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Queen's Insider

Welcome to Queen's Insider! Curated and written by our staff members from Queen's Global, this blog is a resource for both current and prospective students, offering information on applications, student support, and life in Belfast.

Whether you’re considering joining Queen’s, or are a current student navigating university life, these blogs aim to bring the Queen’s experience to life for you!

QUB Sailing Club in Rathmullan
Spotlight on Queen's Sailing Club Spotlight on Queen's Sailing Club : News article ID 4548034
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 15 September, 2025

Thinking of joining one of our clubs or societies? Find out more about the Sailing Club at Queen’s.

Group of students walking through QUB campus
How to Make Friends at University How to Make Friends at University : News article ID 3091893
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 9 September, 2025

Whether you’re coming to Belfast from the other side of the world or from just down the road, starting university can be a daunting experience - and one you should not face alone. Find out how you can forge long lasting friendships at Queen's!

Students sitting on bench, one holding a coffee cup
Welcome to the New UCAS Personal Statement: A Friendly Introduction from Queen’s University Belfast Welcome to the New UCAS Personal Statement: A Friendly Introduction from Queen’s University Belfast : News article ID 4599055
Matt (Staff Writer) | 8 September, 2025

Hello, I'm Matt, Student Recruitment Officer at Queen’s University Belfast. I know the UCAS personal statement often feels like you are writing your life’s story in one go and on one side of A4, intimidating, vague, and exhausting!

Group of students having a conversation in the Quad
Top Tips for Your First Few Weeks at Queen’s University Belfast Top Tips for Your First Few Weeks at Queen’s University Belfast : News article ID 4537798
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 1 September, 2025

Starting university this September? We’re so excited to welcome you to Queen’s!

QUB campus tour
Everything You Need to Know as a First-Year Queen’s University Student Everything You Need to Know as a First-Year Queen’s University Student : News article ID 4437465
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 11 August, 2025

Joining us in September? We have put together a guide for everything you need to know from what to bring to your student accommodation to staying safe.

Wall art in Reboot cafe showing different types of gaming console remotes
Reboot Cafe: A Vibrant Social Space for All Reboot Cafe: A Vibrant Social Space for All : News article ID 4422251
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 1 August, 2025

If you’re looking for a change of scenery to enjoy a coffee, or a quick bite for lunch with a side of interactive entertainment, Reboot Cafe at Queen’s is the perfect spot for catchups, family days-out and competitive fun.

Person holding mug labelled Busy Introverting
Things to Do in Belfast for Introverts Things to Do in Belfast for Introverts : News article ID 4371843
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 25 July, 2025

If you’re an introvert studying in Belfast, here are some of the best introvert-friendly things to do in the city.

Group of students walking to class
Study Abroad: My Queen’s Experience Study Abroad: My Queen’s Experience : News article ID 4033667
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 21 July, 2025

Thinking of spending a semester or year studying abroad in Belfast? Hear from our Study Abroad students on their experience at Queen’s!

Group of people sitting on bus
The Best Places You Can Visit from Belfast, via Bus! The Best Places You Can Visit from Belfast, via Bus! : News article ID 4322258
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 14 July, 2025

Hoping to fill your calendar with scenic day trips over the summer break? Check out our list of popular hot spots that are only a comfortable bus journey away from Belfast.

Group of students sitting at table in the Treehouse
Social Spaces Around Campus Social Spaces Around Campus : News article ID 4225793
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 20 June, 2025

Whether you’re looking to relax before a lecture, meet new people, or just enjoy a good coffee, campus has plenty of welcoming spaces to unwind, study, or socialise.

Two male students walking down cobblestoned street in Cathedral Quarter
What’s Going On in Belfast This Summer? What’s Going On in Belfast This Summer? : News article ID 4069029
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 21 May, 2025

Spending your summer here? From massive outdoor gigs and vibrant parades to chilled book fests and cultural celebrations, Belfast has something happening every week.

Inclusion Society group photo
Spotlight on the Inclusion Society at Queen's Spotlight on the Inclusion Society at Queen's : News article ID 3766938
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 2 May, 2025

Thinking of joining one of our clubs or societies? Find out more about the Inclusion Society at Queen’s.

Group of five students laughing together while sitting on steps of Queen's campus building
10 Reasons Why Our Students Chose to Study at Queen’s 10 Reasons Why Our Students Chose to Study at Queen’s : News article ID 3673140
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 25 April, 2025

Thinking of coming to Queen’s? Here are all the reasons why our current students decided to study here.

Three students stand together at balcony in One Elmwood
International Students at Queen’s: Experiences in Belfast and Beyond International Students at Queen’s: Experiences in Belfast and Beyond : News article ID 3673053
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 21 April, 2025

Read how our international students are spending their free time in and around Belfast and Queen’s!

White flowers blooming on trees in the Quad
How to Make the Most of Spring Break in Belfast/NI How to Make the Most of Spring Break in Belfast/NI : News article ID 3897262
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 9 April, 2025

Spring (Easter) break is upon us, and if you're unsure how to enjoy your time off from classes and studying, we have you covered. Read below for our recommendations on spring walks, day trips and seasonal activities.

