After years of anticipation, I was finally in a novel country all by myself. As I frantically searched for my lost suitcases at Belfast City Airport on September 10, my heart sank. As an international student, alone in a new country, surrounded by strangers, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. I filled out a lengthy form, hoping my luggage would be found. With just my cabin luggage, personal documents, a little money, no sim card and an Airbnb booking, I found a taxi, checked in and felt safe for the night.

Welcome and Orientation

The next day, I received a call that my suitcases had been found, and I could finally breathe a sigh of relief. With my belongings finally found, I headed to welcome and orientation, where I was greeted with a wealth of information about student life, from key contacts to the best pubs in town (P.S. It’s the Union Bar).

Grab pizza and pints at the SU Bar

The orientation sowed a seed of excitement for the year ahead, despite the initial challenge of understanding the local accent. I moved into my student accommodation and with the staff's help, I got settled in quickly. However, my forgetfulness soon got the better of me, and I found myself locked out of my room with no phone or fob. Full of embarrassment, I walked to the reception and asked for help.

They asked me for my student number and I felt shameful in letting her know that I didn’t remember it, but instead of making me feel stupid she assured me that it’s alright and my room number would suffice. A trip to reception and the kindness of the staff taught me that even in moments of embarrassment, help is always available.

Starting my course

September 17 marked the start of my MSc Clinical Health Psychology course. I had made a few friends, and we decided to walk to class together. I chose a seat in the middle rows, avoiding the backbencher's domain and the front row's studious bookworms. As I settled into the University lecture hall, I realised that the anticipation that I had come with, this nervousness of being unable to understand the accent wasn't as difficult - scratch that, it was more just 'newness' rather than difficulty to understand.

Queen's international students learn NI slang

The next two weeks flew by (With Belfast winds, quite literally) in a whirlwind of GP registrations, getting a sim card, opening a bank account, making friends, and attending the Freshers' Fair. With over 240 societies to choose from and applying for the student council, my schedule was jam-packed. Amidst all this, the university provided numerous opportunities to unwind, from city sightseeing tours to treks to Cave Hill, and plenty of free food to keep me fueled.

Freshers' Week

Freshers' Week was a highlight, with free goodies that have become essentials: tote bags for university lectures or Tesco runs, notebooks, pens, and highlighters. I also attended the university's biggest night, "The Rodeo and Ravers Freshers Night," where with every beat of the song I was able to let go of my fears and develop a sense of belonging to Queen's and to Belfast. Later, attending events organised by the Indian Society, like Navratri and the Bollywood Night, made me feel closer to my country and reassured me that I could still celebrate my traditions in a foreign land.

Freshers' Week: Free tote bags!

Long story short, I find Queen's to be very accommodating of my error-proneness. The university has so much to offer that you never find yourself at a halt, but in the case where you do want to slow down, they have a provision for that too. If a clumsy person like me can find optimism and positivity so easily in just a month, you can also!

Find out more

Queen's Bucket List for New Students

My First Year at Queen’s: What I Wish I Knew

Advice for New Students at Queen’s: Building Your Foundation Beyond the Classroom

Nishita Lakhani MSc Clinical Health Psychology | Postgraduate Student | India Hello there! I am Nishita Lakhani, an MSc Clinical Health Psychology student. I am a published author and a film enthusiast. I’ve been a sports person and I love volunteering and taking up responsibility.  As an international student, I am just as scared as you are. So let’s figure this out together and please feel free to ask me any questions you have, and I’ll try my best to answer them!