Leaving home in Nairobi to study abroad was one of the biggest decisions of my life. I wasn’t just choosing a university, I was choosing a new chapter, a new city, and a new community. Queen’s University Belfast felt right from the very beginning.

Industrial Pharmaceutics speaks to me in ways aside from theory and the practical aspect; it’s about impact. It’s about learning how medicines are developed, validated, and manufactured so they can reach patients safely and effectively. For someone like me, who dreams of advancing oncology research and one day pursuing a PhD, this course feels like the perfect stepping stone. Queen's reputation as a Russell Group university reassured me that I’d be learning from world-class academics, but what really sealed the deal was the warmth I felt from Queen’s community even before I arrived.

Find out more about the MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutics

My Welcome and Orientation 

Arriving in Belfast, I carried both excitement and nerves in my suitcase. Would I fit in? Would I find my way? Queen's answered those questions almost immediately. The welcome and orientation programme was like a gentle hand guiding me through those first few days.

I remember walking into the Lanyon Building for the first time - its red brick grandeur made me pause and smile. Orientation wasn’t just about practical tips like setting up bank accounts or finding your way around campus; it was about connection, meeting other international students, sharing stories of home, and realising we were all starting all over again in a foreign country gave me courage. Those first friendships, formed over cups of tea and shared laughter, are ones I will treasure forever. 

The iconic Lanyon building

Student Life at Queen's 

Life at Queen's is more than lectures and labs. For me, joining the swimming club has been a highlight. Swimming has always been my way of finding balance, and being part of the club here has given me a family in Belfast. Training sessions are filled with encouragement, jokes, and that satisfying tiredness after a good swim. 

Beyond campus, Belfast itself has stolen my heart. I love wandering along the River Lagan, exploring St. George’s Market, and discovering little cafés tucked away in side streets. The city is big enough to keep surprising me, yet small enough to feel safe and welcoming. There’s a rhythm here, a mix of history, music, and kindness, that makes Belfast feel like home.

Inside St George's Market

Tips for Students from Kenya 

If you are reading this from Kenya and wondering whether Queen's could be your next step, here’s my advice from the heart: 

• Pack for the rain - Belfast weather has a mind of its own, but don’t be scared, you will acclimatise. 
• Say yes to opportunities - join clubs, attend events, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. 
• Lean on the community - Queen’s staff and students are incredibly supportive. You will never feel alone if you reach out. 
• Stay connected to home - homesickness is real, but calls with family and Kenyan food (Yes, I’ve found ugali here!) will keep you grounded. 

A guide to food shopping in Belfast

Final Thoughts 

Queen's has given me more than an education, it’s given me a second home. The MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutics is shaping me into the professional I aspire to be, but Belfast has shaped me into a stronger, braver version of myself. 

To any Kenyan student thinking of coming here: Take the Leap. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. You will grow, you will learn, and you will discover parts of yourself you didn’t know existed.

Find out more

Take a Virtual Tour of Queen's

Information for students from Kenya

Top 5 University Experiences You Should Not Miss Out on at Queen’s

Belonging That Matters: The African Caribbean Society at Queen’s University Belfast

Tabitha Ndanu Mwenga MSc Industrial Pharmaceutics | Postgraduate Student | Kenya Hi, I’m Tabitha, a postgraduate student from Kenya studying MSc Industrial Pharmaceutics at Queen’s. I am passionate about medicine manufacturing and hope to build a career in industrial pharmacy, with a long-term goal of leading innovation in the field. Outside the lab, I enjoy content creation, photography, exploring Belfast and connecting with people from different cultures. I love sharing the student experience honestly - the excitement, the challenges and the growth - and I hope my journey can encourage someone else who is preparing to study far from home, just like I once was.