When I first arrived at university in the UK, I thought success was only about lectures, readings, and deadlines. As an international law student, I felt a quiet pressure to keep up academically while also adapting to a completely new environment. What I didn’t realise at the time was that some of the most important parts of my university journey would happen outside the classroom: through the support services offered by the Students' Union and other departments within Queen's.

Like many students, I used to think support services were only for people who were struggling a lot. But over time, I discovered that these resources are actually designed to help everyone feel more confident, balanced, and connected during university life.

A safe space to pause, talk, and feel supported

Academic Skills Support: Learning How to Learn Again

One of the biggest challenges for me was adjusting to a completely different academic style. Studying law in the UK requires critical thinking, independent analysis, and a way of writing that felt unfamiliar at first. During my first semester, I remember feeling genuinely disappointed after receiving a coursework result that wasn’t what I had hoped for. It was one of those quiet moments where you start doubting yourself; wondering if you really understood what was expected, or if you were falling behind without realising it.

That experience made me realise I couldn’t keep struggling on my own. In semester two, I finally reached out to Academic Skills support, and it became a turning point for me. Instead of just correcting my work, they patiently showed me how to structure essays, build stronger arguments, and approach legal writing with more confidence. Slowly, things started to make sense. It wasn’t about fixing everything overnight, rather it was about rebuilding my confidence step by step. For the first time, I stopped feeling lost when I opened a blank document and began to feel more in control of my learning journey.

Wellbeing Resources: A Reminder That It’s Okay to Pause

University life can look exciting from the outside, but behind the scenes it can also feel overwhelming at times. Balancing coursework, part-time opportunities, and life away from home slowly drained my energy without me even realising it. As an international student, it is completely normal to feel homesick or emotional, especially when reality doesn’t always match the bright expectations we once imagined.

I still remember during my first semester when I felt particularly overwhelmed and decided to reach out to the wellbeing service. During the call, they kept gently checking in with me, asking whether I had someone to talk to when I felt sad and reminding me that support was always there whenever I needed it. That reassurance alone made me feel seen and supported. The wellbeing resources became a space where I could slow down, reflect, and remind myself that it was okay not to have everything figured out.

Whether it was attending workshops, speaking to someone for advice, or simply knowing that support existed, it helped me understand that caring for mental wellbeing is just as important as academic success. As international students, we often try to handle everything independently, but learning to reach out for support has been one of the most valuable lessons I’ve gained during my time here.

Tiny creations, big smiles — my workshop masterpieces

The Student Pantry: Small Support, Big Impact

Another service that meant a lot to me was the student pantry. Moving to a new country comes with unexpected costs, and sometimes even small forms of practical support can ease stress more than we expect. The pantry represented a community that truly understands student realities.

What I appreciated most were the little moments that made difficult days feel lighter. Sometimes there were small treats waiting, like pancakes on Pancake Day or simple snacks you could grab and enjoy during a late-night study session before a deadline. Those small gestures might seem simple, but they often made my day and reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this journey.

Knowing that there are spaces designed to support students without judgement made me feel more secure and welcomed, especially as an international student learning to build a new sense of home away from home.

More than food, a little corner of support

Why I’m Sharing This

I decided to write this blog because I know there are students who might feel hesitant to access support services. Maybe you think you’re “not struggling enough,” or maybe you don’t know where to start. I felt the same way at the beginning.

But reaching out doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re learning how to navigate university life in a healthier and more sustainable way.

These services helped me adjust, grow, and feel less alone during challenging moments. If you’re new to university, feeling overwhelmed, or simply curious about what support is available, I really encourage you to explore these resources. Sometimes the smallest step — sending an email, booking a session, or walking into a support space — can make the biggest difference.

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Emily Ting Shan Ee Law | Undergraduate Student | Malaysia Hi! I’m Emily, an international law student from Malaysia currently studying at Queen’s University Belfast. I love travelling, capturing small moments, and sharing my personal journey through writing and creative content. Through my stories, I hope to make student life feel more relatable and encourage others to explore new experiences with confidence.