Why did you choose Queen’s?

I chose Queen’s because it was a Russell Group university with a great reputation that offered great opportunities for students, such as the Degree Plus programme. I also really liked Belfast as a city.

What is your course like?

My course- BSc Economics is interesting and taught in a different style to A levels. It is less theoretical and more realistic.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

Come and visit Belfast as most people won’t have been already. Come and see the new accommodation BT1/2 accommodation as it is far better than other universities.

What do you like about living in Belfast?

I am close to the city centre so it’s very convenient for shopping and jobs. There is a vibrant night life, and the living costs are much lower here than elsewhere in the UK.

What do you normally do at the weekend?

Go to work the entire weekend. Friday to Sunday :( Friday evenings are often spent with the English people in the BT2 common room.

Do you live in Queen’s accommodation?

Yes, BT2.

If so what do you think of your accommodation?

I think it is great. It is much cleaner looking and more modern than other accommodations I have seen. The location is also ideal. The common room with events is a great way to socialise.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

When I graduate I plan to stay in Belfast and find a job relevant to my degree. I am hoping that in my time at Queen’s I will build good career links and gain good experience which will help me once I graduate.

Why did you choose Queen’s?

I choose Queen’s because my mum came here and had always talked about her experience and how amazing it was.  I was also familiar with the city but it was also away from home. The best of both worlds.

What is your course like?

I am studying Anthropology here at Queen’s which I find really interesting the topics that we discuss in lectures are really engaging and the staff and people in Belfast are really friendly.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

Invest in a good raincoat but have your camera ready for the beautiful sunshiny autumn days too. Get Facebook, if you don’t already have it; everything is on there and you can do a good amount of stalking of the clubs and societies you might want to join!

What do you like about living in Belfast?

The size of the city means you can walk to lots of places but there’s still a buzz and plenty of things to do. The bus system here works better for me than at home. It is also really close to beaches and the countryside, meaning anyone from a rural background will feel at home too.

What do you normally do at the weekend?

I spend my weekends catching up on reading and writing essays, I like to get most of my work done at the weekends so I’m free during the week.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I’m not sure yet but I have plenty of ideas: consultancy (either anthropological or not), writing books, further study, working for a multinational company like the UN or Google.

Why did you choose Queen’s?

I came to the open day after receiving an email about the GB scholarship from my careers department at sixth form; I wasn’t planning on going here but thought the open day was a good chance for a weekend away!

When I saw the university and the city though, it sold itself; the course was great, but the main draw was how friendly and welcoming the whole place was, both the university and Belfast itself.

What is your course like?

Doing a humanities course is really interesting; I have 6 lectures and 3 tutorials per week but I do a lot of readings around them. My course is quite different to school and college because there is so much more emphasis on what I think and coming to my own conclusions rather than just learning what other people have said; lecturers really want your opinion, not just the opinion of others.

My course involves a lot of thinking, and it makes me really question my own beliefs and the way I have always acted and thought, which I think can only be a good thing!

If you are studying a joint why did you choose to study a joint degree?

I study a joint politics/philosophy degree because I didn’t want to limit myself to just one subject and this allowed me to take a broader approach, developing specialist knowledge in two areas. I was really interested in political theory (philosophy) and the opportunity to study two really interesting subjects was super appealing!

The two subjects also complement each other really well and give me perspectives that I might otherwise not have come to and, I like to think, give me a broader view, especially on issues in politics.

It’s really good fun studying two things and it keeps me on my toes-I was worried I would get bored of just one subject’s content.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

I would say definitely research everything you can-the course, the university, the city and the whole of Northern Ireland; it seems such a bizarre choice to go across an ocean but when I researched it, it just made so much sense and seemed the right place.

Don’t let the thought of the distance be a huge factor either; I get home quicker than a lot of my friends who stayed in England.

My main advice if you are interested in Queen’s is to give it the attention it deserves; don’t discount it based on the unknown or any preconceptions you have 

What do you like about living in Belfast?

I was initially apprehensive about living in a city as I am from quite area, but, whilst it was weird at first, I love how accessible everything is; whatever you need (or just want!), there is a shop that has it really close by, and there is just so much choice for everything and so much to discover.

Belfast is a lovely blend of shops and restaurants etc. but also really lovely green spaces and activities like botanic gardens or even Divis Mountain is only 30 minutes away; everything is really accessible, including countryside and beaches within an hour on public transport.

My absolute favourite thing about Belfast though is how friendly everyone here is; nothing seems too much trouble, people say hi to you in the street and chat to you at the checkouts; it is such a friendly city, I don’t feel lost the way I do in bigger cities but it still has everything I could want.

What do you normally do at the weekend?

I don’t have a ‘normal’ weekend, pretty much every weekend is different-there’s the necessary evils like laundry but apart from that, I love finding new things to try.

I’ve been on accommodation events to places like Titanic and Belfast Zoo which are really good fun; I spend some weekends going for a swim, some watching a film, and others finding countryside to go for a walk in or checking out St George’s market.

There really is no ‘normal’ weekend for me, I do something different every one!

Do you live in Queen’s accommodation?

Yes, in Elms BT1

What do you think of your accommodation?

