I’ve been living in Belfast for three and a half years now. When choosing a university for my PhD, I focused on finding the right supervision and research fit, with cost of living being a key factor. Adjusting to a new academic environment was challenging. I relied on advice from PhD seniors and the local Chinese community, and by focusing so much on settling into my studies, I didn’t explore much of Northern Ireland — mostly just Belfast city centre and the main campus.

It wasn’t until my second year that I discovered Wellbeing Wednesday at the Thomas J Moran Graduate School. This casual meet-up helped me connect with other students and access support services I hadn’t known about before. In August 2022, Megan from Wellbeing Wednesday introduced me to the orientation events I had missed. I joined a sightseeing bus tour, attended Clubs and Societies Day, and even became a campus tour guide — exploring parts of the university I hadn’t seen, like the swimming pool and sauna at the PEC and the Treehouse at BT9 Elms Village.

These experiences helped me feel more confident and adventurous, so since my second year, I’ve made a conscious effort to explore the city more as a way to take breaks from the stresses of research. There are so many places I could talk about, but one of my favourite short trips follows a simple yet scenic route: Waterworks, Cavehill, and Belfast Zoo — all conveniently along the same bus route (Metro 1). I’d just hop on with a day return ticket, stroll around the peaceful lake at Waterworks, and watch the swans glide across the water. A few stops later, I’d arrive at Cavehill. If you ever visit, I highly recommend catching the sunrise or sunset on a clear day — the view is breathtaking. As for Belfast Zoo, it’s the closest zoo in the area, and with a student ticket priced at just £7, it’s a fun and affordable visit.

Beyond scenic spots, I’ve also loved discovering Belfast’s food scene. My absolute favourite restaurant is 316 — my go-to spot and the one I recommend to everyone. For brunch, Neighbourhood serves an amazing Egg Benny and a banana bread French toast loaded with nuts. When I’m craving Mexican food, it has to be a burrito at Boojum; whereas Noodz has the best taro bingsu and Sushi Café is my top pick for sushi. For Thai food, Thaitanic is a great budget-friendly option, especially their green curry, Panang curry, Pad Thai, and Pad Kee Mao.

The things that excite me most are always sunshine, the sea, and the breeze—the perfect combination for a peaceful embrace of nature. Frankly, sunshine isn’t common in Belfast, but with the recent stretch of better weather, I’ve realized that taking short trips to unwind feels far better than spending the entire weekend in my tiny room.

One particularly lovely afternoon, I took a trip to Newcastle. The Express 237 bus brought me within walking distance of the beach, and as soon as I stepped onto the sand, I was captivated by the coastal scene. The shoreline stretched endlessly, where the sea and mountains blended into a soft, dreamlike horizon. In that moment, I felt completely connected to nature.

Beyond its scenic beauty, Newcastle also gave me a sense of belonging. Unlike cities where the divide between tourists and locals feels obvious, this town felt effortlessly integrated. While searching for a place to eat, I asked some joggers by the sea for recommendations. Unfortunately, the suggested cafés were all packed, so I wandered down a quiet street and popped into a cozy café on a whim. With a fantastic loaded focaccia and an iced matcha milk in front of me, I naturally struck up a conversation with two women sitting nearby. Meeting new people was an unexpected but delightful addition to the experience, making the trip even more special.

Another highlight of my time here was visiting the breathtaking scenery at Giant’s Causeway. I took part in a group tour, which meant I didn’t have to worry about transportation between stops, and the tour guide kept things entertaining with jokes and stories. I met two other solo travelers that day and together we hiked along the iconic coastline there. Along the way, I faced my fear of heights while navigating steep, slippery steps—some with a rather questionable handrail and others with no handrail at all. Yet, despite the challenge, the sunshine, the sea, and the fresh breeze made it all worth it.

I definitely hope to visit more coastal destinations without long travel times. I plan to return to Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills on my own, and based on recommendations, I’m also considering trips to Whitehead and Rathlin Island to see puffins.

For those visiting Belfast, I’d recommend Titanic Belfast as a great first stop, followed by Giant’s Causeway on a clear day. The Titanic museum offers a fascinating deep dive into history, but what impressed me most was its interactive and immersive experience. I still remember using a Morse key to imitate sending messages and taking a shipyard ride, where passenger cars rose and fell through a simulated hull, accompanied by the sounds and visuals of Titanic’s construction.

Looking back on my time in Belfast so far, I’ve learned that studying abroad isn’t just about academics — it’s about embracing the full experience. From adapting to a new environment to exploring Northern Ireland’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, every step has shaped my journey in unexpected ways. For anyone new to Belfast, my advice is simple: step beyond the lecture halls, immerse yourself in the city, and make the most of this incredible chapter — you never know what you’ll discover.