meet/discuss any issue with a Residential Life Assistant
• Advise you on your responsibilities regarding fire safety and organising/assisting in fire drills
• Carry out regular fire and health and safety checks within your apartment/building
• Plan activities and promote the full social programme designed for you and fellow students to develop an inclusive and responsible community within accommodation
• Communicate the extensive social programme of events happening at Elms Village and other venues around campus including how to book for organised trips and outings
• Help you if you have a problem as a first point of contact so they can highlight your need to the Residential Life Coordinators, for example, if you are having problems settling into University life
• Assist you in organising your own events

Interested? Why not be an Residential Life Assistant?

If you are interested in getting involved as a Residential Life Assistant in the future please speak with your Residential Life Assistant or one of the Residential Life Coordinators; we begin the recruitment process early in April each year.

The role now qualifies for Degree Plus status so the experience gained will travel on your CV when you leave Queen's University.

Gambling

Compulsive gambling is recognised as an emotional illness.  Living with this illness can prove a devastating  experience.  Family relationships can become unbearably strained.  The home can be filled with bitterness, frustration and resentment.  There seems to be no way to solve insurmountable difficulties.  If you or someone you know are affected by gambling, Gam-Anon can help.  For further information see http://www.gamanon.org.uk/

Alcohol & Drug Awareness

Are you partying a bit too hard lately and think that your socialising might be getting out of hand?

Are you worried about your spending?

Have you missed some lectures and now panicking that you may not be able to catch up now?

University is not just about getting a degree. It involves mixing with and getting to know a new group of people and coping by yourself, possibly for the first time. You may feel that drinking will boost your confidence and help you fit in.

If you drink more than you can cope with you may find yourself missing classes and falling behind and catching up can start to seem difficult. Partying a lot can also hit your bank balance hard and you may be more inclined to take risks – like having unprotected sex.

Drinking may well be a feature of your life while at university but don’t let it define you. Don’t be afraid to do something other than drink. If you do think that your partying is starting to impact badly upon your course and your pocket, don’t worry – you are not the first.

For advice, support and information you can call in to the Counselling Service located on the 2nd Floor, Student Guidance Centre on University Road Monday-Friday during office hours. 

Useful Advice: 

Make a Plan                                      

Before you start drinking, set yourself a limit on how much you’re going to drink.

Set Yourself a Budget                      

Only take a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol.

Make It a Smaller One                      

You can still enjoy a drink but go for smaller sizes. Try bottled beer or a small glass of wine.

Have a Lower-Strength Drink           

Cut down the alcohol by swapping strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength

Stay Hydrated                                   

Drink a pint of water before you start drinking and try to drink water between drinks.  Avoid using alcohol to quench your thirst. Have a soft drink instead.

Some Facts:

The NHS Recommends:

• Men should not regularly drink more than 3 to 4 units of alcohol per day
• Women should not regularly drink more than 2 – 3 units of alcohol per day
• “Regularly” means drinking this amount every day or most days of the week.

For Further Information Visit:

• NHS - Drinking & Alcohol
• NI Student Drugs
• Talk to Frank (Helpline)

Queen’s LGBT Society welcomes people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender but also curious, open-minded and heterosexually identified people alike who wish to be involved in campaign issues or provide support to an LGBT friend. Today not only do its members have the opportunity to participate in social events but in support, training and political ones too.

Queen’s LGBT are dedicated to providing you with the support facilities you require. We’ve built up strong links across the Northern Irish and Irish LGBT communities and are here to try to help you with any information you need:

• Careers Information
• Coming Out Information
• Queen's LGBT Society
• Queen’s Counselling Service
• Sexual Health