I live in the city centre accommodation and I am really impressed with it-especially considering the bad reputation student halls normally have. The whole place feels really high-end is it is especially nice having the common and study areas; everything you need really is there and you don’t feel confined to your room. Despite how lovely my accommodation is, I am paying far less than many of my friends who live in less nice halls.

Living in halls is great for meeting new people, not just flatmates, as every night there are free events in the common room like cupcake decorating or quizzes which are usually great fun, especially if you’re wanting to take your mind off of university work.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I’m not really sure yet, I have a couple of ideas but no concrete plan-at the moment, I am looking in to joining the civil service.

Why did you choose Queen’s?

Throughout sixth form, I had 2 teachers that both studied at Queens who always spoke so passionately about their University experience, also due to the fact that I wanted to challenge myself and move away to study, I was really intrigued about Queen’s. Therefore, I decided to fly to Belfast for the School of Arts and Languages Open day, and from that moment I knew Queens University was where I really wanted to study.

Also, the fact that Queen’s can offer a part scholarship to GB students was a very important reason for why I wanted to come to Belfast, this meant I was able to receive contribution towards flights, shipping of my luggage and other benefits such as gym and cinema passes – as a GB student this made me feel really welcomed and looked after by the University.

What is your course like?

I study Spanish and Portuguese. I am really happy with my course due to how interactive it is, my classes are a small size and therefore allow me to interact with my tutors frequently in class if there is anything I would like to go over. I began Portuguese as a beginner, so at first, I was worried that it would be too difficult, however the support from classmates as well as teachers is amazing, and I feel confident in each class I attend.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

I would definitely recommend visiting Open Days, this gives you a great chance to not only see the University but allows you to see the city of Belfast also. The Open Day I attended really secured the fact that Queens would be my first choice because of how impressed I was, also Queen’s University were able to contribute to the cost of my trip, this made the process of visiting so much easier.

When I was applying to Universities many of my friends would say that they really wanted to apply to Queens too but were worried that it would be too far from home - because of this they only applied to Universities in England. One of my main pieces of advice would be to not let the thought of distance from home stop you! For example, when I visit home, it takes less than 40 minutes to fly to Liverpool, this is a lot easier when compared to my friends who go to other mainland UK Universities, who have to travel a few hours by car or train. So, if you are ever considering Queen’s as an option, do not let the distance stop you! It really is a great way to become more independent and experience a brand-new city/country.

What do you like about living in Belfast?

I love how lively Belfast is, there is always something to do and the student social life is amazing. Seeing as I’m from Liverpool, which is a very lively city also, I was keen to live in a similar environment, it is safe to say that Belfast was not a disappointment! The nightlife is great for students, and there is something for everyone. Its also important to note how friendly the people are, I always feel so welcomed into the city.

What do you normally do at the weekend?

At the weekends there is so much to do! It is true that many local students go home of a weekend, however there are still many students to socialise with. I am often invited for dinner at my flatmate’s houses or stay the weekend with my classmates. I have been able to visit different cities and towns throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland because of this.

Personally, I use my time of a weekend to go to the gym, catch up with friends back home, and go out with other students. Also, now that I am fully settled in, I plan on using my time to get a weekend job. When friends and family have visited, I often get the bus down into Dublin, so there really are endless opportunities to what can be done of a weekend.

Do you live in Queen’s accommodation?

Yes I live in Elms Village BT9 accommodation.

If so what do you think of your accommodation?

I love my accommodation! I feel so safe where I stay. I am in a flat with 9 lovely other people, and it is such a sociable environment. Also, Elms Village is such a great location – its close enough to walk to class, so easy to get into town, yet at the right distance so that it is not too disruptive or loud at night. One of my favourite things about my accommodation is the Treehouse, which has a 24hr study and laundry room, as well as a mace shop and social area.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I am not sure what I would like to do when I graduate career wise. Within my course, I am able to participate in a year abroad which I know will give me an insight to what direction I would like to take my degree. At the moment however, I love studying languages so I would like to take the opportunity to study new ones once I have graduated.

Why did you choose Queen’s?

My initial response to this question links to the university’s reputation, its Russell Group status and the fact it’s pretty much as far away from my home in Sussex as you can get. What I wanted from my university experience was a high standard of education coupled with an entirely different culture and place to immerse myself into. After my first visit to Queen’s, I immediately felt it would be the most appropriate place for me to study but also to live for the next few years. The support Queen’s staff offered throughout my A Levels was second-to-none in comparison to other universities I had applied to. From the moment I sent off my application, I was made to feel welcome. My grandmother was originally born in Belfast and I think this opportunity to move to her hometown couldn’t be refused. 

What is your course like? 

The Business Management course is extremely varied. I love the diversity of my degree. Although my modules in first and second year are compulsory, they are diverse and have provided me with improved skills when it comes to communication and discipline. The quality of teaching is extraordinary, especially in my Accounting module, which came as a surprise to me given I wouldn’t class myself as a ‘numbers’ girl!  The Business Management course so far, has provided me with a rounded and applied knowledge in the modules I have taken. From Accountancy to Marketing to the concept of a universal basic income we cover it all. This year we focus more on the importance of Data within Businesses and why businesses internationalize.

How did you hear about Queen’s?

