Commuter Students
At Queen's, we want to ensure you have all the support and opportunities you need to enjoy your time at university no matter where you live.
For most students, university is about moving away from home to a new city or living on campus. However, many students at Queen's decide to stay at home and make the commute to university, but that doesn't mean you should miss out on other aspects of student life while studying in Belfast.
The same resources, services and opportunities are available, so be sure to make the most of them and get involved!
There are many reasons why students may decide to commute to university, such as:
- Living close to campus
- Existing work or family commitments
- Being closer to friends and family
- Financial reasons
- Being able to study without a big life change
Find out more about getting to Queen's, including public transport discounts and travel times.
HOW TO STAY INVOLVED IN STUDENT LIFE:
Here at Queen's we have over 200 clubs and societies for you to get involved in.
Joining a club or society is a great way to make friends while studying, try something new or find a new hobby. If you don't see anything you're interested in, why don't you set up something new for other like-minded people?
Sign up to as many as you have time for, there is no limit on the number you can join! Clubs and societies are always looking for new members, and there are also opportunities to take on roles such as President, Secretary or Treasurer. Not only is it a great way to feel like you belong at university, but a great experience to add to your CV.
Spending time in social areas on campus can naturally lead to conversations with other students. If you're visiting these areas frequently before, in between or after classes you might find yourself falling into new friend groups.
In the university, there are social spaces such as Social Cafe, The Union Bar and the Student Lounge in the Students' Union, Junction Cafe's communal area near the Lanyon Building, the Library, to name a few.
Plan to arrive at university early or stay after classes to maximise the time you spend on campus.
Throughout the academic year (and summer break), the university will have a number of campus events that you can participate in.
Whether you take part in Fresher's Week or a cultural festival, stop by a Careers fair or join the Pride parade, every event on campus will be listed under our events page. There's always something happening that you can squeeze into your schedule!
A great way to expand your social network while at the university is to become a Student Ambassador.
Being a Student Ambassador means using your own experience of student life at Queen's to support prospective students. This could be through writing blogs/vlogs or other content, taking part in Open Days and Recruitment Events or conducting workshops in schools.
Student Ambassador roles contribute to the Future-Ready Award too.
