Skip to Content

America

Front of Lanyon in the summer
Marieke Rose Fastovsky | 29 February, 2024

“Ultimately, my decision to move to Belfast and study at Queen’s came down to affordability, language compatibility, opportunity, and proximity to both my home in the US as well as to other countries.”

London bridge
Maxwell Higginbotham | 23 February, 2024

A look into the opportunities for travelling from Queen’s as a first-year student.

Two students walking through the Quad
Marieke Rose Fastovsky | 6 February, 2024

Postgraduate student Marieke recently moved to Belfast from the US (with her dog Mara!) Find out how she prepared for the big move and settled in to private housing in the city.

Student hiking Blackhead Coastal Path
Samantha Koitz | 16 January, 2024

Living in Belfast for the past year has given me a great deal of time to explore the city and Northern Ireland as a whole. Below, I have compiled a list of nine spots that I highly recommend visiting when you are in Belfast and Northern Ireland! 

Aerial view of the main campus
Samantha Koitz | 15 January, 2024

Conflict Transformation and Social Justice student Sami explains why she made the long journey to Queen's University Belfast from Maryland USA to pursue postgraduate study.

Group of students
Molly Elspas | 10 January, 2024

Moving to a new place can be scary. When that new place is over 3000 miles away, it can be even more so. Hear from US student Molly on what convinced her to study at Queen's and how Belfast became her home away from home.

Students eating at the Parlour
Samantha Koitz | 18 October, 2023

Sami has enjoyed experiencing unique NI cuisine since her move to Belfast for postgraduate study. Check out her top picks below.

Narnia Mr and Mrs Beaver
Samantha Koitz | 19 July, 2023

Take a trip to C.S. Lewis Square in east Belfast with Sami and enter the magical world of Narnia!

View of Derry City through walled window
Samantha Koitz | 14 July, 2023

Located only two hours from Belfast, Derry is well-known for its unique history and iconic murals. Join Conflict Transformation & Social Justice student Sami on a recent trip to the city.

Map of Ireland
Samantha Koitz | 7 July, 2023

Moving to Belfast gives international students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique and vibrant culture. American PG student Sami looks back on what she has experienced during her time in Northern Ireland.

Kylemore Abbey
Samantha Koitz | 21 June, 2023

Belfast's proximity to popular Irish cities allows students to plan day trips and weekends away, jam-packed with plenty of scenic hot spots and historical points of interest. Postgraduate student Sami Koitz details a recent trip to Galway and Dublin.

Group of 3 students at the Queen's Union Bar
Molly Elspas | 14 June, 2023

Moving abroad for university can often be a daunting time for students. Public History student Molly Elspas provides a few words of wisdom for those who are making the big move from the US to Belfast.

Sami and her friend
Samantha Koitz | 5 April, 2023

Do you want to maximise your study abroad experience by using Belfast as your base for European travel? Check out Sami's travel blog for some tips!

The Big Fish, art work, Belfast
Molly Elspas | 17 March, 2023

As an international student, I had some worries about where I could spend my days off from school, but as I have found, there are a million things to do in Belfast on the weekends. Here's a typical Saturday for me...

Sijin sitting on a bench that says Whats the craic
Samantha Koitz | 13 March, 2023

Northern Ireland has some unique slang and vocab that I’ve learned over the past few months. I’ve put together a wee list of 10 words that I believe are essential to learn before flying over the pond for university.

Commercial Court Umbrellas at night
Samantha Koitz | 1 March, 2023

American student Sami took a sightseeing tour around Belfast, here are some of her favorite sights and some interesting facts she discovered...

The Graduate School
Molly Elspas | 3 February, 2023

Join American Student Molly Elspas as she takes us through a day in her life as a Public History Masters student at Queen's

Holocaust memorial day literature
Samantha Koitz | 30 January, 2023

Holocaust Memorial events are a great opportunity to be part of the community commemoration, learning from genocide to create a better future. Hear what American Student Sami learned from the events in Belfast.

night-sky in Ireland
Sami Koitz | 13 December, 2022

If you choose to live in Queen's Accommodation you're in for a real treat! As well as events in social spaces throughout the week they also organise trips away every weekend. Join Sami as she goes to Davagh Forest and Observatory!

A cup with the adventure begins written on it
Sami Koitz | 5 December, 2022

Do I regret moving across the pond to go to graduate school? Absolutely not! Do I wish I had planned better to move halfway across the world to go to get a Master’s degree? Absolutely! See Sami's tips!!

Pumpkin pie
Ciara Cunningham | 30 November, 2022

It’s a tradition every year to have Thanksgiving dinner at the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s. It’s a great time to spend with friends, eat some good food and share what you’re thankful for from the past year. Check out Ciara's blog!

bulbs and a menorah on a table
Sami Koitz | 18 November, 2022

Conflict Transformation and Social Justice Student Sami talks about her faith, the Jewish community in Belfast and the society at Queen's that facilitates community events.

