Morning Routine

I usually wake up around 5:00am to perform my morning prayer. But during summer, I have to wake up much earlier, around 2:30am, for the Fajr prayer, after which I usually go back to sleep. At 7:00am, I prepare breakfast, often something quick and comforting like toast with eggs, or Indonesian-style fried rice if I feel like treating myself.

But if I’m short on time and don’t manage to make breakfast at home, I usually head straight to the Students' Union, which often provides breakfast and lunch with a variety of tasty and regularly changing menu options. It’s such a convenient and affordable option, especially on busy days.

Around 8:30am, I hop on my bike for a short 4-5 minute ride to campus or I walk if the weather’s nice, which takes just about 7-10 minutes. I always bring my backpack filled with my laptop, research notes, a water bottle, and some snacks. On busy days, I prepare my lunch the night before. By 9:00am, I’m usually in my PhD office, ready to dive into research writing or reading journal articles related to my dissertation project.

"I usually head straight to the Students' Union, which often provides breakfast and lunch with a variety of tasty and regularly changing menu options."

Academic Workshops

Tuesdays (1:00-4:00pm) are reserved for academic workshops facilitated by the Thomas J Moran Graduate School. Topics range from academic writing and literature reviews to research methodology and presentation techniques. These sessions are great opportunities to sharpen my skills and connect with other postgrad researchers. Then every Wednesday morning (10:00am-12:00pm), I join a writing retreat led by Dr. Sultan along with her PhD supervisees. Sometimes we book different spaces like the library or the Graduate School just to change the atmosphere, it really boosts motivation!

Research Meetings

On the first Wednesday of each month, I attend a research meeting with CLEAR (Centre for Language Education Research), a space for applied linguists and educational researchers to share knowledge and discuss research progress. I also attend various trainings and workshops offered by the Graduate School. These cover a wide range of personal and professional development topics, from writing a strong CV and interview skills to time management and navigating the PhD journey. These sessions help me stay on track not just academically, but professionally too.

PhD Community Meet-Ups

On the last Monday of each month, we have a PGR Coffee Afternoon with the SSESW (School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work) PhD community and our Head of School, Prof. Alison MacKenzie. It’s a lovely way to catch up and share our research journeys. For my own research, I meet with my supervisors (Dr. Sultan and Dr. Aisling) at least once a month. These meetings are crucial to review my progress, receive feedback on my drafts, and discuss my reading list.

Breaks and Silent Prayer

During the day, I usually take breaks in the common room, pantry, or student lounge. One of my favourite spots is the Student Lounge on Level 3 of the Students' Union, where we can make free coffee or tea, grab some snacks, or play games. There’s also a cozy area on Level 2 with comfy sofas, perfect for laid-back chats with friends.

While I’m there, I always visit the Student Pantry, where essential items like rice, vegetables, fruits, toiletries, and more are available for free. It’s such an amazing initiative, especially helpful for international students like me. There’s also a Silent Room at the Students' Union, often used by Muslim students to perform the Dhuhr and Asr prayers.

Dinnertime

Around 4:00 or 5:00pm, I head home to rest for a while and then prepare dinner. I love cooking my own meals. I’d say I’m a decent cook! My go-to dishes are omelettes, stir-fried veggies, fried rice, or Indonesian instant noodles. By 7:00pm, I usually unwind by watching a film on Netflix. Sometimes, though, I use that time to continue writing or browse academic journals as part of my research routine. I usually go to bed around 11:00 or 12:00pm, ready to start again the next day.

"I always visit the Student Pantry, where essential items like rice, vegetables, fruits, toiletries, and more are available for free. It’s such an amazing initiative, especially helpful for international students like me."

Other parts of my weekly routine include shopping and travelling. I usually do my grocery shopping on the weekends at Tesco or Lidl, where I can find affordable groceries. For halal chicken or beef, I visit shops like Istanbul Market, Nomad, Madinah, Makkah, or Alief. When I miss Indonesian flavours, I stop by the Asian Market, Camseng, or Lee Foods to grab kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), sambal, instant noodles, or even tempeh, a traditional Indonesian food.

In my Spare Time...

In my free time, if I’m not cooking or working on research, I enjoy exploring Belfast with friends. We take bus trips to places like the Titanic Museum, Belfast Zoo, Belfast Castle, Stormont Park and other places, often with support from Queen’s International Student Guide team, who sometimes provide free transport and tickets.

If I feel like eating out, I go to halal-friendly spots like Peri-Peri Chicken, Damasku, or Belfast Fried Chicken, all delicious and affordable. Halal food is easy to find in Belfast. I also enjoy browsing the SU Swap Shop, where students exchange clothes and items, a perfect way to refresh your wardrobe sustainably. I sometimes visit nearby charity shops too, where I can find second-hand treasures while supporting a good cause.

"Being a PhD student is challenging, but here at Queen's, I've found a rhythm that balances research, social connections, and well-being."

On Fridays, I attend Jumu’ah (Friday Prayer) at either the NIMFA Mosque, conveniently located beside the library or at the Belfast Islamic Centre (BIC), just about 100 meters from campus. It’s always a great spiritual recharge. I also join monthly gatherings with the Indonesian Muslim community in Belfast, where we take turns hosting and share home-cooked Indonesian meals, a lovely way to reconnect with culture and friends.

Belfast is very walkable and bike-friendly. I always check the weather before leaving home, a warm jacket and umbrella are must-haves (even in summer). On sunny days, I love relaxing in the Botanic Gardens, right next to campus. It feels like a mini picnic in the city!

Being a PhD student is challenging, but here at Queen's, I've found a rhythm that balances research, social connections, and well-being. From supportive supervisors and excellent facilities to a vibrant student life and diverse food scene, I feel right at home in Belfast.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to reach out if you're curious about studying here.

Find out more

Why Queen's for Postgraduate Study

Information for Indonesian students

VIDEO: Differences Between Living in NI and Indonesia

Student life at Queen's: What our international students say

Muhammad Nawir PhD Education | Postgraduate Research Student | Indonesia Hi everyone! I'm Muhammad, currently pursuing a PhD in Education at Queen's University Belfast. As an international student from Indonesia, my life here is a blend of academic intensity, cultural exchange, personal routines, and enjoying all that Belfast has to offer.