The first time I stepped onto the main campus of Queen’s University Belfast, I stopped walking. I remember standing there quietly, looking up at the historic red-brick building, its details, its presence, and feeling completely overwhelmed in the best way possible. It felt unreal. Like a movie scene where everything suddenly slows down. I had butterflies in my stomach thinking, "I’m going to study here". This wasn’t just a university anymore; it felt like a place with stories, history, and meaning. In that moment, I realised how fortunate I was to have this opportunity.

That feeling stayed with me as I began my journey at Queen’s.

Why I chose Queen's

I am studying MSc Construction and Project Management with Industrial Internship, and I chose Queen’s because it stands at the intersection of academic excellence and real-world relevance. Yes, it is a Russell Group university, and yes, it is globally respected, but what truly convinced me was the course itself. Every module is designed to reflect what actually happens in the construction and project management world. The curriculum evolves with the industry, which makes learning feel alive, practical, and exciting rather than static or theoretical.

Find out more about the MSc in Construction and Project Management

Welcome and orientation

Arriving in Belfast almost a month early, I visited the university with my family, unsure of what to expect. What followed was reassurance, patient conversations, clear guidance, and a level of care that instantly put us at ease. During orientation, volunteers were everywhere, leading students, offering help, and making sure no one felt lost. There was a warmth and calmness in the way support was offered, and it immediately made me feel at ease.

Orientation week itself was full of energy. The Students’ Union at Queen’s is one of the most active I’ve ever seen. There were welcome events, club fairs, activities, and so much happening all at once. The club fairs introduced me to the huge range of societies available, and it became clear that if you want to be involved, Queen’s gives you endless opportunities to do so.

Queen's campus

Life on campus

The campus quickly became one of my favourite places. Queen’s is not just somewhere you attend lectures; it’s a place you can truly spend your day. There are beautifully designed spaces, quiet corners, green spaces, cafés, lounges, kitchens, and open areas where you can sit, think, or simply relax. Sometimes, when I have free time, I just walk around campus, grab a coffee, and enjoy the atmosphere. The architecture itself feels inspiring; it’s no surprise that people visit Queen’s just to see the campus.

Student life here is also supported in very thoughtful ways. The Pantry, which provides free groceries twice a week, has been incredibly helpful for me as an international student. The Swap Shop, where you can exchange clothes instead of buying new ones, is another initiative I love. Sustainability at Queen’s isn’t just a concept; it’s practised daily, both through student services and within the courses themselves.

Inside The Pantry

The Queen's community

Coming from Bangladesh, I initially wondered if I might feel out of place, especially since there are fewer Bangladeshi students. But that feeling faded quickly. Queen’s has a diverse and welcoming community, and through group projects, coursework, and social activities, you naturally connect with people from all over the world. If you engage, you build friendships, and you never feel alone.

Life in Belfast

Living in Belfast has been an experience I’ve grown to love. The weather was definitely my first challenge, but after a few weeks, I adapted, and then I started appreciating everything else. The people here are kind, polite, and genuinely welcoming. The city centre is lively, with plenty of shops and cafés, and Lisburn Road, near the university, is full of great restaurants, including many Asian food options that feel comforting when you’re far from home.

There’s always something to explore. The Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum sit right beside campus, perfect for quiet afternoons. The Titanic Museum, Game of Thrones Studio, Ormeau Park, and weekend trips to places like the Giant’s Causeway make Belfast exciting without being overwhelming.

The Belfast Christmas market

The student experience

Beyond academics, Queen’s has also helped me grow professionally. Becoming a Queen’s Student Ambassador boosted my confidence and communication skills, and it also opened doors to on-campus part-time jobs. Queen’s offers a wide range of campus roles, which is a valuable opportunity for international students to gain experience while studying in a supportive environment.

For students from Bangladesh, coming to Queen’s can feel like stepping into a completely different rhythm of life, and that’s part of its beauty. You slowly learn to read the city, to enjoy quiet mornings, and share study spaces and conversations with people whose lives are nothing like yours, yet strangely familiar. Somewhere between classes, campus walks, and city evenings, confidence grows without you noticing. You don’t lose who you are; you expand. And Queen’s gives you the space to do exactly that.

Ormeau Park

Looking ahead, I’m excited about continuing this journey, learning, growing, and making the most of everything Queen’s and Belfast have to offer, both inside and outside the classroom.

Find out more

Take a Virtual Tour of Queen's

Lost and Found in Belfast: My First Month at Queen's

Why I Chose Queen’s and My First Adventures in Belfast

Leaving Home, Finding Myself: Studying at Queen’s University Belfast

Suhrath Tasnim Rahman MSc Construction and Project Management | Postgraduate Student | Bangladesh I am a creative soul who loves finding beauty in the simplest moments. With a background in architecture and a passion for design, I enjoy capturing stories through my lens, from architectural details to spontaneous everyday scenes. My creativity flows between spaces and snapshots, always seeking new ways to express connection and emotion.