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Student Life

Student Life and Big Data: My Life at Queen's University Belfast

Starting my student life at Queen’s has been an exciting and enriching experience. From academic pursuits to exploring the vibrant city, every day brings new opportunities. Let me walk you through a typical day in my life as a Queen's student.

Student May in front of Carrickfergus Castle

My Morning Routine and Home Comforts

My typical day begins with my morning routine:

7:30am

I head to the bathroom to freshen up and then making my way to the shared kitchen in my student accommodation. One of the great things about living in Queen’s accommodation is that all the necessary kitchen utensils are provided, making daily cooking more convenient. 

7:45am

For breakfast, I quickly prepare something light and then heat up my tiffin. Most of my lunch was made earlier the day before going school and before heading to class, I simply reheat it in the microwave.

Follow May on a typical DITL

Insights from the Data Duo Mentoring Programme

8:30am

Once I’m ready, I head off to class. This is my last semester of being master's student, I only have to attend dissertation preparation and some programmes offered by the school. 

During this semester, I am attending the Data Duo Mentoring Programme, an initiative offered by Queen’s Business School to support students in data-related fields. This programme is very insightful as experienced mentors share valuable advice, bridging the gap between classroom learning and the professional world. It’s also a space to discuss future careers, gain guidance, and ask questions about real-world data applications. It’s a fantastic way to prepare for what comes after graduation.

Queen's Business School Datathon students

QBS students

A Scenic Stroll to Queen's Business School

As I walk to Queen’s Business School, I enjoy the scenic views along the way. Starting from the iconic Lanyon Building, I pass by the Students' Union opposite it, and then continue past the David Keir Building, which houses the Schools of Psychology, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Natural and Built Environment. Walking further, I pass the Ashby Building, some handy local shops and restaurants that are convenient for student lunches. The walkway is lined with beautiful trees, creating a peaceful path to campus.

Student May in front of the Lanyon

Outside the iconic Lanyon

The Hub of Learning: Riddel Hall

9:20am

Eventually, I arrive at Riddel Hall, the home of Queen’s Business School. The building includes the Conference Hub, Academic Hub, and Student Hub, making it a central space for both learning and collaboration. Inside the Student Hub, we have the Mark Pigott Lecture Theatre, a large and modern space for lectures and events. There’s also the Business & Beans Café, where students can grab coffee or a quick bite between classes. It’s a great environment for both study and socialising.

Academic Support and Opportunities

As an MSc Business Analytics student, I am now in my final semester. Most of my time is spent on dissertation work, so I only attend a few sessions and programmes offered by the school. However, in the first and second semesters, we had regular lectures, and students could choose between morning or afternoon sessions, which added flexibility to our schedules.

Student May at Data Duo Mentoring Programme

Another highlight of Queen’s is how supportive the lecturers are. If we don’t fully understand a topic, we can book one-to-one meetings in their office to get personalised help. Beyond classes, we have opportunities to take part in initiatives like the Datathon Competition - an event that connects students with companies across Northern Ireland and allows us to showcase our data analysis skills.

Life at Elms BT1 and Exploring Belfast

The bus stop is just a five-minute walk from the Business School, making it easy to get around Belfast or travel to other parts of the city.

I stay at Elms BT1, one of the university’s student accommodations in the city centre. It has great facilities like a mailbox area near the lift, a community fridge, a waste centre, a laundry room, a copy machine, a gym, and even social and study spaces including a lab room. The accommodation is well-equipped to support student life and promote both study and social interaction.

Living in Belfast itself is wonderful. The city hosts events like the Christmas Market and Spring Market, and for fans of Game of Thrones, many filming locations are nearby. You can visit places like the Titanic Museum, Big Fish, or take a train on NI Railways to beautiful coastal spots like Helen’s Bay or Giant’s Causeway.

Student May at the Dark Hedges

At the Dark Hedges

A Vibrant Student Community

Queen’s also offers a wide variety of clubs and societies, ensuring every student can find a community or hobby to enjoy. 

All in all, if you're thinking about studying at Queen's, I highly recommend it - it’s not just a university, but a vibrant and welcoming place to start your next chapter.

Find out more

Myanmar: Admissions Guide

Your Student Guide

May Myo Khin

MSc Business Analytics | Postgraduate Student | Mandalay, Myanmar

Hi! My name is May Myo Khin, I’m 26 years old and from Mandalay, Myanmar. I’m currently doing my MSc in Business Analytics at Queen’s University Belfast, and I’m now in the final semester of my course, working on my dissertation.

I like to spend time exploring Belfast and other surrounding areas. It’s such a lively place with a great mix of culture and nature! In my free time, I mostly go shopping, try new food, read books and create videos. 

I’ve been getting more involved in university life. You might see me around campus taking part in events or attending career and networking sessions. I also participated in the Data Duo Mentoring program and datathon, hackathon organised by Queen's Business School. I love taking videos so you might see me as a social media influencer in Queen's social media. 

I’m passionate about data, problem-solving, and using analytics to create real impact and I’m always open to meeting new people and learning something new along the way! So when it comes to analytics, you can reach out to me. 

 May Myo Khin
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