The application process

Applying for Queen’s University accommodation was very straightforward. I first created an account on the Queen’s Accommodation portal, filled in my personal details, and ranked my preferred room types. Applicants are required to select up to 10 preferences, so although you may have a first choice, there is no absolute guarantee you will get it.

One thing that really reassured me was that no payment is required at the point of application, which made the process much less stressful. For international students, a room offer is guaranteed as long as you firmly accept your offer from Queen’s and apply for accommodation before the specified deadline.

I personally felt very lucky because I was allocated my first-choice room. I received the confirmation email about one month before my move-in date, and I still remember how happy and relieved I felt when I saw it. (For reference, more information can be found on the Queen’s Accommodation website).

Arrival and check-in process

I arrived in Belfast late at night after a long travel day of more than 10 hours. My friend and I took a taxi from Belfast City Airport to Elms Village, which was the most convenient and affordable option for us.

Even though we arrived at the reception at around 10pm, the staff were still there and were incredibly friendly. The check-in process was quick and efficient. After showing my passport for identity verification, I was given an envelope containing my key fob, and that was it.

As an international student, I was quite nervous about handling accommodation procedures on my own in a new country. However, the welcoming attitude of the reception staff immediately put me at ease. At the time, my accommodation fee was £157 per week, which I felt was reasonable considering the facilities and support provided.

Getting settled in and welcome events

One of the biggest advantages of living in university-managed accommodation is the level of support and care provided by the management team. They regularly organise small-scale events to help students settle in and feel part of the community.

There were welcome events during the first few weeks at the treehouse, including one where we made friendship bracelets, which was a lovely and relaxed way to meet new people and break the ice. My personal favourite event is Tunes and Toasties, held every Tuesday. It’s such a cosy experience, listening to live music while enjoying freshly made ham and cheese toasties (with vegetarian options available).

These events really helped me feel less homesick during my first few weeks in Belfast. To keep up with upcoming activities, students can follow @qub_accommodation on Instagram.

My room and facilities

I stay in Elms Village Chestnut, in an en-suite, single-sex flat. When I first walked into my room, I was honestly shocked, in a good way. It was much cleaner than I expected. The bathroom was spotless, and the entire room looked almost brand new.

The room is not too big and not too small, just right for one person. I was glad that I brought my own bedsheets, as only a mattress is provided, and being able to make my bed immediately after such a long day felt amazing.

One small culture shock for me was that the bathroom floor doesn’t have a floor drain like in my home country. Regarding heating, each building has its own heating system, which is extremely important during colder months. While there were a few chilly nights from October onwards, the heating during winter has been very reliable and warm.

The shared kitchen is well-equipped with an oven, microwave, toaster, fridge, and stove. If you have flatmates who are mindful of cleanliness, it becomes a really pleasant shared space as it is spacious and functional.

I really appreciate having my own private room. One small detail I love is the warm-coloured ceiling light, which makes the room feel cosy and homely, although sometimes a little too cosy, as I often feel like sleeping as soon as I get back!

Location, safety, and maintenance support

Elms Village is very conveniently located. Walking at a normal pace, it takes around 10 minutes to reach campus, and about 30 minutes to walk to the city centre. Right behind Elms Village is the Lisburn Road, where there is a Tesco and many shops, making grocery shopping very convenient.

Safety is another major plus. There is 24-hour security, and after 11pm, students are required to show their student ID when entering. For maintenance issues, the reporting system is efficient and easy to use. In most cases, problems are resolved within three days.

For example, when I first moved in, my toilet unfortunately would not flush. Thankfully, maintenance staff came the very next day to fix it. Compared to private rentals, where repairs often depend on landlords and can take much longer, this was a huge advantage.

Final thoughts

Living in Elms BT9 has given me a strong sense of security, comfort, and independence as an international student. From the smooth application process to the friendly check-in experience, supportive management team, engaging events, and convenient location, it has been a great place to start my university life in Belfast.

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Information for Malaysian students

Why I Chose Queen’s and My First Adventures in Belfast

Pei Ying Tan Law | Undergraduate Student | Malaysia Hi! I’m Pei Ying, but people call me Miki. I’m from Malaysia and this is my final year at Queen’s, finishing up my LLB Law degree. Outside of studies, I am a content creator who loves sharing little moments of daily life through photos and videos, and exploring Belfast one corner at a time. Belfast itself feels like a built-in filter. Living in Elms Village (BT9) has been such a fun start, and I can’t wait to see what each season here will bring. Hopefully my stories make the journey a bit easier for new students too!