Classes are almost in full flow now after the winter break and the new beginning of 2026 has brought forth many new opportunities for Queen’s students. 

Drop-in social spaces

Getting back to routine when the new semester is in full swing can be difficult, but you can take one slow step at a time. If you are looking for more lowkey and chill events to socialise, make sure to check out upcoming activities in the SU, or the ones clubs and societies have been planning for you!

Check out what's on in the SU this semester

Sustainability Student Summit

Queen’s is the hub for numerous positive initiatives to make our environment more sustainable. One of the most important events that has been made free for Queen's students includes the Sustainability Student Summit. Organisations from across Belfast are coming to talk about a range of topics, giving you the perfect opportunity to not just learn more about various issues, but also network with experts, other students and professionals, etc. You can register here.

Academic prep and internships

Whether your classes have just started or you have been on campus for the past few weeks, it is good to be prepared for the new semester academically so that essay deadlines or exams don’t feel so scary later! Completing readings, going over course material or emailing professors/tutors - now is your time to get a head start! Reflecting on past feedback and identifying areas to improve on will set you apart as well as reduce stress.

Moreover, it is not long now before internship opportunities start piling up on MyFuture. It’s time to think about what you’re doing this summer and if you’re open to taking up remote/hybrid/on-site internships. Apart from this, there are also a few different funding/scholarship opportunities available, and many travel scholarships are now open for applications.

Find out more about global opportunities

Signing up for formals

Even though formals usually occur by the end of the academic year, registration has begun for many. The early bird tickets are less expensive, and if this is one event you have always wished to try out, now’s the perfect time to sign up. The Philosophy Society is collaborating with HAPP to bring you a masquerade ball! You can check it out on their socials for more information. If you’re looking for a different vibe, many other societies put together formals and will be announcing theirs soon. 

The Taylor Swift Society formal

SU opportunities

The Students' Union offers quite a number of opportunities, especially if you’re interested in starting your own venture. Currently, the QUB Dragons’ Den is open for applications, and it provides for a meaningful chance to receive everything you need to start your own business. Applications are also open now for Student Officer roles (2026-27). Check out the ‘opportunities’ tab on the SU site to learn more!

While the new year may bring different and oftentimes mixed feelings, with motivation not always remaining high, it is important to protect your mental health and choose to do what matters to you at the end of the day. I hope the aforementioned activities were useful and helpful to an extent!

Find out more

What's on at Queen's

Things to See and Do on Campus

How to Make the Most of Your Reading Week

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.