Starting university is exciting, but let’s be honest - it can be scary too. A new city, new faces, new routines…it’s totally normal to feel nervous or overwhelmed in the lead-up to your first day.

If you’re coming to Queen’s University Belfast this September, here are five things that might seem intimidating at first - and some tips to help you deal with the nerves and settle in.

1. Moving Away From Home and Into Student Accommodation

If you’re staying in university accommodation, take part in the free Welcome Week events run by Residential Life. They’re a great way to meet your flatmates and neighbours in a relaxed setting, and help make those first few days a little less awkward.

Leaving home is one of the biggest changes - especially if it’s your first time living away from family, something I struggled with initially! A lot of Queen’s students live in Elms BT1, BT2 or BT9, or rent privately around Lisburn Road, Botanic Avenue, or the Holylands. Whichever option you’ve chosen, it’s normal to feel a bit lost at first.

Bring a few things from home - some fairy lights, your favourite mug, a cosy throw, or a playlist you love, to help your new room feel like your own. And if homesickness hits (and it probably will at some point), don’t suffer in silence. Speak to your Residential Assistant (RA) or reach out to the Queen's Wellbeing Service - they’re here to support you.

2. Your First Lecture or Tutorial

Walking into your first lecture at Queen’s - maybe in the Peter Froggatt Centre or Elmwood Hall - can feel overwhelming. You’re not quite sure where to sit, what to take notes on, or if you’re even in the right place.

How to deal with it? First of all, know that nearly everyone else feels the same, even if they don’t show it. Try to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in. Sit wherever you feel comfortable - there are no assigned seats.

Don’t panic if the content feels tricky at first. Record lectures (with permission), take notes, and don’t be afraid to follow up with your tutor if something didn’t quite make sense. You can also use MyFuture to book a study support session, and your School or personal tutor is there to help guide you through.

3. Freshers’ Week and Joining Clubs or Societies

Freshers’ Week at Queen’s is full of fairs, events, and nights out - and from the outside, it can seem like everyone’s already made a group of best mates. Spoiler: they haven’t. Most people are figuring it out, just like you.

Go along to the Freshers’ Fair in Mandela Hall and chat to a few clubs or societies. With over 200 to choose from, there’s bound to be something that clicks.

And if you don’t find your people on day one? That’s totally fine. Try again the next day or go to a different event later in the week. If big nights out aren’t your thing, the SU also runs more relaxed, low-key events where you can meet people at your own pace.

4. Your First Assignment

The first assignment always feels a bit intense. Maybe you’re used to A-levels or a different education system, and university writing seems like a whole new world. Don’t worry - you’re not expected to know everything from the start.

Log in to Canvas (Queen’s online learning platform) to check your deadlines and assignment brief. Start early, and break the work into chunks: brainstorming, research, outlining, then writing.

Queen’s has loads of support available. Book a 1:1 with the Learning Development Service (LDS) or drop into a workshop. If you’re a postgrad, The Thomas J Moran Graduate School is there to help too. And remember - if your first mark isn’t what you hoped for, it’s not the end of the world. Everyone learns and improves.

5. Your First Day at Uni

That first proper day - navigating campus, finding your building, wondering if you’ve brought the right stuff - it can be a bit much. Queen’s is a big place, and some of the building names (David Keir, MBC, etc.) can feel like a secret code at first.

Before you head out, download the Queen's Campus Map app or check the online interactive map. Give yourself plenty of time to find the right room - most welcome sessions or induction talks happen in your School’s main building. Your timetable and Queen's email will tell you where to go.

Wear something that makes you feel like you. And if you’re unsure you’re in the right place, just turn to the person next to you and ask, “Is this the lecture for [your course]?” Chances are they’re wondering the same thing - and just like that, you’ve made a connection.

Final Thoughts

Starting university is a big deal, and feeling nervous is totally normal. Whether it’s figuring out where your next lecture is or wondering if you’ll ever feel settled, know that things will get easier with time.

Queen’s has a huge support network - from Residential Life and the SU, to your tutors, advisors, and the Wellbeing team. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, reach out, or take things one step at a time.
You’ve made it this far, and that’s already something to be proud of. Welcome to Queen’s - you’ve got this!

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Sarah Geraghty Human Biology | Undergraduate Student | Galway, Ireland Hi! I’m Sarah and I’m from Galway. I love studying in Belfast, but it took me a while to settle in! I am outgoing and am always up for getting involved in anything!