Sami and her friends at the Giant's Causeway
Sami Koitz | 14 November, 2022

Nothing planned this weekend? There are so many wonderful spots around Northern Ireland that are accessible by public transport, why not take a trip to the epic Giant's Causeway? Sami's here to tell you all about it.

Sami and two friends in Derry
Sami Koitz | 10 November, 2022

Queen's Accommodation organises a trip to Derry for Halloween every year. If you missed out on Europe's biggest Halloween celebration then join Sami for her recap!

Mountaineering club
Sami Koitz | 9 November, 2022

There are over 200 clubs and societies that you can choose to join at Queen's. From academic, religious, political, sports related, and more there are really clubs for every type of student. Check out Sami's blog on the Mountaineering Club.

The Graduate School
Sami Koitz | 3 November, 2022

American Postgrad Sami Koitz takes you through a day in her life as a Conflict Transformation and Social Justice student at Queen's.

Suitcase, camera, laptop, flip flops
Sami Koitz | 1 November, 2022

Everyone knows- packing is HARD! What do you really need and what is a waste of precious suitcase space? American student Sami is here with her top tips on what she wished she'd left at home and what was really worth hauling across the globe!

Tessa and her friends
Tessa Rendina | 2 September, 2022

Postgraduate student Tessa from America discusses how her expectations differed from the reality of student life in Belfast- spoiler alert- it was better than she thought!

Tessa and her parents in Temple Bar
Tessa Rendina | 8 August, 2022

Looking for your next weekend adventure? Whether it's somewhere closer or a little further afield, Tessa's here to share some of the trips she's taken this year.

Big Ben
Zachary Pfannes | 20 July, 2022

Coming to Belfast opens up a world of opportunities for travelling around the UK and Ireland. Here are three examples of weekend adventures easily accessible while studying at Queen’s.

Lanyon building
Zachary Pfannes | 18 July, 2022

Moving to a new country or city for university can be challenging. American student Zach has four positive surprises about the city he discovered after coming to study at Queen’s.

Jamie-Lukas Campbell at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations
Jamie-Lukas Campbell | 15 July, 2022

International Public Policy student and class rep Jamie-Lukas Campbell was one of a group of Queen's students who attended the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in London.

Travel around Europe thumbnail skydivers
Tessa Rendina | 6 July, 2022

Belfast is a great base for European travel. Take a look at American student Tessa's trips so far!

LASI Volunteers in front of the palm house
Tessa Rendina | 1 July, 2022

Give back and gain skills when you volunteer with the Language and Solidarity Initiative (LASI). Learn about the initiative from American student blogger Tessa.

Tessa on a surf board
Tessa Rendina | 29 June, 2022

Join Tessa to learn more about Queen's Surf and their trips to the beach and the clubs! Whether you’re a novice or an expert surfer, the Queen’s Surf Club is open to all skill levels.

Tessa and friend at formal
Tessa Rendina | 26 May, 2022

Joining a club is a great way to make new friends at uni. American blogger Tessa joined the Ladies Gaelic football team at Queen's and has been having a ball.

Commercial Court Umbrellas at night
Allison Linzing | 10 May, 2022

There's never a dull night in Belfast. With so many places to choose from American blogger Allison has put together her top picks for the best craic every night of the week!

Laptop and tea
Allison Linzing | 4 May, 2022

Curious about studying Inclusion and Special Needs Education at Queen's? Hear all about a day in the life of a student on the course from our American blogger Allison.

CS Lewis Reading Room
Tessa Rendina | 28 April, 2022

See more than the library walls with Tessa's guide to hidden gem study spots around campus and beyond.

Tessa and pals at the Ulster rugby match
Tessa Rendina | 8 April, 2022

Wondering how to find the right accommodation for you? From settling in to making friends, Tessa shares her tips and her experience of living in Queen's postgraduate accommodation.

Group of students at Giant's Causeway
Tessa Rendina | 5 April, 2022

Take a trip with Tessa around some of the most beautiful spots in Northern Ireland that are easily reached by public transport.

Raven Undersun | 15 March, 2022

Raven tells us about Belfast's rich literary past and present.

Allison Linzing | 7 March, 2022

Allison tells us what she wishes she’d known when she moved from Chicago to Belfast.

Allison Linzing | 25 February, 2022

Allison gives us a rundown of her favourite things to do in Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Llarely Saldivar | 25 November, 2021

Llarely Saldivar tells us about her time on a recent student wellbeing trip to watch the sunrise from the top of Cavehill. She talks what you need to bring, the joy of early starts and the small differences between Belfast and Southern California...

Madelyn Nowak-Roddy, PhD Parasitology | 12 November, 2021

Meet American PhD student Madelyn Marie Nowak-Roddy. She tells us about her passion for hiking, photography, all things Game of Thrones and…her personal 'Beans Challenge'.

Slieve Doan
Madelyn Nowak-Roddy, PhD Parasitology | 11 March, 2021

Meet American PhD student Madelyn Nowak-Roddy and read about her passion for hiking, photography and the 'Beans Challenge'. Intrigued? You should be!