Through the Russell Group list of universities. I then got in touch with Queen’Ss to arrange a tour and meeting with the Business Management Programme Director.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

GO FOR IT. Any hesitations I had about moving to Queen’s completely dissipated as soon as I had survived the first week. I knew I would be okay here. The opportunities and successes that are possible here are like no other combined with the beautiful campus and city there truly is no place I would rather be studying at. 

What do you like about living in Belfast?

I like that Belfast is a small city and yet is difficult to explore. There is always more places to eat and drink. I love the Cathedral Quarter especially – it reminds me slightly of the North Laines in Brighton near where I live in England. I feel proud when friends and family come to visit that Belfast has so much to offer yet feels welcoming at the same time. 

Do you have any work placement opportunities? Please provide details.

I have an opportunity to take a placement in my third year. I am working on securing this at the moment. I hope to take a year out to aid my decision-making on my future career.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I hope to graduate from Queen’s and enter the Insurance market as an Underwriting Assistant to eventually progress to a fully qualified Underwriter. I hope to have completed a year-long work placement in this industry by then. 

Why did you choose Queen’s?

I chose Queen’s because when I visited for the first time I was made feel so welcome and I knew this was going to be somewhere that I could feel happy and at home. I also liked the feel of the city because it’s quite small so everything is easily accessible but still has the busy atmosphere, so you could never get bored.

What is your course like?

I love my course because there are so many different module choices to get a wide variety of exposure to a range of texts. I am glad my course is 50/50 between English and French and that we have a core module for French Language skills as I think it is important to keep that practise before I have the opportunity to do my study abroad module for 1 year.

Why did you choose to study a joint degree?

I chose a joint degree because during my A-levels when I was trying to decide my degree pathway, I felt that I wanted to continue with both subjects at a higher level and I had heard that there was a shortage of language graduates. I also believe that having a language as part of my degree will be invaluable to my career opportunities in later life.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

I would recommend Queen’s to anyone who is considering coming here as you will meet the loveliest people and will enjoy living in the city. The lectures are so helpful and go above and beyond to make sure their students succeed.

What do you like about living in Belfast?

I like living in Belfast because the people are so friendly and always make me feel welcome. It is a good place to live for a student because it is affordable and there are so many things to do to explore the culture of your new home! It also has good transport links to the airport. I find that it is quicker and cheaper for me to get home than it would be for some of my friends to get home and they are studying in universities in England.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I am considering options such as teaching, translating or future study. I look forward to figuring this out in the next few years.

Why did you choose Queen’s?

I choose to study at Queen’s due to its profound links with international Universities. I was also excited about the opportunity to live and experience the culture in Northern Ireland.  I enjoy the fact that Queen’s is a mix between both a campus and city University, yet it is small enough to not be overwhelming. It was also the only UK University with such a diverse range of study abroad programme and optional modules.

What is your course like?

As a course that requires a large amount of reading and self-study, Law can be intense and requires self-motivation however it is also very rewarding and for me, it is one of the most interesting degree subjects you can study. There are so many optional modules and different paths you can take and as a result you aren’t likely to lose interest as your degree can be tailored to you. I also find this course includes a lot of current affairs and it is exciting to be studying the details to the events shaping our world.

Why did you choose to study a joint degree?

I chose a joint degree as I am aware of how demanding studying law can be, studying Spanish with Law adds variation. I believe that having a second language will be essential and will help me with not only pursuing a legal career but will open up a pathway to other careers.  Studying a joint degree requires dedication and will help me develop a specific set of skills.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

I would advise anyone who is considering Queen’s University to keep an open mind. As a GB student having to fly to University is daunting and the prospect of moving to another country at such a young age seems scary. The truth is that after a week you become so settled that all your fears disappear. The support and help available from staff at Queen’s will ensure that your time here is unforgettable.


What do you like about living in Belfast?
Belfast is a small but vibrant city with the most interesting history and culture. The halls at Elms BT1 & BT2 allow you to experience living in the city centre. The location of the halls are great. They are in the middle of the city but you are still within walking distance to the University. Moving so far away from home has allowed me to gain independence and meet new people from many different backgrounds. I know I have made friends for life.

What would you like to do when you graduate?
After I graduate I am hoping to study a Masters in International Law, following that I wish to qualify as a barrister with the UK Bar and go on to practice throughout the UK and Europe. I am hoping to have the opportunity to live and work in Madrid at some point in my future career.

Why did you choose Queen’s?
I was late to apply for Queen’s and found this University through clearing. The day before I got my results I looked on the Queen’s website and loved the look of the campus. I started to watch youtube videos this gave me more details and allowed me to make my decision. I then visited Queen’s and took a campus tour and fell in love with the University.

What is your course like?
My course gives me the flexibility to tailor what I want to study. I also find my course intellectually stimulating, it pushes me to be independent in my studies. There are crossovers between my subjects so I can focus on the type of study that really interests me.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?
Don’t be nervous about moving away from home. Queen’s and Elms Village feel like a home away from home. Make sure you find out all about your course, the University and the clubs and societies. Ask all of your questions no matter how silly you think they are! Queen’s staff are very friendly and willing to answer any questions.

What do you like about living in Belfast?
Everyone is much friendlier than in London! Belfast is such a friendly, exciting and upcoming city. It is full of art and culture. Living and studying here is also cheaper than doing this at home.

What would you like to do when you graduate?
I plan to study Crime and Forensic Science and hope for the opportunity to work in MI5 or the Met Police.

