Choosing Queen’s

I’m now in my final year of Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast, and looking back over the past four years has been incredible. When I was deciding where to study, Queen’s stood out straight away. It’s a Russell Group university with a brilliant reputation, but what really drew me in was how they teach Medicine.

We had early clinical exposure from second year, which meant getting onto wards and into GP practices much sooner than most courses, and we also had full cadaveric dissection, which gave me a deep understanding of anatomy. I knew I wanted a place where I could grow both academically and personally, and Queen’s offered that balance perfectly.

Moving to Belfast

Moving to Belfast felt exciting but also a little daunting at first. I didn’t know anyone, but the welcome and orientation week really helped me settle in. Staff, student mentors and the international support teams were all so approachable and friendly. Within a few days the city started to feel like home. Belfast itself turned out to be a brilliant student city, it’s affordable compared with most of the UK, very walkable and compact, and there’s a real sense of community with people from all over the world.

Snow day adventures on Black Mountain! Nothing like a spontaneous snow fight with friends to make Belfast feel even more magical.

Life at Queen’s and in Belfast

Over the years I’ve fallen in love with the city. There’s a vibrant café culture, live music and plenty of green spaces to relax in. Queen’s has societies for pretty much every interest, from cultural clubs to sports to volunteering. Joining societies was one of the best things I did; it helped me make friends and opened me up to experiences I never imagined before coming here. My flatmates and classmates have become some of my closest friends, and weekends often meant exploring Northern Ireland’s coastline or hiking the Mourne Mountains.

Tips for Students from India

If you’re coming from India and thinking about studying at Queen’s, my advice would be to:

• Sort out accommodation early because the student housing is great and close to campus.
• Bring a few things from home - photos, small decorations or even favourite snacks make your room feel comforting in those first few weeks.
• Get involved in societies and clubs as soon as you can, budget smartly, and say yes to new experiences; the more you explore, the faster you’ll feel at home.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling. Queen’s has excellent support services for international students, academic issues and wellbeing, and the staff genuinely want to help. The International Student Support, Student Wellbeing Service and peer mentoring schemes are all great resources.

Study break stroll through Botanic Gardens, the perfect escape from McClay Library

Looking Back

Now, as I finish my final year, I can honestly say choosing Queen’s was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The combination of world-class teaching, early clinical experience and the warmth of Belfast has shaped not just my medical career but also who I am as a person. If you’re thinking about studying here, I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. Queen's has given me a fantastic medical education and memories for life.

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Suhani Bansal Medicine | Undergraduate Student | India Hello there! I’m Suhani, a final-year medical student with a love for games, running, and discovering new places to eat (recommendations always welcome!). When I’m not studying, you’ll probably find me exploring the city, catching up with friends, or trying to convince myself that running counts as cardio and therapy.