If you’re still in the process of making your final university decision and are considering coming to Queen’s, here’s why you should make Queen’s your firm choice.  

A safe and welcoming place for international students 

“Queen’s is definitely worth choosing. The environment here is incredibly encouraging, and it’s a safe and welcoming place for international students. The locals are very kind and friendly, which makes it easier to adjust to life in Belfast. Overall, it’s a great place to grow, both personally and academically, offering plenty of opportunities for self-development.”

Callista Budihardjo, Indonesia, Computer Science

You’re never too far from home

“Belfast is not as far away as it may initially seem. Flights are so reasonable and the GB scholarship from first year is a huge help in covering the costs of moving over. It’s not only a wonderful university but you get an entirely new cultural experience of being in Northern Ireland.”

Niamh Rind, Wales, Psychology 

Make lifelong friends in university accommodation

“My advice would be, if possible, to move out of your parents' home and go into student accommodation!! There, you get to meet the best people in which friendships could potentially last you forever and you also don't feel left out if there are certain activities/programmes going on throughout the year in the evenings. It also helps not having to get up extremely early to take the bus/train up to Belfast. Another piece of advice I would give is to try out something new, may it be big or small, Queen's has got so many things to offer. Also, getting out of the comfort zone will help so much in the upcoming years and in that way can help you feel more confident.”

Martyna Abelkyte, Northern Ireland / Lithuania, International Business with French

Friends, family and a bright future

“I wouldn’t consider anywhere else. There’s nothing like studying at home having your friends and family around you. Getting involved in all the opportunities at home and interacting with lectures, placement staff, guest speakers who you could be working with in the future.”

Charlene Spence, Northern Ireland, Midwifery

Step outside your comfort zone

“Don't be afraid to learn in a new environment, embrace the new opportunities you will get and get to know those around you!”

Jeffrey Chan, Hong Kong, Medicine

Explore, connect and thrive during your time in Belfast

“Living in the UK gives you a lot of independence and freedom, so my advice would be to explore that newfound freedom. Queen's is an excellent place to make lifelong friends. It's a smart idea to get in contact with someone from Queen's who could answer all your questions and help you with the application process or visit their website for guidance.”

Cheri Botha, South Africa, English with Creative Writing 

Stay local, go global!

“Apply!! Why go elsewhere when Queens is on your doorstep and offers everything and more. I have made the best friends during my time at Queen’s and have been given so many amazing opportunities such as travel to America to partake in programmes such as the Belmont Summer Programme and the Clinton Career Insight Programme.” 

Sophie Coyle, Northern Ireland, Law

Say yes!

“My advice is to make as many friends as you can with people of different background and don’t limit yourself to just the familiar. Say yes to things and try out new activities whilst exploring what Northern Ireland has to offer, but do not be afraid to say no to take some time to yourself to rejuvenate. It’s important to remember you are not alone and that you can have a good support system in university especially since it’s so far away from home.”

Aliya binti Mohd Zayed, Malaysia, Medicine 

We’ll support you every step of the way

“For me, student support was a top priority, and Queen’s University has a stellar reputation in that area. I always emphasise how important it is to feel supported, and Queen’s really delivers with its high-quality student services. Whether it’s academic help, mental health support, or career guidance, the resources are there—students just need to make use of them. I always tell them that reaching out is key; if they do, they’ll never feel lost here.”

Keith See Choy Xing, Malaysia, Law

Worried about homesickness? Get involved with clubs and societies 

“As someone who has experienced homesickness, my biggest piece of advice is to get involved in clubs and societies. Engaging with these groups has really helped me overcome my homesickness. Building solid friendships is incredibly rewarding, as these friends become like family while you’re away from home. By joining your cultural society, you’ll find it easier to connect with others and feel less intimidated about trying new things.”

Aleeya Emelna binti Mohd Khairul Isma, Malaysia, Software Engineering

Be a tourist in your new home

“Embrace being a tourist, make sure you explore not only the city but the country you have moved to, and even try to go the Republic of Ireland when you can. It is so different and much more welcoming than my hometown of London, so it is so worth exploring and getting to know the country you are going to be living in.”

Poppy Rosser, England, International Relations and Politics

Plan, connect and embrace the new culture

“My biggest piece of advice would be: don’t hesitate, it’s a decision you won’t regret. Queen’s offers a world-class education and a welcoming environment for international students. However, it’s important to plan and prepare in advance.

First, get all your paperwork and documents in order, especially things like your visa and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). It can seem overwhelming, but the support services at Queen’s are excellent and will guide you through the process. I’d also suggest reaching out to other international students or joining groups on social media to make connections even before you arrive. This really helped me feel more settled.

Finally, embrace the culture here! Belfast is a beautiful city with friendly people, and there’s so much to explore. The weather and food might be different, but it’s all part of the adventure. Just be open to new experiences, and you’ll find Queen’s to be an exciting and enriching place to study.”

Taherbhai Kapasi, India, Pharmaceutical Analysis with IIP

Grow, learn and make an impact during your time here

“My advice would be to be open minded and to be brave at heart. The Students’ Union is one of the best places for one to have fun, learn and grow as a person. Grab those opportunities and learn along the way. The connections and skills you learn while interacting with cultures other than your own are irreplaceable. These transferable skills will do wonders for you in the future and watching your contributions make an impact on others is fulfilling and rewarding.”

Megha Elsa Thomas, India, Clinical Health Psychology

Take a leap of faith

“I would tell them to take the leap of faith, just as I did. Worries, fears, and doubts are bound to come up because we are human beings, and human beings tend to try and stick with what is safe and familiar. However, when we push ourselves beyond the confines of the comfort zone, we discover how powerful, capable, and adaptable we truly are. I used to think of myself as this helpless thing that could never survive in the "real world". Belfast and Queen's have shown me that I am more than everything I once thought myself to be. I am brave, I am smart, and I CAN do this. So, I'd tell someone to believe in themselves, and trust that Queen's will care for them and nurture their growth every step of the way.”

Brittany Marasciulo, United States, Creative Writing 

Find out more

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10 Reasons to Confirm Your Place At Queen's

A-Z of reasons to make Queen’s your firm choice

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Zoe Brankin Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Zoe, and I'm proud to be part of the Queen's Global team.     Over the past six years, I've held roles that let me create content for a variety of audiences, from start-ups to larger organisations. At Queen's, I'm always exploring new and creative ways to bring fresh content ideas to our main website.   Outside of work, I love reading (I even run a local book club), spending time with my dogs, and never missing an opportunity for a coffee or brunch outing.