Choosing the “perfect” university can feel extremely overwhelming, especially when you’re applying for Medicine. With so many options, rankings and opinions, it’s hard to know what will suit you. Looking back, choosing Queen’s University Belfast was one of the best decisions I’ve made and here’s why.

A World-Class Education in a Supportive Environment

As a medical student, I knew I wanted to attend a university that offered a world-class education but didn’t lose sight of student wellbeing. Queen’s struck that balance perfectly. The campus itself, located just outside Belfast city centre, is beautiful and steeped in history and culture. Whether it’s studying late in the McClay Library with friends or unwinding in the Botanic Gardens with an ice cream (on the rare days where it's not raining), there’s a real sense of balance between work and downtime.

Queen’s is also ranked within the top 200 universities globally (QS and The World University Rankings 2026), which gave me the confidence that I would be receiving a high-quality education in an encouraging environment.

What it's like studying at a Russell Group University

Student Accommodation 

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially if you’re coming from outside Northern Ireland. One of the reasons Queen’s appealed to me was the guaranteed accommodation for incoming ROI and international students. Knowing I had a safe and convenient place to live removed a lot of stress during the application process.
 
Accommodation is well located, with shops and facilities nearby and just a short walk from campus. It’s also a great way to meet people and form friendships early on. Regular events make it especially welcoming for students who don’t travel home on the weekends.

Opportunities beyond the Lecture Theatre

One of the biggest advantages of studying at Queen’s is the wide range of opportunities available outside the classroom. As a member of the Russell Group, Queen’s is one of the 24 leading UK-research intensive universities. This means that as a medical student, you’re studying in an environment where innovation and discovery are at the forefront.

Morning Lecture in the Medical Biology Centre

Several research centres are located close to the Medical Biology Centre, offering students the chance the get involved in research early on. Paid Summer Studentships, running 4-8 weeks, are a great way to develop practical research experience, build transferable skills, and strengthen your CV. These studentships can also be completed remotely, making them an accessible opportunity for international students who may return home over the summer months.

There are also opportunities to collaborate with other universities worldwide, such as the Joslin Summer Research Placement Scheme, which provides two students with the chance to carry out diabetes-related research at Harvard Medical School.

Student Life and the Students' Union

The Students' Union at Queen’s is genuinely outstanding. From the moment I walked into One Elmwood, I felt a strong sense of community. It’s no surprise that it was ranked Number 1 Students’ Union in the UK at the WhatUni Choice Awards 2025.

There are countless academic, sporting and social societies which make it easy to find balance alongside a demanding medical degree. The Union is incredibly student-focused, offering free breakfasts and lunches, a pantry with essential groceries, a swap shop and support for finances, exams, CV building and wellbeing. Students also have the opportunity to work through QWork, gaining experience and earning money while studying.

Working at Winter Graduation through QWork

Life in Belfast

Coming from a rural background, moving to a city was a big change but Belfast felt very manageable, friendly and welcoming. It’s a vibrant city with plenty to do, while still being close to nature. Public transport makes it easy to explore the rest of Northern Ireland, whether it’s a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway, Derry/Londonderry or even Dublin. This balance between city life and green space has been something I’ve really appreciated.

Day Trip to the Giant’s Causeway

My Advice to Prospective Students

1) Attend an open day or campus tour (this is what solidified my decision) – experiencing the campus in person can give a true sense of the environment and community.

2) Speak to current students and ask honest questions – they’ll be able to share insights which you won’t find in brochures.

3) Read student blogs and forums – these provide a realistic view of student life, academics, and support systems.

4) Remember that everything will eventually all fall into place – finding the right university isn’t about perfection; it’s about fit, support and growth. 

Find out more

Information for students from Ireland

ROI Students: Why I Chose Queen's University Belfast

5 Reasons Why You Should Study in Belfast: An ROI Student’s Perspective

Alannah Canavan Medicine | Undergraduate Student | Mayo, Ireland Hi! My name is Alannah, a 20-year-old student originally from a small farm in the North-West of Mayo. I’m currently a third-year medical student at Queen’s University Belfast and I can honestly say I’ve never enjoyed my course so much. I love how I’m able to combine my fascination with human biology and my passion to helping patients during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Although the course can be quite busy at times, I make a conscious effort to become involved in university opportunities and societies, such as medical societies like SCRUBS. I hope my blogs will be helpful to other students considering coming to Queen’s or studying Medicine. If you see me around campus or in the hospital, please say hello! I’d be delighted to meet you and share more about my life as a student. I’m excited to begin my clinical years and continue developing both academically and personally, while meeting even more people at Queen’s.