I would like to share a journey through the eyes of a Russian student who has embarked on an academic adventure at Queen’s. The decision to study abroad can be both exciting and daunting, teeming with opportunities for personal growth, learning, and cross-cultural encounters. 

First Impressions

I live at Queen’s accommodation, Elms BT2, ideally located in Belfast city centre. The easy access to all parts of the city makes it fantastic. I didn’t imagine that I could live only four minutes away from the city centre, in the heart of Belfast.

My first impression of Belfast was heartwarming. I found it to be an incredibly cosy city that offers both the vibrant energy of urban life and the charming warmth and peacefulness of Belfast citizens. The people were exceptionally welcoming and always tried to help me with all my emerging issues.

^{Take a tour through Elms BT2 accommodation!}

I fell in love with the city centre and as I explored further, I discovered the university area, which is beautiful and provides a huge number of study places. This combination of a comforting atmosphere, hospitable residents, and a student-friendly environment has only confirmed my belief that Belfast and Queen’s University are great places for studying abroad.

Welcome and Orientation Experience

Queen's University Belfast is renowned for its diverse community, and the university's efforts to make international students feel at home were evident from day one. Upon arrival, I got a pack with all the necessary kitchen appliances and food for 3 days. It made my life so much easier, as an international student I did not know anything about shops in Belfast and I had problems with my payment card. With all the emerging problems, I was able to contact the Students’ Union and feel supported while being far away from home.

^{Hear directly from our international students}

Moreover, when I arrived the orientation programme was a whirlwind of activities designed to introduce us to life at Queen's and in Belfast. From campus tours to registration and informative sessions about clubs, societies, and volunteering, everything was organised to ease our transition into university life. One week of international orientation provided invaluable support for international students. Queen’s staff helped us navigate the practicalities of living in a new country, from opening a bank account to helping with the transport system and sim card.

READ MORE: International Student Survival Guide: Arriving in Belfast

The UK educational system

In my acquaintance with Queen's, I have drawn some interesting conclusions from my experience so far. The UK education system is renowned for its quality and diversity. As a Russian student, the shift from a more structured and theoretical approach to a more analytical style of learning was quite intriguing. The emphasis on critical thinking and independent study in the UK can be quite different from what I am accustomed to back home. There is more freedom in tasks and expressing your opinion, which may cause confusion at first, but ultimately this has a very beneficial effect on your in-depth thinking.

^{What's Postgraduate study like in Belfast?}

Moreover, I have only two days of study at Queen’s during my master’s programme. Does it mean that I party the rest of the time? Unfortunately not!  Most of the work should be done outside of your lectures and you should spend a decent amount of time covering the subject by yourself. There will not be lectures 5 days a week, as usually happens in Russian universities. Here, you are fully responsible for your daily routine. Queen’s University develops one of the most important skills for life – self-discipline.

Slangs and accents

Navigating the local slang and accents has been one of my most amusing challenges. When I first arrived, I was met with phrases that seemed to come from another language. I wondered if I had really been learning English all those years. For example, there's "What's the craic?" a phrase you'll hear in nearly every social interaction, meaning "What's happening?/How are you?", or “That’s grand” meaning “That’s fine/alright”. 

One of my personal favorites is "wee," which has nothing to do with size (though it can) but is often used affectionately to refer to almost anything – a "wee cup of tea" or a "wee walk". It's a word that reflects the endearing spirit of the Northern Ireland people – their tendency to make things feel cozy and personal.

^{What's the craic with NI slang?}

Being a Russian student at Queen’s has been a journey of discovery. The aforementioned experiences have provided a delightful daily challenge. As I continue to navigate this unique culture, I carry with me the knowledge that embracing these differences enriches not only my academic pursuits but also my personal growth. To my fellow international students considering a journey to Northern Ireland: it is an experience that will leave you changed, with a wee bit of Northern Irish charm forever being a part of your story.

Find out more

Russian students: Admissions guide

Welcome and Orientation at Queen's

International student life

Valeriia Gorobchuk Psychological Science (MSc) | Postgraduate Student | Moscow, Russia My name is Valeriia and I am a postgraduate student from Russia. I am also a member of the SU Handy Helpers and Dance Club.