Why did you choose Queen’s?

I am the fourth generation of my family to come to Queen’s so for me it was always my first choice!

What is your course like?

I am studying Business Management in Queen’s Management School which I am loving my course covers a wide range of different management modules which I find really interesting.


What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

In my first year I lived in Elms Village, I really enjoyed Elms it was the perfect place to meet new friends, being from the UK I was nervous about making the move however Elms was like a home from home.

What do you like about living in Belfast? 

There are many opportunities at Elms to socialise and I attended a lot of the trips they organised. Their trips can range from small weekly shopping trips or day trips out to see the sights in Belfast or slightly further afield.  As well as my course I wanted more from the University therefore I decided to join one of their many clubs/societies. In my first year I took up Rowing and joined the Paddle Sports Club. I spent a lot of time training on the River Lagan or being in the PEC.

Why did you choose Queen’s?

I chose Queen’s because it held many positives that other universities didn’t offer. The GB scholarship was a huge incentive to place Queen’s as my firm choice. The fact that Queen’s was one of only a few universities that offered my course; English and Politics was probably the main reason for me to choose to move here. I also loved the fact that Belfast holds so much political history it seemed to make sense that I should come here to study it. I also wanted to move away from London and go to a university that offered the closest ‘international university’ feeling, without the extra price. The fact that Northern Ireland is across a sea, meant it felt like a great way to move out of home and experience something completely different.

What is your course like?

My course is very independent. As I only have an average of 7 hours of contact time, I have to spend a lot of time studying by myself, which although I didn’t expect it, does take up a huge amount of time. My course is also very personal. There is little set questions or content, instead you are marked on your own opinions and you can write, focus and further research on the things you enjoy. It’s fab to listen to others with VERY different opinions and hear from experts who even if they’ve specialised in that topic for decades, still learn new things from discussions.

If you are studying a joint why did you choose to study a joint degree?

I chose to study a joint honours because I wanted to keep my options in life as open as possible. I had studied English before and I had seen that politics is constantly drawn into discussions and most literature has political links in some respect. I wanted to learn something completely new at uni and so choosing politics meant I could study a passion that I hadn’t had the opportunity to before.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

First of all, expect to not understand anyone’s accent at first. I found it really hard to listen to lectures from lecturers with very thick irish accents. But, don’t panic, in time it will get a lot easier. Also, try to meet as many people as possible! Even if you don’t think you’ll spend much time with them, it’s really nice to have recognisable faces that pass you on walks to uni or that you can have quick chats within corridors, at the gym for drinks at revision sessions. Belfast will quickly feel like home!

What do you like about living in Belfast?

I love that everyone here is so different. There is such a great culture to the city, proper community feeling which is very welcoming and homely. Compared to London it feels like the countryside which is perfect for me. I love that I can walk to everything and yet there is so much I haven’t seen yet.

What do you normally do at the weekend?

I’m very lucky as the first person I met in my halls is from GB too. There is a lovely mix in my flat of people who go home and people who stay. Usually, I complete most of my study over the weekend, but we make sure we don’t have too much of a dull time. There are plenty of things to do on Friday and Saturday nights so we usually go out on one night. Our flat has got into the tradition of going to the speakeasy on Sunday nights when everyone gets home which is a lovely incentive to get all the work done in time. Other than that, I have joined the rowing squad which has lots of training every day, particularly on the weekends so I’m always pretty busy.

If so what do you think of your accommodation?

I live in Elms Village, BT9 and I absolutely love it. The flat I’m in is one of the newly renovated ones in Holly Grove and although I was surprised it was so different from all the others in Elms Village, it turned out to be the best place for me. Our building allows access to all the floors which means there are over 30 people living together. This might not suit everyone but I knew I wanted to be surrounded by people so it is perfect that I can go upstairs and eat my dinner with different people each night.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I would love to go into radio production. My English and politics degree means I have a great foundation for journalism and broadcast media, along with the opportunity to work with Queen’s radio I think I’ll be in a great position to get into this industry when I graduate.

Why did you choose Queen’s?

I first decided to visit Queen’s after my Nana had told me she graduated from Queen’s with a geography degree. I then chose Queen’s following my visit here due to the course speech given by Ciara Hackett and the homely feel that Queen’s staff gave.

What is your course like?

I study law here at Queen’s. My course is challenging but enjoyable! I love the content, and the wide range of skills it has given me to use in my future! It is very structured and easy to follow with the syllabi which are provided, which includes all readings and lecture topics. The lecturers work hard to make all topics interesting, but understandable. The lecturers are also always available is you need any help and are quick to respond to queries you may have.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

Don’t be afraid to talk to people, learn the history and immerse yourself in the culture here. Visit anything that you get the opportunity too, there are some truly beautiful places on this island. Coming to university is a daunting experience, but the staff are here for you, and your flatmates in first year will most likely become friends for life, so be yourself and you should have a great time here at Queen’s. And don’t forget, if you need help finding somewhere, with a topic in university, or just how to use the washing machine, just ask!

What do you like about living in Belfast?

I liked living in Belfast from first year as it is a good starter city, which isn’t too overwhelming with everything in reach! The city centre is only a short walk from Queens, with everything you could possibly need. I also like living in Belfast as the people are all so friendly and it feels safe. Access to airports is easy and there are a wide range of other cities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland which can be visited during your spare time.

