Dear 18 year old me, I remember what it felt like to be you.

I remember waiting and waiting for results, wondering if all the work you put into getting into university would pay off. I remember walking around the Queen's campus on open days, taking in red brick and sunshine and wondering what life might be like if I made it. I remember letting myself dream of all the new friends and opportunities that could come my way.

You’re the sort of person who has been told uni will suit you - and it will, even if you don’t know what that really means yet. I’m 23 now, and graduating with confidence that I’ve had the best five years I possibly could - even with set backs, busy seasons, hard times, the memories and friends I leave Queen's with will last forever.

"I’m 23 now, and graduating with confidence that I’ve had the best five years I possibly could."

18 year old me, you’re going to love studying Medicine. At the moment, you probably can’t imagine all the things you’ll learn to do, but the learning will be top class and you’ll be well looked after. There is such a community at Queen's - you’ll get to know people in your year and cheer each other on from your first clinical skills sessions all the way to across the stage of the Whitla Hall on graduation day.

From my first day to my last day

You’ll end up such a fan of the staff - from teachers you’ll remember for their wise words, to the ones you’ll remember for their charity dance performances. Oh, and you will be in at least two charity dance performances. It’s a whole thing - just go with it when the time comes.

In fact, go with the flow every chance you get- you never know what will happen or what friends you will make. You’ll find friends in expected places- the classroom, the hospital, your halls - and years later you’ll travel together, live together, and even celebrate major life events together.

"Don’t be afraid to try new things - whether it’s a new society event or signing up to work for Queen's (You might just end up falling in love with writing blogs)."

You’ll also find friends in unexpected places - run ins at societies, friends of friends. Years later you’ll help them paint the walls of their new house. Queen's is filled with people just like you and people who are nothing like you - and there is friendship to be found in it all, so don’t be shy.

You like coffee now, by the way. You were never going to survive those long days of placement and busy days in the McClay without a caffeine addiction - you’ll discover the whole world of Belfast coffee shops and love spending an afternoon in one, working or meeting friends or curled up with a book. Some of your favourite places aren’t open yet -  but keep an eye out. One of the best things about Belfast is the fact there is always somewhere new to try for a hot drink and a traybake!

Representing my university - and proud to do it after the best five years

And truly make the most of Belfast when you move here - five years later and I still have new restaurants, fun activities and businesses to try. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how much time you’ll find outside of study, and Belfast is the perfect city to find yourself in for that. Don’t be afraid to try new things - whether it’s a new society event or signing up to work for Queen's (You might just end up falling in love with writing blogs).

Lastly, don’t underestimate yourself - change in scary, but change is good. At least, that's what I tell myself now as I head out to work - though my time at Queen's has prepared me in the best way. You’re more than ready to take on all that the next few years has to offer, and I know you'll have the best time. You’re one of many waiting to come to Queen's - and this advice applies to every prospective student just like you, reading this, excited to start a new chapter. I hope it's the best one yet.

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VIDEO: My Graduation and Top Tips for the Day

Information for new students

Study Medicine at Queen's

Kathryn Allen Medicine | Undergraduate Student | Lisburn, NI I’m in my final year of Medicine at Queen's - I love my degree because it combines caring for people, learning fascinating things and working as a team. When I’m not busy surviving placement and exams, you can find me in one of Belfast’s great coffee shops with a friend, going to concerts to get my fix of live music, or curling up to read a book with a carefully curated Spotify playlist on in the background!