Queen's Challenge You

Whether you are a new student or a returning student, it is important to keep up-to-date on all new information related to learning at Queen's this year. From studying to student life, volunteering to sports, we've got the basics covered!

1. Queen’s Online

Get off to a good start

If you haven't received your student number and log-in credentials just yet, you can get a head start on familiarising yourself with Queen's-based platforms and systems.

Download the Queen’s App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, browse through the Queen’s website, and specifically MyQueen’s, which contains lots of useful information on life and studying at Queen’s!

Once you have received your login information, you can familiarise yourself with Queen’s online platforms and QSIS, learn to navigate and tour the online platforms and resources.

Need support?

•  For QSIS, email reghelp@qub.ac.uk 

• For QOL, email itservicedesk@qub.ac.uk

2. University Expectations and Useful Advice

Preparation is key!

Check out your School’s Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.

You will be able to access your School Handbook via Queen’s Online, or by getting in contact with your School Office.

We are hoping that this year’s University experience will look closer to near normal, so make sure you familiarise yourself with on-campus life!

3. Easy Living

Your home, your community

Consider your accommodation options: Will it be Queen's Accommodation, a private rental, or will you commute? More information can be found in the links below:

Queen's Accommodation | Advice SU advice on House Hunting | Translink (Public Transport) 

• Watch our video on the 5 Benefits to Queen's Accommodation

4. Equip Yourself

Being Prepared is Key

Having a solid plan on what to bring (or bring back) to university will make life so much easier. From tea towels and laundry baskets, to lamps and slippers - creating a checklist is a great way to get started!

Check out this useful list on the essentials you need - pack smartly & practically.

• Watch our video on the 6 ESSENTIALS to pack for Student Life in Belfast

5. Notice

Take Notice of the Things around You

Taking Notice is one of the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing.

Why not have a walk around campus, and explore your new surroundings?

The Queen’s Quarter contains lots of hidden gems and local beauty spots!

Take a photo and tag us at #LoveQUB to show us what you’ve found.

6. Study Spaces

Find a comfortable study space which works for you

Make sure you know how to use the facilities to get the most out of your time in-between classes and studying. At the McClay Library, these include quiet spaces, access to journals, special collections, and the famous C.S. Lewis Reading Room.

If you are a Postgraduate Student, the Graduate School has beautiful space for you to study. Set in the stunning former Lynn Library, this is the perfect setting for you to expand your ideas!

7. Canvas

Have you discovered the potential of Canvas?

Canvas is the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) at Queen’s. You will be spending lots of time on Canvas immersing yourself in our cutting-edge technology, accessing world-class learning resources, and engaging with your studies.

Get a head start by checking out some of its features over at the Canvas Blog for Students.

8. Health

Planning for Your Health & Wellbeing is an Important Step

Are you registered with a GP (General Pracitioner) in Belfast? When you arrive or return to Belfast, having a GP in the local area is going to be important.

Check out our guide on registering with a local GP here.

9. Active

Join a dance class, get involved in online classes, and try something new!

Being active is one of the “Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing”. Even a single bout of exercise or physical activity of less than ten minutes can improve your mood, and is a great way to stay healthy.

We are challenging you to try a new way to be active today!

Not sure where to start? Check out some great online workouts that can be found on the Queen’s Sport YouTube channel, including workouts such as Pilates, Yoga, and HIIT (High Interval Intensity Training) videos.

10. Love Learning

“Keep Learning” is one of the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing!

Discover your full learning potential and study smarter by accessing all that our Learning Development Service has to offer for Undergraduate students, and the Graduate School’s Academic Essentials course for Postgraduate students

We challenge you to check out the events, skills workshops, or one-to-one study skills consultations with LDS or the Graduate School!

11. Love Belfast

Explore the City's social hub & where you will be living this year!

Get familiar with the city, do some sightseeing and make Belfast feel like home!

Check out this VisitBelfast webpage for information on famous attractions like: the Titanic Museum, the Linen Hall Library and Belfast Castle.

Not arrived in Belfast yet? Check out some of the virtual events they have to offer in Belfast.

12. Events

Events can be a great way to make new friends, meet new people, or just spend some time away from studying.

Get involved in events locally, whether they are university-based, or Belfast-based. Use the What’s on at Queen’s website to keep up-to-date with events across the University, check out the Students’ Union, and look at local What’s On Guides for inspiration!

13. Navigate

The campus can seem overwhelming at first.

Use the maps located at key points on campus and the Queen’s website to learn how to navigate between your teaching venues and facilities you will be using frequently.

We will also have Campus Guides on-site for the first few weeks to help you with wayfinding, and any other queries you may have!

Do you know how to get to the McClay Library and your own School office?

Use the online maps and resources to explore the campus.

14. Give

Small acts of kindness are always appreciated!

Even the smallest acts of kindness could mean the world to someone and help your own sense of wellbeing.

Look out for others – see someone on their own, and looking a bit unsure or anxious? Say hello!

Moving into accommodation? Introduce yourself to your neighbours and see if they need a hand in getting settled.

Know your way to the next lecture while someone else clearly doesn’t? Offer to direct them or let them accompany you!

15. Expert Advice

We’re here to support you

Whether you want to know about support for students with disabilities, help with academic skills developments, careers advice or international student support, the Student Guidance Centre provides an extensive range of student support services.

Check it out here and come visit us!

16. Your Wellbeing

Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health

Do you have a diagnosed medical condition (including mental health conditions or a specific learning difficulty) that you have not yet disclosed to University?

You may be eligible to register with our Disability Services team who can offer a range of additional supports to support you to study to your full potential. Information for students can be found here.

All students can access the University’s Student Wellbeing Service at any time for emotional support if concerned for their own or another student’s wellbeing.

17. Offers & Options

Is there anything more satisfying than securing a bargain on that treat you've been wishing for?!

One thing you won’t be spoilt for at Queen’s is options – whether study-related or the fun variety.

A massive range of supports and services are at your fingertips and only a click away.

Whether its Careers Advice, making the most of your university experience through Student Plus, Global Opportunities & study abroad, or even placement options, make the most of the services available at Queen’s to customise your experience!

Keep an eye out for student discounts when shopping, eating out and going for drinks! Many places in Belfast offer discounts to students.

Shopping online? Apps such as UniDays are also great for bargain-hunting and buying technology.

18. Uni here I come!

Make it happen!

Set yourself some goals to get the best start to university that you can.

You may want to meet new friends, attend all lectures, join a club – whatever the goal or goals, write them down and break them down into small achieve steps

“A goal without a plan is just a wish” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Completed the Challenge?

How did you get on?

Let us know how you got on. Submit your comments or photos below to be entered into a prize draw

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