What do you normally do at the weekend?

During the weekends, I normally catch up on any reading I didn’t get around to in the week. Once I have done this, I have time to myself and use some of my weekends to visit areas in Northern Ireland. I love the north coast and so like to visit the beaches and causeway. Recently, I visited the waterfalls in Glenariff which were stunning.

Do you live in Queen’s accommodation?

I did live in Elms BT9 in my first year.I liked the Elms accommodation, it was nice to meet so many new people and gave me a good, diverse group of friends who will remain my friends for life. I also liked the community feel, the opportunity to participate in events in the treehouse and the staff in reception were always very friendly and helpful should you have any problems. I now live in private rented accommodation.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

When I graduate, I hope to go on to complete my Legal Practicing Certificate, alongside a master’s in law and eventually become a practicing solicitor.

Why did you choose Queen’s? 

I chose Queen’s due to the fantastic city atmosphere and the opportunity to experience study away from home. The GB Scholarship made it easier to move away with flights being paid for. French and Spanish were both high performing in league tables across other Russell Group Universities. 

Why did you choose to study a joint degree? 

I wanted to learn another language and loved the fact that Queen’s has given me the unique opportunity to be taught French from scratch. 

What is your course like? 

French is my beginner’s language and therefore more pressure is placed on the language alone in the first year. Our lecturers are very supportive as we have a small class of nine which is really nice as this creates a small family of linguists. 

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s? 

I would highly recommend coming to Queen’s, my main advice would be to make sure to come to the University events beforehand they are really helpful and give a lot of important information. It was really important for me to see the campus, this helped me make my decision as I wanted to be sure that I would like the University and city before making a very important decision. 

What do you like about living in Belfast? 

Belfast is a small city which is packed with everything you need. There is always something more to discover. The people are so friendly and helpful - that’s a highlight for me. 

What would you like to do when you graduate?

Once I graduate I am thinking of further education. Time will tell and I will figure this out throughout my next few years of study. One thing I am leaning towards is working in the Civil Service. 

Why did you chose Queen’s? 

The main reason why I chose Queens is because it has fantastic international opportunities to take part in alongside your studies. Including: Study USA, semester abroad in Australia and Work place study tours across Europe. Also Belfast is a great city and much cheaper compared to cities in England. 

What is your course like? 

My degree requires a lot of hard work but I really enjoy it. So far I have had to complete exams, essays computer assignments and group presentations. The lecturers are brilliant and the modules are very interesting, for example in applied Economics, you learn about real world economic issues, such as wealth and income inequality and how this affects us. 

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

It would be great if you can visit Queen’s for yourself to see all the fantastic opportunities it has to offer. However, if you are unable to visit, do not worry. You can still find out everything you need to from the prospectus and research online. This was the way I chose Queens.

What do you like about living in Belfast?

I have really enjoyed Studying at Queens and living in Belfast so far. The main campus is superb. There are lots of facilities like the library and places to eat and socialise. Close by is the student union- home to Mandela hall and the SU bar and hosts fresher’s fair; and the Student Centre- where various career talks/fairs take place. There is lots to do in Belfast, shopping, Titanic Museum and great night life with plenty of bars and clubs.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

After graduation I am considering studying further for a masters abroad.

Why did you choose Queen’s? 

Queen’s is a friendly campus style city University which really appealed to me. I really like the fact that I am a bit further from home but I can still get home quickly if I needed to. The main reason I chose to come to Queen’s is because I wanted to gain some independence and experience in city living. Queen’s gives me both! The Music department is phenomenal, with expert lectures and a broad spec of different modules.  

What is your course like? 

The lecturers are very approachable and easy to speak to. They are at the top of their respective fields and teach the most interesting topics. This is a very hands on and practical degree which will give me the experience I need to move into the industry after my degree. 

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s? 

Come and Visit! Queen’s is a beautiful University with some incredible facilities. Visiting the city and the University not only gives you a taste of the University but what the travel to Belfast is like. Meeting other prospective students, lecturers and getting a flavour for University life is the best thing to do when trying to make your decision. 

What do you like about living in Belfast? 

Friendliness- Everyone you meet is super lovely and friendly. Everything is on your doorstep, Belfast is a small city where everything is within walking distance. The city is also cheaper than any other UK city. 

What would you like to do when you graduate?

My dream would be to work within Music and Audio Production, working with live sound and working in a music studio producing music with artist. 

Why did you choose Queen’s?

I chose Queen’s because I fell in love with Belfast when I visited NI on holiday. Queen’s politics course also allows me to study conflict, which is an area I’m particularly interested in.

What is your course like?

My course is hard work and a big change from sixth form, but my course tutors, personal mentor and the support services have been very helpful and supportive. Three months in and I’m still loving what I chose to study!

If you are studying a joint why did you choose to study a joint degree?

I’m interested in politics the way I studied it at sixth form – the comparative and theoretical elements. However, I’m also really interested in international relations. A joint degree allows me to study both something I know I like and something new.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

Moving away from home – whether that’s five miles away or 500 miles away – can be tough. However it’s also really rewarding to have new independence and to gain new life skills like cooking and cleaning. Flatmates are also like having premade friends, but you’ll soon make your own in your course or from your hobbies too.

