When I first thought about studying abroad, I had a mix of excitement and panic swirling in my head. Queen’s University Belfast quickly became my top choice, mainly for two reasons: the law course and the city itself.

Law appealed to me because I wanted to escape anything maths or science-related. Growing up in Malaysia, I was always more into languages and reasoning. TVB dramas added to my fascination with people in sharp suits hustling in skyscrapers. Law seemed like that kind of path: smart, flexible, and full of possibilities.

Before heading to Queen's, I even did a short internship at a big law firm in Kuala Lumpur. It was eye-opening! Not only did I get practical research skills, but chatting with lawyers gave me career advice that cleared up doubts I didn’t even know I had.

The journey to Belfast

My friend and I flew together from KL – 13 hours to Heathrow, 2-hour transit, then an hour to Belfast. Our second flight was delayed, but somehow we landed earlier than planned. Jet-lagged and dragging four massive suitcases plus two carry-on between the two of us, we stepped into the Belfast night and were hit by the cold. Not the usual Malaysia cold, but a bone-chilling, wind-blowing, "why didn’t I pack more layers?!" kind of cold.

Find out more about the Malaysian student experience

Uber would’ve cost over £60 for a car big enough for our luggage. Cue the panic. Luckily, I spotted a taxi stand and asked a local driver for a quote to BT9 accommodation. He said around £15–20. When he saw our luggage, he even walked us over to another taxi to make sure we’d fit. I ended up taking one car, my friend another, total £18.50. The driver chatted the whole way, pointing out landmarks, explaining fares for weekdays versus weekends, and even helped us figure out the exact way to our dorm. Small acts like that instantly made me feel welcome.

Grocery surprises

One of my first adventures was grocery shopping. And wow, milk is cheaper than bottled water! A 3-litre bottle cost just over £1. Coming from Malaysia, I couldn’t believe it. I even excitedly snapped a photo for my family as it is still cheaper than back home, even after conversion!

On the flip side, some Asian ingredients I love are pricey or tricky to find. That’s why I highly recommend bringing Milo, Maggi noodles, and even Maggi chicken stock cubes. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Essentials like milk, bread, and veggies are super affordable, but some comfort items from home make settling in feel a lot easier.

Eating out can be expensive, but there are some affordable gems. One of my favourites is Tim Hortons, where you can get a breakfast wrap or burger plus a hashbrown and drink for only £3.44. It feels like a small treat without breaking the budget.

Tim Hortons breakfast

Exploring the city

The first few days were basically a “walkathon” from BT9 to the city centre, back and forth, picking up bedding, kitchen items, groceries. One day we even walked over 5km, checking out St George’s Market and wandering from South to West Belfast. Tiring? Yes. But also kind of magical. The city has this mix of modern and vintage, and the autumn leaves, colorful sky, and quaint streets made every step feel like a little adventure.

Life at Queen’s

Campus is just as stunning as photos suggest. But I have to admit, finding my first lecture was a bit of an adventure. I actually had to pull out my phone and use GPS just to locate the classroom! The historic Lanyon Building is a real showstopper. Passing by it on my way to lectures feels surreal, like I’ve stepped into a postcard.

People here are super friendly. I’ve asked classmates or flatmates for random tips, and they’re always happy to share, sometimes even showing me their favourite shop’s Instagram. Joining the Malaysia Student Society Northern Ireland (MSSNI) was a lifesaver for homesickness. Meeting a few fellow Malaysians and just chatting about food, classes, or random daily things made me feel at home instantly.

Crisp autumn leaves and cool breeze...

Freshers’ Week was another highlight, buzzing with energy, free snacks everywhere, and plenty of chances to meet people. Even if you don’t join every event, just popping by the Students' Union makes you feel connected fast.

Tips for Malaysian students

Weather: Belfast weather loves to play tricks. Blue sky one minute, drizzle the next. Some people bring strong umbrellas, I personally prefer a waterproof jacket. Warm layers are a must.

Food and comfort items: Bring Milo, Maggi noodles, and chicken stock cubes if you can. Other seasonings are easy to find, but some “homey” items are surprisingly scarce and pricey here.

Kitchen shopping: IKEA is great for utensils, but you need to be 21+ to buy knives. Plan ahead if you want to cook.

Grocery adventures: Essentials like milk, bread, and veggies are cheap. Explore the markets as sometimes you find hidden gems.

These little hacks honestly saved me in the first month. I highly recommend future Malaysian students to pack smart!

Free ice cream at Fresher's event

Reflections

Looking back, the first few weeks have been shaped by small moments more than big milestones. Grocery runs, taxi rides, getting lost on campus. These little adventures made Belfast feel real. The city has a slower pace that forces you to notice details, like sunlight on red-brick streets, friendly shop staff, autumn leaves swirling around your feet.

I know there’s so much more to explore, academically, socially, and even just walking around the city. But for now, these first impressions that are full of laughter, kindness, and little surprises have made me feel excited to call Belfast home.

Find out more

Information for Malaysian students

More blogs by Malaysian students

The Malaysian Students' Society NI (MSSNI)

Pei Ying Tan Law | Undergraduate Student | Malaysia Hi! I’m Pei Ying, but people call me Miki. I’m from Malaysia and this is my first year at Queen’s, finishing up my LLB Law degree. Outside of studies, I am a content creator who loves sharing little moments of daily life through photos and videos, and exploring Belfast one corner at a time. Belfast itself feels like a built-in filter. Living in Elms Village (BT9) has been such a fun start, and I can’t wait to see what each season here will bring. Hopefully my stories make the journey a bit easier for new students too!