Friendliness

"Belfast is way happier and way kinder than my home country. The energy here is entirely different from what I experienced in the United States. In the US, everyone is always going a mile a minute. The pressure is always on, the clock is always ticking, and somehow, there’s no way to ever be doing enough. In Belfast, life is lived on a totally different wavelength. I’ve never felt this happy, calm, and free in my life. Shops close early because people know how to slow down, rest, and savour each beautiful part of existence here.

Here, being alive is about soaking up the beauty in the smallest experiences, from feeding a cute pigeon to watching the rain fall after sunset. Also, whether I’m at the grocery store, the mall, or just walking along the sidewalk, there is always someone ready to offer their help. I’ve made new friends in bookshops, markets, and while simply waiting in queues. Cashiers have remembered me by name. Sweet, old couples have given me advice about the best things to do and see.

The people of Belfast are bursting with love, kindness, and pride for their home city. It’s inspiring and heartwarming, and it’s filled me with a love for life I just couldn’t access in the United States."

Belfast was voted in the top 10 friendliest cities in the UK (Condé Nast Traveller, Readers' Choice Awards 2024)

Brittany Marasciulo-Rivera, MA Creative Writing, New York, USA

Climate and Diversity

"I would say the weather for sure. I’m from El Salvador, and we have a hot climate throughout the entire year (around 27C-33C), very humid and it only rains for 6 months. Adjusting to cold weather has been a challenge, and I’ve had to buy winter clothes for the first time in my life! But watching the snow fall is priceless and so worth it. 

What I love about Belfast and Queen’s is how many nationalities are represented here! Regardless of the programme you study or the event you go to, you’ll always meet people from around the world, so not only you’re immersing yourself in this unique culture in Northern Ireland, but you’re also learning from multiple backgrounds from around the world!"

Queen’s currently has over 4400 international students from over 90 different countries (Queen’s Planning Office, 2024)

Miguel Ruiz Reyes, BSc Psychology, El Salvador, Latin America

(Enjoying snowfall from inside Queen's Accommodation!)

Cuisine

"I am a foodie and one of the major cultural difference between Pakistan and Belfast is the use of spices. Pakistani food is rich, bold and packed with flavours. Dishes like biryani, karahi and nihari are full of heat and depth whereas Belfast’s cuisine is mild and simpler with a minimal use of spices. I do miss the spices, but I have grown quite fond to the fish and chips here. Nonetheless, both cultures share a deep love for tea and that is something that I cherish."

Raeesa Riaz, MSc International Business, Pakistan

(Enjoying some fish and chips!)

"Coming from a culturally rich country such as Pakistan, I was quick to realise our differences and similarities. So, the biggest difference by far would have to be the food. We use spices like there’s no tomorrow. Anything which doesn’t make us cry for milk is considered to be a sub-tier dish. Coming here, I realised the food scene was very different, but in a good way. I hadn’t had fish and chips for five straight days back home, but here’s the good part: I was ready for a sixth day, but my friends physically stopped me."

Muhammad Abdul Rehman, LLB Law, Pakistan

Festivities

"Malaysia is a multiracial country where the three main festivals celebrated are Hari Raya, Deepavali and CNY. Every festive season, the shopping malls will be decorated with their respective celebration and festive songs will play. On the day of celebration, the city will seem almost too quiet as Malaysians travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families.

As I celebrate Hari Raya, the month preceding that is Ramadhan - Malaysia will be full of Ramadhan bazaars that run from 3pm to iftar time where sellers sell food, drinks and snacks. This is something I look forward to every single year and I’ve missed while being here.

However, that is not to say Belfast is lacking in its festivities! Christmas in Belfast is always a pleasant time with the City Hall transforming into a bright and exciting Christmas Market. Grab a cup of hot chocolate with your friend and walk around the Christmas Market eyeing some local Belfast brands including OutsideIn (can you tell I got myself one?). In March, St Patrick’s Day boasts big parades and everyone goes out in their green shirts for a fun day out."

Aliya binti Mohd Zayed, Medicine, Malaysia

A warm welcome

"There actually is a lot of similarities between Malaysia and Northern Ireland! The people are welcoming and friendly; it didn’t take me too long to feel at home in Belfast. There are so many good food spots and there are so many hidden gems with breathtaking views."

Belfast features in the National Geographic’s top 30 most exciting destinations to visit in the world in 2024 (National Geographic Cool List 2024)

Priscilla Jeyaraj, PhD Medicine, Malaysia

Cosier evenings and laid-back vibes

"One big difference would be how early everything closes here! Shops shutting by 6pm (on some nights) and quiet streets at night were a shock at first. Back in Malaysia, malls stay open till 10pm, and Kuala Lumpur comes alive at night. Late-night hangouts for food and people-watching are a big part of our culture. Here, it’s more about cozy evenings in, and while it took some getting used to, I've come to appreciate the laid-back vibe."

Keith See Choy Xing, Law, Malaysia

Find out more

Discovering Belfast as an International Student

Living in Two Homes – Life as an International Student

A Guide for International Students in Northern Ireland

VIDEO: Differences Between Living in NI and Indonesia

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