What do you like about living in Belfast?

My hometown is fairly small. However, being from the south of England, I’m also familiar with London, which has millions of residents. Belfast has a great blend between being bigger than my hometown, but not overwhelming the way I find London. Plus, even though Belfast has a relatively small population for a city, it’s still a capital, so it has everything you could want – music, comedy, theatre, shopping and more.

What do you normally do at the weekend?

I normally study and do my grocery shopping. I also like to sleep in.

Do you live in Queen’s accommodation?

I live in BT9. I have ten flatmates which can be chaotic, but I like the bustle. At least four of my flatmates stay up at the weekends, so I always have company. There have been some dish-cleaning related disagreements, but I think that’s to be expected. The room is nice and keeps me warm in the Irish winter, which I have discovered is very important.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I’d like to work in the civil service or for an international humanitarian organisation.

Why did you choose Queen’s?

I saw the GB scholarship, degree plus and Lloyds Scholarship and thought that no other university offers all these things to support students during and after their degree. QUB is a political hub and being a Russell Group uni has an amazing output of research. The city of Belfast is gorgeous and near the sea too, so it reminds me of home.

What is your course like?

Really relaxed and encouraging of independence. Everyone has very similar ideology so tutorials create a great discourse about the future of politics and society.  

If you are studying a joint why did you choose to study a joint degree?

I was stuck between joint English and Politics, International Studies and Politics (my actual degree), or just single honours Criminology. In the end, the choice to do criminology modules and exercise my English skills in my essays made me feel more confident in firmly accepting IS. I’ve always been a diplomat and mediator (hi, INFP-Ts!), so International Studies formally on my degree will give me a boost in that career field.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

Get a place near the city centre! BT1/BT2 or private accommodation is the best for first years. I say this because of job opportunities, shopping, and markets. Plus, the nightlife is very much on your doorstep if that is your thing! 

Also, email everyone. From the admissions team to course representatives and lecturers. It helps to know people before you get there. I didn’t know where to register when it came to fresher’s week, so make sure you get that info!

What do you like about living in Belfast?

It’s so cheap! Taxis, food, drinks, clothes. Everything. Plus, there’s no shortage of jobs for students; I found one in a week of being here and I’m earning way above minimum wage. Everything is within walking distance, so there are no worries about transport money if you can walk everywhere. 

What do you normally do at the weekend?

Work at my job, watch some Netflix and YouTube, and write up my essays at McClay. 

Do you live in queen’s accommodation?

No, but I will next year with my friends. We’re all discussing the prospect of becoming an Residential assistant at the accommodation I have heard its pretty good job!

What would you like to do when you graduate?

The government’s Civil Service Fast Stream in diplomacy or HR! I’ve also been looking at fraud/other investigatory routes in the police, Lloyd’s bank, and Interpol. Even then, I’d love to do a masters/PhD at Cambridge as it’s closer to home, but I could end up making Belfast my new home.

Why did you choose Queen’s?

When I was originally choosing Universities, Queen’s stood out to me as an excellent university, which is particularly good for my course. I was also interested in Queen’s as I had visited Belfast a few times and really enjoyed the city as a whole; it is a fun and exciting city, with an interesting history – it is relatively cheap, which is useful as a student. During the process of ultimately deciding which university to pick, Queen’s made a real effort in making me feel welcome, especially as I couldn’t attend the open day for my course so they arranged a 1-on-1 interview with one of my current lecturers and a tour of the University with a student ambassador. Overall, Queen’s made me feel welcome, and I am glad I choose Queen’s!

What is your course like?

I study Social Policy and Sociology and I find it very engaging and interesting. There is a good balance of contact hours and self-study which is challenging yet manageable. All the lectures I attend are very interesting and all the lectures are excellent, you can really tell they love what they teach, with some being the leading researchers in their field. I have also already been on a very interesting trip to Belgium which was a great experience and very fun.

If you are studying a joint why did you choose to study a joint degree?

I am studying joint Social Policy and Sociology – I decided to study this degree as I believe it gives a more rounded view of what issues exist in society and what is being done to change these. Furthermore, from A Level I knew I wanted to study Sociology, but I see myself working in Social Policy in the future. It also helps that by doing a joint honours I don’t have to do a dissertation, but instead work with an organisation on their Social Policy, which will be more practical in later life.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

Definitely come and visit. It is one thing to read about it online and through brochures but seeing the University in person and talking to students who study here really made me fall in love with it and choose it as my first option!

What do you like about living in Belfast?

I like the fun and lively atmosphere the city has – there’s always something to do! It has the feel of a big city without being too busy – or too expensive! There is also a rich history which I find very interesting to be surrounded by. It is a fun and inexpensive place to live, with a completely different, but fun and interesting, culture to what I am used to back home.

What do you normally do at the weekend?

At the weekend I usually do some studying at the library, spend time with friends, go to the city centre to do some shopping, wander around Belfast – there are a lot of options! Queen’s has a very good library which is a good place to do work as is it generally quiet and has a lot of useful books. Belfast has a lot of places that are good to hang out with friends, whether that be for food or drinks or something else. The city centre has a lot of good shops that are nice to shop in and have a lot around. There are a lot of nice places in Belfast and I feel like I always find somewhere new, but I always like to walk around Botanic which is right next the University.

If so what do you think of your accommodation?

