"I love meeting people from all over the world, and Freshers' Fair made that happen"

"Freshers' Fair was an eye-opener. The number of clubs and societies blew me away – I mean, a Poker Society? A Rubber Duck Society? Who knew! One that really caught my eye was the SDLP Society (yes, a political society). Coming from Malaysia, where politics on campus is a no-go, seeing students openly engaging in political discussions was so refreshing. But the real highlight? The cultural societies! From finding my own (Malaysian Student Society Northern Ireland) to meeting people from the Islamic Society, African and Caribbean Society, and more. I love meeting people from all over the world, and Freshers' Fair made that happen.

Fast forward to my final year, and the tables have turned! As Vice President of MSSNI, I got to be on the other side of the booth, welcoming new students from all walks of life. Making friends and learning about different cultures firsthand has been the most rewarding part of my university experience."

Keith See Choy Xing, Law, Malaysia

"I witnessed friendships forming in real time"

"I would say the highlight of my experience at the Freshers’ Fair was getting to speak with passionate students of so many different interests. I never really thought I’d meet folks as feral about philosophy, fashion, theatre, film and so on as I am. At the Freshers’ Fair, while perusing the clubs and societies, I realised Queen’s was a place for people to find their people. It felt like some big, cosmic reunion. Clumps of new students gathered around tables catering to their interests. I witnessed friendships forming in real time, and it was absolutely magical."

Brittany Marasciulo-Rivera, MA Creative Writing, New York, USA

"My highlight has to be all the freebies available"

"Freshers’ Fair is always worth a visit! I couldn’t attend this year as I’ve started my clinical placements, but when I attended in first and second year, I loved it! Getting to see all the unique and varied societies that Queen's has across the academic and non-academic days was fantastic. There truly is something for everyone. I won’t lie though, my highlight just has to all the freebies available - whether that be vouchers, food and drink, bags, keychains, stickers…the list is endless!

Even with that, I’d 100 per cent recommend bringing some money with you each day to join the societies. Most have a small joining fee to help them run different events throughout the year; some are even free! Going can help you find out society specific events and get a chance to check out their social media channels if you need more info before wanting to join."

Callista Middleton, Medicine, NI

"There's a community for everyone at Queen's"

"Freshers’ Fair is certainly a must-do. I was blown away by the amount of options laid out. The societies that really caught my eye included the English, French and Fashion society. The language societies run excellent socials which include meeting up in local pubs or coffee shops to practice casual conversation in the chosen language, and the Fashion society runs many fun creative events such as painting tote bags and glasses. Of course, the annual fashion-show is a must do. It’s great craic even just to go watch, but also if you’re brave enough you can sign up to model or design the clothes yourself! Overall, there’s a community for everyone at Queen’s."

Faye Colhoun, English and French, NI

"I was able to check out the different clubs and societies in such a calm environment"

"Part of my adaptation here in Queen’s and Belfast was meeting people, having new experiences and just having fun. What I love about Freshers’ Fair is that not only you can meet new people throughout that entire week, but you can also get involved in one or several of the many clubs and societies that students run. There’s something for everyone, so I was sure I was going to find the right fit for me. It’s also a great way to get immersed in the Northern Irish culture!

The one thing that impressed me the most was the Quiet Hour: a space specially reserved for people with diverse needs, where noise and lighting are reduced to a minimum. I didn’t expect something like that and was so grateful for it. I was able to check out the different clubs and societies in such a calm environment!"

Miguel Ruiz Reyes, BSc Psychology, El Salvador, Latin America

"The perfect place to discover the society that is right for you"

A fantastic way to settle in and meet people at Queen's is through the many societies they have—whether you love line dancing, karaoke, rubber ducks, or even quidditch, Queen’s has over 220 societies to explore! The Freshers' Fair is the perfect place to discover the society that is right for you and grab some freebies along the way! (You don’t even have to be a fresher to attend).

The main society I am involved in is Queen’s Christian Union, which holds various events throughout the week, and as with any society, was a great way to get to know lots of other people with the same passions as myself!

Chloe McCann, BA English, NI

"It was so well organised"

"There were so many different clubs, societies and Pizza Co and IKEA were there too! It was so well organised and it was a great way to have a look around and sign up to something familiar or try out something new."

Priscilla Jeyaraj, PhD Medicine, Malaysia

"I was really excited to share my experience with others"

I attended Fresher’s Fair as a Go Global Ambassador, which meant I got to speak to loads of students about studying abroad. I’ve just completed a year in Spain, and I was really excited to share my experience with others and encourage them to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them!

Grace Nelson, Law with Spanish, Donegal, Ireland

Find out more

How to Navigate Freshers' Fair

Freshers' Week: Expectations Vs Reality

Your Essential Guide to Freshers' Week

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