Each semester, the Study Abroad team coordinates a dedicated welcome and orientation programme, specifically for students studying abroad for a semester or academic year.
Sessions include information on how to complete your enrolment and registration, an overview of wellbeing and learning support, guidance on academic studies at Queen’s, and more.
It is an invaluable way to meet your new classmates and get to know your campus and surroundings.
Students will receive an email with more information around 2 weeks prior to the start of their 1st term at Queen's.
All Study Abroad students are expected to attend this welcome and orientation programme.
Expand the sections below for some helpful information about arriving in Belfast and settling in.
-
AIRPORT WELCOME SERVICE
The University will be operating an airport welcome at George Best Belfast City Airport on the following dates during September 2025 between 09:00 – 21:00. (Subject to change.)
- Saturday 6th September
- Sunday 7th September
- Monday 8th September
- Tuesday 9th September
- Saturday 13th September
During the airport welcome our university ambassadors will direct you to appropriate methods of transport to help you reach your onward destination.
(Please note - we will direct you to a bus or taxi service, we do not provide this service.)
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For more information on coming to Queen's and Northern Ireland please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
- STUDENTS' UNION - HERE TO HELP YOU
Once you have arrived we know it might take some time for you to adjust to life in a new country. Should you need a helping hand, Advice SU is available to offer just that. Situated on the second floor of the Students’ Union, Advice SU has four advisers who are all dedicated to providing students with free, independent, confidential, accurate advice.
The Students' Union is also the home to more than 215+ clubs and societies which you can join to socialise and make new friends. It houses bars, shops and places for you to relax outside of university.
It's also a place for you to enhance your skills with Enterprise SU's programme of workshops and business one-to-ones.
Student blog: Lily West, South Carolina USA, 10 Ways to Deal With Culture Shock as an International Student in Belfast
Student blog: Tuba Aisha Sharif, Pakistan, International students: Ways to cure culture shock and homesickness
Student blog: Carmen Chen Chinq Lih, Malaysia, How to Cure Homesickness at University
GETTING TO KNOW BELFAST
Get to know Belfast through our student blogs and guides.
5 Things you can do in Belfast that you can’t do anywhere else
Belfast: A Student Guide to Festivals and Events
9 things about studying in NI that’ll stop your parents worrying
BEYOND BELFAST
Once you get here there's so much to do beyond Belfast.
Five places to visit in Ireland from Belfast
10 cool things to do that are less than 2 hours away from Belfast