I live in the Elms Village in BT9 and I love it! It’s a great way to meet new people and make friends, especially when you don’t know anyone. The rooms are large with a lot of storage so there’s plenty of space to keep things. The kitchen and living room area is also really nice (when clean) with a TV and sofa area to spend time with the people in the flat. I get on with everyone in my flat (all 10 of them) which is great as it means I always have someone to talk to when I’m there. It is also great to live there as you always see people you know as you walk through, be that from classes, societies or elsewhere.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I’m still undecided on exactly what I want to do once I graduate, but I think I would like to work in the area of Social Policy as I am particularly interested in it at the moment. But I still have time to figure out what I want to do!

Why did you choose Queen’s? 

Queen’s is located just outside of the city, so it isn’t too busy but it is also a short walk into the city centre. Not only is it lovely to look at, but I could tell when visiting for the first time they really cared about their students education and wellbeing. The accommodation was lovely, much nicer and more modern than other Universities I visited. Belfast is such a safe and cheap city which was also very important to my decision. Finally the course seemed well structured and suited me well. 

What is your course like? 

The Law course is intellectually challenging but I have always felt much supported by my lecturers. The school has a personal tutor scheme where a lecturer will support and meet with you on a regular basis. They will discuss your progress and give you feedback, this really helped particularly in my first year. I have also found that older students are always willing to help and give support. 

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s? 

Don’t be afraid to get involved with every opportunity that comes your way. University is a great time to start something new, and Queen’s offers such a vast amount of opportunities, there really is something for everyone! 

Also try to keep on top of your work, otherwise it can become overwhelming but don’t worry the workload is really manageable. 

My biggest worry before University was that I wouldn’t make any friends, but everybody is so lovely and the accommodation offers so many events that really helps you meet new people. 

What do you like about living in Belfast? 

My favourite thing about Belfast is how safe and cheap it is. The low cost of living means I can afford to go out and try all the quirky restaurants and bars. There really is so much to do with something for everyone. The weather might not always be the best but everybody is so friendly which brightens the city even when the sun isn’t shining. 

What would you like to do when you graduate?

When I graduate I want to complete a PGCE and I become a primary school teacher. 

Why did you choose Queen’s? I visited Queen’s in the summer before I my picked my university choices, and was pleasantly surprised by the overall warmth of the people and the quality of the facilities offered by the university. Also, the fact that it was a Russel Group university with one of the highest levels of student satisfaction made it stand out, as well as the fact that it’s quite far away from where I’m from, giving me the opportunity to have a fresh start.

What is your course like? Since I took Mathematics and Economics for A-level, most of the modules revolve around concepts I have already been taught about, although they do go into more depth in most areas. I get all my lecture slides, as well as assignments and tutorial homework through Canvas, and I find it an overall easy-to-use and effective medium between lecturer and student. So far I’m finding my course but not too intense just yet.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s? It gets quite cold, so if you’re coming from a warmer climate it would be best to keep this in mind (although there are plenty of shops in which to buy suitable attire once here). It’s also a good idea to make as many friends as you can (both from NI and international), so that on the weekends when a lot of the local students go home, you still have people to hang out with. Would also suggest joining any group chats dedicated to freshers and your course, as this is a good way to make friends early.

What do you like about living in Belfast? It’s quite a small city, meaning the journey to the centre is easily done on foot. Also very easy to access the natural side of Northern Ireland, as it basically starts just outside of the city. Everybody is extremely friendly, and there are a lot of amenities and shops around, as well as being relatively cheap (compared to London).

What do you normally do at the weekend? My flat has an international majority, meaning that most of us are still in during the weekends, making it a lot less lonely than what previous students’ accounts had led me to believe. I usually go to the gym or play squash with a mate, or just study/relax. There are also activities held by the Queen’s staff which are open to all, including a trip to the highest peak in Northern Ireland (Slieve Donard).

Do you live in Queen’s accommodation? Yes, Elms BT9.

If so what do you think of your accommodation? Very close to the Mace (shop in the Treehouse) which is very helpful, and much cheaper than the closest alternative (Spar). I also like the social element with the whole Village being a big community, and the Treehouse being the hub. The aforementioned activities ran by the staff are also good fun, and hep students meet each other and make friends.

What would you like to do when you graduate? Not entirely sure yet but might try and obtain an internship from something in the financial sector which would hopefully then offer me a position after I graduate.

Why did you choose Queen’s?

I chose Queen’s because of the great opportunity to tailor my course to my preferences as well as the prospect of the very generous GB Scholarship

What is your course like?

My course is brilliant! It’s given me an opportunity to study what I have enjoyed in the past but also to challenge myself to pursue other areas of interest.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

Do it! I can’t imagine going anywhere else. If you can, come along to an open day or an Experience Queen’s day to find out more.

What do you like about living in Belfast?

Everything you need is within walking distance or, if need be there are regular buses to take you further. The city centre is full of different things to do, and there are so many coffee shops and other independent shops nearer to Queen’s to keep you busy.

What do you normally do at the weekend?

I would normally have brunch with friends in the likes of District Coffee (I recommend the waffles!) or I’d go into the city centre for some retail therapy.

Do you live in Queen’s accommodation? Yes, BT9

If so what do you think of your accommodation?

