5:30am - A Mindful Start

My weekday routine begins at 5:30am with a 10-minute meditation session to ease into the day. I then take a shower, and while making breakfast, I video call my family - a habit that keeps me connected and motivated. I also prepare my lunch (usually home-cooked tiffin), get ready, and catch the bus around 8:30am to make it to campus for my 9:00am lecture. To stay organised, I use Notion to plan out my day and manage assignments.

9:00am - Lecture Time at the Computer Science Building

Our course structure is module-based, meaning we study one module intensively for 2-3 weeks, followed by a 10-12 day break to complete our assignment before moving on to the next. Right now, we’re studying AI for Health, taught by Professor Riza Rafi, and it’s both fascinating and hands-on. Each lecture includes practicals, where we apply concepts in real time - an aspect I truly enjoy.

1:00pm - Lunch at the Students' Union Terrace

Lunchtime is always a welcome break. I usually join my classmates at the Students' Union’s terrace, where we unpack our lunchboxes and catch up. For those who don’t bring food from home, the Union’s cafeteria has plenty of options. After lunch, we often take a walk around the campus - it’s especially beautiful and calming during spring and autumn.

2:00pm - Back to Learning

Our afternoon sessions run from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. These usually include practical activities, project discussions, or seminars. The pace can be intense, but the structure helps us stay focused and manage workload efficiently. 

5:00pm - Walk and Wind Down

After lectures, we walk back home together, chatting about our day. I live in Queen’s Accommodation at Elms BT1, just a short walk from the city centre. The location is super convenient, and the community vibe at BT1 is a big bonus.

6:00pm - Tea and Events in the Common Room

In the evening, I usually stop by the common room where there’s hot water, coffee, tea, and milk available. It’s a nice place to unwind, and BT1 frequently hosts events like mocktail nights, nacho bars, cake giveaways, and even ice cream sundaes. It’s a great way to socialise and relax without leaving the building!

7:30pm - Gym Session

I hit the accommodation gym at 7:30pm for about an hour. It’s part of my effort to balance academic life with health and wellbeing, and it helps me de-stress.

9:00-10:00pm - Dinner & City Life

After gym, I prepare and have dinner around 10:00pm. On some evenings, I walk to the city centre with friends, since it’s just a 2-minute walk from BT1. We might play pool or PS5 in the common room before heading back to our rooms.

11:00pm - Coding & Wind Down

Before bed, I usually spend some time coding, doing coursework, or reading up on the latest in AI. A little late-night phone scrolling wraps up my day before I finally get some sleep.

Weekend Vibes

Weekends are more relaxed. I wake up a bit later, enjoy breakfast at my own pace, and then head to the university library for a study session. On Saturdays, I often take on my role as a Student Ambassador at the university. It’s a rewarding opportunity to meet prospective students and share my experience studying AI at Queen’s. In the afternoon, I often go to the PEC for badminton or swimming, which is a fun way to stay active and social.

Life at Elms BT1

Living at Elms BT1 has been a highlight. The studio room gives me privacy and comfort, while the common areas and social events offer community and fun. Whether it’s making coffee with flatmates or attending movie nights, there’s always something happening.

Why I Love Studying AI at Queen’s

The AI course is incredibly well-structured and practical, and the lecturers are very approachable. My favourite modules so far include Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and AI for Health. The academic challenge, combined with Queen’s campus life and Belfast’s welcoming vibe, makes for a truly enriching student experience. Belfast is walkable and student-friendly, but I always pack an umbrella - rain showers can appear when you least expect them!

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Information for students from India

Postgraduate study at Queen's

Prerna Alkute MSc Artificial Intelligence | Postgraduate Student | India Prerna Alkute is pursuing her Master’s in Artificial Intelligence at Queen’s University Belfast, where her work focuses on developing practical and trustworthy AI solutions in healthcare. With strong interests in machine learning, computer vision, and data-driven decision-making, she enjoys bridging technical innovation with real-world impact. Beyond academics, she is actively involved as a Student Ambassador, sharing her journey with future students, and values a balanced lifestyle that includes fitness, community engagement, and continuous learning.