Getting Started at Queen’s

MyQueen’s is the one-stop shop for everything related to studying and student life at Queen’s. We offer support from day one, from Airport Welcomes, Pre-Semester Programmes to help setting up a GP or UK bank account, and more.

Don’t forget to check out our Preparing for Queen’s resource, packed with essential info, insightful podcasts and practical tips for the year ahead.  

Like we said, we’re here to support you from day one. So whether you need advice on finances, wellbeing or academic support, our dedicated teams are ready to help.

A Guide to Support Services at Queen’s

Accommodation

Queen’s Accommodation 

If you’re living in halls, you already know your bills are included. But what isn’t included in your price? 

• Freshers Accommodation: Essential Kit List - Student Charlotte offers up the essential kit list for what to pack, from clothing to kitchen essentials.
• How to ‘Cosy Up’ Your Student Accommodation - Student Ghada is here to help you make your student accommodation more homely. 

Off-Campus Accommodation

If you have decided to live off-campus in private student accommodation, you will need to make your own arrangements for essential bills on top of your rent. 

• Moving into Student Accommodation: What to Consider - Student Charlotte has put together a list of everything you need to know and do when moving into private student accommodation.
• How to Decorate Your Private Accommodation with Roommates - Make your student house a home with tips from student Manasa. 

Making friends and getting involved

From Freshers’ Week to joining one (or more) of our 240 clubs and societies here at Queen’s, there are plenty of ways to meet people and make friends.

Belfast is known for its friendly locals and there’s lots to explore. It’s also an extremely walkable city, with the city centre only a 15-minute walk from the Lanyon Building. Social media is a great way to find out what’s happening around the city, from book clubs and social events to much more.

Sport plays an important part in the student experience at Queen’s, whether you’re interested in keeping active, trying a new sport, being part of a team or representing the university, you can get involved with Queen’s Sport. 

Budgeting and money tips

Worried about the cost of going to university? Good news, Belfast is the UK’s most affordable student city (NatWest Student Living Index 2024). Living expenses will differ depending on your lifestyle, but you can compare costs like rent, bills and tuition to other universities in the UK in our Student Living Cost section.

Money can go fast, between food, nights out, books and rent. It adds up quickly! If university will be the first time you’re managing your finances, we’ve got budgeting tips here, as well as a dedicated support team if you need it. 

Here at Queen’s we give all our students the opportunity to find part-time work on campus. A part-time job is a great way to earn extra cash, help build confidence, learn valuable skills, make new friends and give your CV a boost. 

Cooking and Food Shopping

Heading to university and don’t know how to cook? There’s still time to learn! 

Before you leave home, try to get familiar with the basics. Ask a family member or friend to show you some simple techniques and teach you how to make a few of your favourite dishes. That way, you can bring a taste of home with you to uni.

Need inspiration? There are plenty of great student-friendly recipe websites to get you started:

• BBC Good Food Student Recipes
• Tesco Easy Student Meals
• Save the Student Recipes
• The Student Food Project Vegetarian
• The Student Food Project Vegan

Social media is also a goldmine for quick, easy, and affordable recipes, especially TikTok. We recommend checking out local food blogger Bored of Lunch, who’s known for sharing simple air fryer and slow cooker meals that are perfect for student life.

When it comes to grocery shopping in Belfast, some of the best places are Tesco, Iceland, Lidl, B&M, and Home Bargains. And don’t forget about The Pantry, located on the Ground Floor of One Elmwood Student Centre and Students’ Union. It’s a free refill station offering essentials like household items, fresh produce, herbs, spices, and more.

A Taste of Home, Away from Home!

Academic Life

University might feel quite different from school, but you'll still need to come prepared for class.

At the very least, bring a pen and a notebook or some paper so you can take notes during lectures and participate in group work. Some students prefer to print their lecture slides, take notes on a laptop or tablet, or write everything by hand. It all depends on what works best for you.

If you don’t own a laptop, don’t worry, the university library has computers available for student use and laptops available to borrow. 

When it comes to course materials, you won’t need to buy every book on the reading list. Most of the recommended texts can be borrowed from the university library.

It's also worth noting that the UK university system places a greater emphasis on independent study compared to school. You'll be expected to manage your own time, engage with reading and research outside of lectures, and take responsibility for your learning, but support is always available if you need it.

Student safety on campus

At Queen’s University Belfast, your safety and wellbeing are a top priority. The campus has 24/7 security, dedicated support services, and close ties with the local community to help make sure you feel safe and supported throughout your time here.

More information on student safety and important contacts

Find out more

Student life at Queen's

My Queen's hub

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Zoe Brankin Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Zoe, and I'm proud to be part of the Queen's Global team.     Over the past six years, I've held roles that let me create content for a variety of audiences, from start-ups to larger organisations. At Queen's, I'm always exploring new and creative ways to bring fresh content ideas to our main website.   Outside of work, I love reading (I even run a local book club), spending time with my dogs, and never missing an opportunity for a coffee or brunch outing.