7am - The Morning Ritual

My day begins at 7am, though I admit to a few friendly battles with the snooze button before I’m truly up. With a 9am lecture at the David Kier Building (DKB), my morning started a bit earlier than usual. Living in Queen’s Elms BT1 accommodation means a pleasant 30-minute walk to campus, and I like to start the day feeling energised. A quick 30-minute cardio session, followed by my ABC (Apple Beetroot Carrot) juice, is my non-negotiable act of self-care.

When you're away from home, looking after your physical and mental health becomes a core responsibility. After a quick shower and a much-needed cup of coffee, I’m out the door. My bag is strategically light for the walk - just my water bottle, prepped lunch, my iPad, and my purse. And, of course, a jacket due to the weather and the rain which can be unpredictable.

9am - More Than a Lecture

My first class is 'Atypical Development In An Educational Context'. What I love about my course is how our professors foster an environment where theory comes to life. The lectures are genuinely interactive, often breaking into group activities that feel more like fun, collaborative learning sessions. My diary ensures I never miss a deadline and helps me organise my day - a habit that keeps me grounded.

After class wrapped at 11am, I met friends at the Students' Union (SU). The SU is always buzzing with many activities, and something special caught my eye: volunteers were helping students write and send postcards to anywhere in the world. I was so excited! I immediately sat down and filled out a few for my family. It was a simple, beautiful reminder that even miles away, you can send a piece of your heart home.

1pm - Looking to the Future

The university had a Careers Fair running in the South Dining and Whitla Halls, and I was keen to explore opportunities for life after graduation. My friends and I spend a valuable hour networking, learning about different career paths, and building connections with potential employers.

A Guide to Careers Fairs at Queen's

2pm - The Afternoon Refuel

By 2pm, I felt tired. With another lecture at 3pm, a caffeine boost was essential. We went to the Hope Café, where I got my favourite Iced Café Latte. Feeling refreshed and re-energised, we walked back to the DKB, ready for the final class of the day.

3pm - Diving Deeper into Development

I made it to class around 2.45pm, giving me enough time to review the materials for our next topic: Parenting Programmes, part of the 'Childhood Adversity: From Basic Science To Improving Outcomes' module. The lecture offered incredible insights into how well-structured parenting programmes can create better outcomes for children, and a clearer understanding of how to design them effectively.

5pm - The Journey Home

The lecture finished at 5pm, my friends and I walked back home watching the Belfast sky change colours. We made a quick stop at Tesco for milk and groceries before heading back to our accommodation. Once home, my routine is simple: a FaceTime call to my family, a moment to reflect on the day, and a quick tidy of my room.

How to Enjoy Your Spare Time at Queen's and in Belfast

6.30pm - Food, Friendship, and 'Pani Puri'

One of my favourite parts of the day is cooking with my friend, who lives in the same building. I went over to her flat, and we chatted while we prepped our dinner and packed our lunches for tomorrow, all with a great playlist in the background. Tonight was extra special. We made pani poori (a popular Indian street food) as a snack, something I’d been craving for months. It turned out perfectly, and the joy from that simple, delicious taste of home was immense! We had our dinner around 9pm, and then I headed back to my room after night wandering. 

10pm - Winding Down for the Night

My day concludes with a quiet ritual. I get ready for bed, write out my to-do list for tomorrow, and double-check my deadlines. Then, it's time to finally sink into my duvet. On nights when my mind is still buzzing, I listen to a bedtime story. It’s a simple trick that helps me visualise the narrative and lets my brain gently power down.

Final Thoughts

If you're thinking about studying Applied Developmental Psychology at Queen’s, prepare for an education where you discover a little more strength within yourself. In the end, it’s not only the lectures you’ll remember, but the meaningful connections you make, the kind-hearted people you meet, the cosy coffee spots you discover, and those quiet, peaceful walks in the Belfast rain.

Find out more

MSc Applied Developmental Psychology at Queen's

Information for students from India

Your Student Guide

Sanjana Mahadev MSc Applied Developmental Psychology | Postgraduate Student | India Meet Sanjana, a versatile and enthusiastic student ambassador at Queen's University. With a passion for connecting with others, Sanjana thrives on helping fellow students navigate their university experience. Whether it's sharing tips on academics, providing guidance on campus life, or simply being a friendly face to chat with, Sanjana is always ready to lend a hand. Her positive energy and commitment to fostering a supportive community make them a go-to resource for anyone looking to make the most of their time at Queen's.