BT9 is a brilliant place to stay; the Treehouse is brilliant to meet up with friends, do some quiet study nearer to home or if you’ve forgotten to buy milk! Because there are so many students living here, you get to meet people very quickly which is lovely.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I would like to go into teaching students with special educational needs

Why did you choose Queen’s? 

Queen’s is a well-respected University which I had researched and discovered that it had high achievements for their Law courses.  Academically the University was perfect. I then looked at the city of Belfast for living in and found that this was perfect for me also. Belfast is such an interesting and vibrant city. This made my decision a very easy one when choosing a University. 

What is your course like? 

Law is notorious for being a “scary course” with ridiculous amounts of reading. There is no denying that there is a lot of reading but I feel that Queen’s really broke this down. The lecturers are always willing to help and the School understands this can sometimes be daunting. The Law course therefore offers a peer mentor scheme which pairs groups of first year law students with two or three second year students. The Law course is so unique for the amount of help and opportunities there are on offer. 

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s? 

My advice would be to visit the campus and talk to the current students. Whilst I was visiting Universities I got the feeling at some, where I knew I could study there and at others I knew they just weren’t for me. Visiting the campus gives you a real feeling for the University which I think is crucial.  

Another piece of advice I would offer is go speak to current students, it is so important because they understand and always tell you the truth. They know how daunting University can be, so want you to make an informed decision.

What do you like about living in Belfast? 

Belfast is a very vibrant upcoming city. There is always something interesting going on such as the Christmas Markets or summer markets etc… Belfast is such a historical city and learning all of this background is amazing. Belfast is also very cheap which is great for students as your money goes so much further. 

What would you like to do when you graduate?

Once I graduate I would like to go on to be a solicitor. I do intend to move home once I finish my student experience in Belfast. 

Why did you chose Queen’s?

I chose to study at Queen’s because I wanted the independence of living away from home but with the convenience of being a 45 minute flight away from home. I was also aware that Belfast was one of the cheapest cities for students and the GB student scholarship provided many benefits, such as financial support towards flights home. I also thought it would be interesting to study sociology in a post-conflict society. In addition to this, it was the Human Rights Summer School that confirmed my decision to go to Queen’s because it was such an interesting week with the taster lectures and I really enjoyed meeting new people from different backgrounds. 

What is your course like? 

My course is a very interesting insight into our society. I’ve enjoyed building on my A level studies and learning new things on my course, such as looking at issues of inequality. I appreciate how Queens allows you to study a wide range of modules in your first year. I’ve enjoyed applying my knowledge of criminology and what we define as criminal behaviour to the context of conflict in Northern Ireland. I also think it’s important that Queens encourages students to look at political issues, such as through the study of social policy. I also really like how the social science department at Queens is very knowledgeable and passionate about their area of expertise. I specifically enjoy tutorials, which allow students to explore issues together and I find this really inspiring. 

How did you hear about Queen’s?

I first heard about Queen’s at a University fair at my sixth form college. The representative provided many interesting points such as the GB scholarship which encouraged me to apply for the summer school online.

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s?

I would tell prospective students to definitely apply to Queen’s as they will have so many opportunities to meet new people, to learn new things and to grow as a person through living away from home and through extra-curricular opportunities. Also, I would encourage prospective students to apply for a summer school if possible because the Human Rights Summer School was one of my favourite experiences and increased my confidence. As well as this, I would tell them that their hard work will pay off as Queen’s rewards your hard work through the GB scholarship.  

What do you like about living in Belfast?

I like that Belfast has everything you need in a city. For example, I really enjoy going to Nandos and the Movie House Cinema. Also, the Victoria Square shopping centre is really impressive. I like how they have shops I don’t have in my home town, such as Pull and Bear. I love how there is always something going on in Belfast, such as in St Georges Market and the Christmas Markets. Another good thing about Belfast is that the people are so friendly, similar to my home town of Newcastle Upon Tyne. In addition to this, the public transport is cheap and reliable which makes life much easier.

Are you going on a study abroad programme? Please provide details.

I hope I’m able to go on the Erasmus programme in the second semester of my second year but this is yet to be confirmed. I would love to study abroad because it would provide me with a new challenge and it would also work well with my course by exposing me to my new cultures.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

Ideally, when I graduate I would like to take a gap year, to allow me to spend quality time with my family and go interrailing.  Following this, I would like to undertake masters in gender/sexuality and work towards being a lecturer/social researcher. 

Why did you choose Queen’s? 

I chose Queen’s because of the friendly atmosphere from everyone I met in Belfast when I first visited. I also like the modules offered in the Law course and the fact that this degree covered England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

What is your course like? 

The course is really interesting. It is quite relaxed but there is a lot of independent work and reading required in order to fully understand the different aspects. The combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars really helps with grouping the idea of other people and formulating ideas of your own.  

What advice would you give anyone who may be thinking about coming to Queen’s? 

I would recommend visiting the campus. You need to come over to get the full experience. I would say come to one of the Open Day events or Offer Holder events. These are the best ways to get all of the important information and speak to students and lecturers. You can ask any questions you like, nothing is too much to ask!

What do you like about living in Belfast? 

I like the friendliness of the people in Belfast. I also like the fact that the city is quite small so it is very easy to get around. 

What would you like to do when you graduate?

In the future I would like to become a coroner.