Clare Rhine, MBA | 20 October, 2020

Just how much cheaper is uni life in Northern Ireland compared to the USA? MBA student Clare Rhine crunched the numbers.

Morgan Mattingly, MA Conflict Transformation | 29 June, 2020

From teaching to library resources and group meet-ups, everything's moved online. Master's student, Morgan Mattingly says Queen's students are getting the same education, as if they were on campus.

Clare Rhine, MBA | 13 March, 2020

A Dragon’s Den-style competition for Queen’s budding female entrepreneurs, InnovateHer comes highly recommended by our blogger Clare Rhine.

Clare Rhine, MBA | 24 February, 2020

You don’t just get a quality room for a great price when you move into Queen’s Accommodation – you get to go on a range of fantastic trips, including to the Game of Thrones filming locations, says Clare Rhine, MBA.

Lily West, MA | 10 January, 2020

Queen’s MA student Lily West gives her top picks for the best bookshops in Belfast for students

Daniel Gonzalez, MA Creative Writing | 3 January, 2020

International MA student Daniel Gonzalez gives us a sneak peek into his day.

Jessica Gambrill, MBA | 15 November, 2019

The human-centred approach to innovation is defining the business zeitgeist, but what is it and how can you use it as a roadmap to personal fulfilment? Queen’s MBA student Jessica Gambrill explains how she did it.

Clare Rhine, MBA | 6 November, 2019

MBA student Clare Rhine, from Oregon in the USA, lists cost of living and the beauty of Belfast city as top reasons to come to Queen’s for postgraduate study.

Lily West, MA | 5 November, 2019

Queen’s MA student Lily West, from South Carolina in the USA, shares her experiences and tips for dealing with culture shock when living and studying in Belfast.

Clare Rhine, MBA | 21 October, 2019

Queen’s MBA student Clare Rhine and some of her new friends at Queen's bundled up for a day of exploring the North Antrim Coast. They saw it all, including the famous Giant's Causeway and The Dark Hedges!

Photo from aeroplane window mid flight
Jessica Gambrill, MBA | 14 October, 2019

Queen’s MBA student Jessica Gambrill, from Minneapolis in the USA, has lived abroad in two separate continents for over six years so she knows a thing or two about living, working and studying away from home. Here are her top tips.

Ashlyn Brisley, Creative Writing | 23 November, 2018

It's time for something a little creative. Queen’s University Study Abroad Ambassador, Ashlyn Brisley who is studying abroad from Young Harris College in the USA has covered the Friendship Four Tournament in her own unique style.

peace bridge banner
Marissa Piccolo, MA Global Security | 6 July, 2018

Want to explore Northern Ireland? Derry-Londonderry makes a great day or overnight trip from Belfast.

Banner
Marissa Piccolo, MA Global Security | 6 July, 2018

Did you know the most northern point of Ireland is in the south? You read that right: it’s in Donegal, the county of the Republic of Ireland that borders Northern Ireland in the Northwest.

banner
Marissa Piccolo, MA Global Security | 11 June, 2018

Belfast has affordable student housing to suit all lifestyles and budgets.

Kinbane banner
Marissa Piccolo, MA Global Security | 5 June, 2018

On your next Causeway roadtrip, don’t miss this hidden gem.

banner
Marissa Piccolo, MA Global Security | 11 April, 2018

When you arrive at Queen’s, prepare to get your GOT nerd on and express your inner Stark., says Master's student Marissa Piccolo, from Connecticut, USA.

new banner
Marissa Piccolo, MA Global Security | 11 April, 2018

Borders are a hot topic these days (Brexit, anyone?) and as Master’s student Marissa Piccolo explains, it’s incredibly rewarding to study some of the greatest challenges facing us all.

downpatrick
Marissa Piccolo, MA Global Security | 14 March, 2018

Master’s student Marissa Piccolo, from Connecticut, USA, on why a cultural trip to Downpatrick is a must while you’re studying in Belfast.

City hall banner
Anne Marie Hawley, Study Abroad student | 16 February, 2018

Thinking of spending a semester or year abroad at Queen’s? Student vlogger Anne Marie Hawley from the USA explains why Belfast is the perfect destination.

North coast
Marissa Piccolo, MA Global Security | 9 February, 2018

Just over an hour and forty minutes by train at the reduced Sunday fare of £7.50, Portrush inspired a #StaycationSunday tradition for Master’s student Marissa Piccolo, from Connecticut, USA.

Whitehead banner
Marissa Piccolo, MA Global Security | 1 February, 2018

Need a study break? Dramatic limestone cliffs and an old-world charm make this coastal resort a must-do day trip, says Master's student Marissa Piccolo, from Connecticut, USA.

Murlagh nature
Marissa Piccolo, MA Global Security | 25 January, 2018

Combining sea and mountains and more fresh air than your lungs can handle, the stunning Mourne Mountains should be top of your Northern Ireland travel bucket list, says Master's student Marissa Piccolo, from Connecticut, USA.