The buzz before a new term is a combination of both stress and excitement. Whether it is awaiting your A-level results, taking extra shifts at your part-time job, packing to move into your accommodation or academically preparing yourself, this time before classes start is filled with a lot of important and heavy tasks.

During this period, even looking at your to-do list might feel like a chore. This blog aims to take at least some of this weight off your chest, and offer you a guide to remain chill, consider activities to explore, last-minute trips to plan, events to attend, and essentials to pack.

Brush Up on Academic Skills

Your summer might have been so lively that it is possible you have forgotten how to outline an analytical essay or include an in-text citation. Now is the perfect time to look at past essays, reflect on feedback, go over last term’s notes, and prepare for the brand-new academic year. If you are a new student, try learning about the university’s assessment requirements, grading scale, etc., particularly for your course. If you have already picked out your modules, go through the reading list! Even a small initiative could prove helpful in the long run.

Welcome and Orientation at Queen's

Out and About in Belfast

If you have just moved into your accommodation, and have not yet been out exploring the city, grab a backpack and get going! Whether you wish to enjoy a relaxing picnic in the Botanic Gardens, or a reflective tour of the Titanic Museum, Belfast offers countless ways to have fun. Discover bars, restaurants, malls, cinemas and even escape rooms. Once term begins, there might be less time for fun. Here is a list of activities you can currently partake in:

• Summer at the Discovery Centre - Ulster Museum (free, beginner-friendly, creative space)
• Sundays on the Maritime Mile - Until the end of August (family friendly event with music, food, demos, experiments, etc.)
• Tai-Chi Style Dance Workshop - 2 Royal Avenue (free, beginner-friendly event that teaches Chinese dance and fitness techniques)
• Belfast Mela - Botanic Gardens and City Hall (celebrating diversity through colour, rhythm and flavour, 16 - 24 August)
• Belfast Walking Tours - Various Themes and FREE

Student Isa enjoys Belfast Mela festivities

Students' Union Events

If you are looking for student social spaces to hang out with like-minded individuals and meet new people, Queen’s Students' Union consistently hosts various events which you can participate in. The Union Bar conducts weekly trash bingos, mid-week quizzes, live acoustic performances, and more.

Queen’s is also hosting a flagship event with free breakfast in Mandela Hall, welcoming and introducing you to student life. The Welcome to Campus Celebration is another unmissable event on the first day of semester, offering everything from street food to selfie booths!

Last-Minute Packing

Procrastinating over packing and simultaneously panicking over it is typical and common for students. Luckily, making a list of the absolutely essential items, and having it ticked off, does give you some peace of mind. The following are things you would most likely need for university, feel free to use this as your last-minute check box:

• Passport, driving licence, other kinds of ID
• University Acceptance Letter, Student Finance and Accommodation Documents
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, hand sanitiser, shower gel)
• Study supplies (notebooks, highlighters, pens, USB flash drive)
• International adaptors, chargers, power-banks
• First aid kit (plasters, pain relievers, alcohol free wipes)
• Medication (panadol, paracetamol, motion sickness pills)
• Basic kitchen items (plates, cutlery, mugs)
• Headphones, books, magazines
• Comfort items (photographs, favourite soft toy, etc.)

What to pack for university

Final Trips

Apart from trips you can undertake in Belfast, there are places nearby you can visit before the term begins. For example, you can take the train to Helen’s Bay and walk a four-kilometre trail to reach Bangor. Or take the train to Derry and explore the enriching city. Also, consider going to Newcastle, a peaceful Northern Irish town, popularly visited by students during breaks.

A day trip in a ferry (Stena Line) and couch to Glasgow might be something you would enjoy too! If you love Game of Thrones, I am sure Giant’s Causeway is already in your must-see list of places. You can further book a budget friendly tour that covers multiple stops in the way.

Student Camila visits the iconic Giant's Causeway

Hey, Relax

The university experience can be a little overwhelming, even before you begin. Acknowledging that and carrying out mindful self-care activities help with your mental wellbeing. Help is always available, and you are never alone!

Find out more

Everything You Need to Know as a First-Year Queen’s University Student

Three Weeks Behind, One Year Later: My First-Year Journey at Queen’s

Dealing With Social Anxiety While at University

Magdalene Natasha Charles Anthropology and English | Undergraduate Student | India I'm an undergraduate student pursuing Anthropology and English at Queen's. Originally from Chennai, India, I've now moved to Belfast for my studies. In my free time, I like to write poetry, and I've self-published my own collection ('Subdued Cries' on Amazon). I'm an aspiring novelist and I hope to inspire people through my writing journey. I also journal, and am fond of frolicking (or taking calming walks) through parks and gardens. I'm extremely passionate about reading and my current favourite is The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I'm constantly looking for ways to improve my personal and professional skills, and hope to gain meaningful experience during my time here at Queen's.