Group of students sitting on the grass in the quad
Thinking of Coming to Queen’s? Here’s Some Advice from Our Current Students Thinking of Coming to Queen’s? Here’s Some Advice from Our Current Students : News article ID 3673119
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 17 March, 2025

We asked our current students what advice they would give to those thinking of applying to Queen’s, and here’s what they had to say.

St Patrick's Day themed cookies
Celebrate St Patrick's Day in Belfast and Beyond! Celebrate St Patrick's Day in Belfast and Beyond! : News article ID 3737211
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 7 March, 2025

For a Queen's student living in Belfast, St Patrick's Day is a fun-filled highlight in the city's social calendar that's not to be missed. Find out how you can join in the celebrations this year in Belfast and further afield!

Two people in coats and hats sitting by a river
From Belfast to the World: My Queen’s Experience From Belfast to the World: My Queen’s Experience : News article ID 3617696
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 5 February, 2025

Calling all current and prospective Queen's students – are you keen to explore new cities and cultures during your time at university? Hear from our students about their adventures while studying and volunteering abroad.

One Elmwood front entrance
Why Queen’s Students' Union is Your Key to an Unforgettable University Experience Why Queen’s Students' Union is Your Key to an Unforgettable University Experience : News article ID 3617694
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 4 February, 2025

Here’s everything you need to know about the Queen’s Students' Union and how it can support you during your time at the university.

Books on several shelves
Our Students’ Favourite Things about their Courses Our Students’ Favourite Things about their Courses : News article ID 3596764
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 27 January, 2025

Students from a range of backgrounds and disciplines tell us why they love their courses at Queen’s!

Three students walking through City Hall grounds
GB Students: Why Queen's for Undergraduate Study GB Students: Why Queen's for Undergraduate Study : News article ID 3508602
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 10 January, 2025

Are you weighing your options for university and wondering, 'should I stay or should I go?' - read our top 5 reasons why you should take the leap and put down your roots in Belfast and at Queen's.

Five students walking past the QUB music building
NI Students: Why Queen’s for Undergraduate Study NI Students: Why Queen’s for Undergraduate Study : News article ID 3508601
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 7 January, 2025

As a student from Northern Ireland, you are fortunate to have a globally respected university right at your doorstep. Here are four key reasons why you should set your sights on Queen’s for undergraduate study.

Group of four students in kitchen accommodation
A Guide to University Accommodation Research A Guide to University Accommodation Research : News article ID 3422816
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 3 January, 2025

Going to university is an exciting chapter in your life, and once you start receiving offers, it’s time to think about where you’ll call home during your first year.

Issues of The Apiary in a row
Spotlight on the Queen’s Writers’ Society Spotlight on the Queen’s Writers’ Society : News article ID 3409997
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 27 December, 2024

Thinking of joining one of our clubs or societies? Find out more about the Writers’ Society at Queen’s.

K Pop Society group photo
Spotlight on the K-pop Society Spotlight on the K-pop Society : News article ID 3393726
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 25 December, 2024

Thinking of joining one of our clubs or societies? Find out more about the K-pop Society at Queen’s.

Teddy Bear Society group
Spotlight on the Teddy Bear Hospital Society Spotlight on the Teddy Bear Hospital Society : News article ID 3393724
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 23 December, 2024

Thinking of joining one of our clubs or societies? Find out more about the Teddy Bear Hospital Society at Queen’s.

Front of Belfast city hall at Christmas 2024
Christmas at Queen’s and in Belfast Christmas at Queen’s and in Belfast : News article ID 3360862
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 13 December, 2024

Make the most of the winter break in Belfast and take part in a variety of festive celebrations across the city this December!

Pink piggy bank with notes and coins on either side
Student Budgeting and Tips: Making Your Money Go Further Student Budgeting and Tips: Making Your Money Go Further : News article ID 3343410
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 27 November, 2024

Most students find themselves on a tight budget, so if you want to learn how to budget properly and save money while at university, you’re in the right place.

Belfast Pride Parade 2023
LGBTQ+ Spaces in and Around Queen’s LGBTQ+ Spaces in and Around Queen’s : News article ID 3336270
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 20 November, 2024

Queen’s is home to over 25000 students, and welcomes all students regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Below are several key venues, societies and events that aim to provide safe and vibrant spaces for our students!

Halloween cookies
Have a Happy Halloween in Belfast! Have a Happy Halloween in Belfast! : News article ID 3211412
Hannah (Staff Writer) | 18 October, 2024

Spooky season is here! Check out our top recommendations for Halloween themed history tours, club nights, film screenings and more.

Mental Health Matters picture on ipad
Looking After Your Mental Health as a Queen’s University Student Looking After Your Mental Health as a Queen’s University Student : News article ID 3151130
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 2 October, 2024

With World Mental Health Day coming up on 10th October, here are some tips on how you can look after your mental health as a university student.

Student writing notes on table while wearing headphones
The Ultimate Guide to UCAS Applications The Ultimate Guide to UCAS Applications : News article ID 3098893
Zoe Brankin (Staff Writer) | 25 September, 2024

The time has come to apply to university, but how does the process work if you’re applying to a university in the UK? In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the UCAS application process.