As a student navigating the whirlwind of exams and assignments, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. So when I heard that the SU Volunteer, Wellbeing, and Sustainability teams were organising a fun retreat, I knew it was just what I needed.

The moment I stepped into the blue sky room for the first session, I was greeted with my favourite song from the playlist that Jonny curated by taking the favourite songs of all the participants. It was an instant mood booster. You can listen to the beautiful playlist here.

Enjoying a session on nutrition and wellbeing

Day 1

The day kicked off with a session on nutrition, where we dived into the different food groups and learned about glucose spikes. It was a great reminder of how our diet impacts our energy levels and wellbeing, especially during stressful times.

Next, we made our way to Botanic Train Station to catch a train to Derry/Londonderry for a scenic train ride. Little did I know that the two-hour train ride would turn out to be a memorable trip. As an introvert, it was nice that I went along with a friend. It is always nice to challenge yourself, while having company to fall back to if needed. This retreat was a chance to step out of my comfort zone while still having the security of familiar faces.

We took a beautiful walk to St Columb’s Park House, where we broke the ice with some fun activities. Rachelle and Nicole from the Sustainability team then facilitated us through games that taught us about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an engaging and interactive way.

Learning about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

We then took a small walk to the city centre over the iconic Peace Bridge. The guided walking tour of the city gave us an insight into the city’s rich history while taking some fantastic pictures. We explored the city, snapped some fantastic photos, said hello to the Derry Girls, and marvelled at the grandeur of the Derry City Walls or the walls of Londonderry. I couldn’t stop wondering how one day you are casually watching Derry Girls on Netflix and a while later you get to experience a small part of it.

As the day wound down, we headed back to our accommodation, where we met and got to know more fellow attendees. The evening was filled with pizza, great conversations, and card games—a perfect end to a busy day. This retreat allowed me to take a much-needed break from exam stress and worry, giving me a chance to have a peaceful and mindful couple of days.

Being a Derry Girl for the day!

Day 2

On the second day, I woke up to pleasant weather and decided to take a walk with a few friends near our stay since we had some time before the next session. The area was beautiful, and we even spent some time playing in the park before heading back for the volunteering session.

The weather threw a curveball, and the conditions weren’t very favourable for gardening, but the team had a backup plan (because, P.S: we do live in the Emerald Isle). The St. Columb’s Park House team gave us a fantastic tour of the facilities and gave us insights into the incredible work they do for the community, also providing spaces and opportunities for everyone to get involved. The fairy garden caught my eye and it was quite sustainable too.

The St. Columb's Park fairy garden

The volunteering in action talk began with a brief introduction about the work of these teams and available opportunities. Then, we were given a capsule which had a note to share our favourite advice that we've ever received; and I serendipitously found the advice I needed most. We students then collaborated with the student officers to work on chosen topics.

A memorable experience

Postgraduate or exchange studies can sometimes feel isolating, but this retreat reminded me of the importance of connection. Volunteering and attending events like this are fantastic ways to meet new people and feel like you’re part of something bigger.

A huge thanks to the SU Volunteer, Wellbeing, and Sustainability teams for organising this relaxation retreat with a learning aspect. Also, grateful to the St Columb's Park House team for a wonderful stay and sharing their inspiring stories.  A special shout out to Jonny, Barry, Nicole, and Rachel for making this trip so enjoyable and memorable!

Find out more

SU Volunteer

Queen's Student Wellbeing Service

Sustainability at Queen's

Sai Sree Kurra MSc Management | Postgraduate Student | India Hello fellow students and passionate readers!! I'm an enthusiastic cinephile, cynophile and bibliophile. Watching and occasionally participating in sports gives me immense joy, with cricket being my favourite. I am extremely passionate and devoted to mental health awareness. Volunteering for significant causes makes my heart feel full. Coming to my professional background, I'm an ambitious student pursuing a Master's in Management. Former perfectionist, now striving to balance ambition and passion with compassion and self care. My professional interests include Leadership, Marketing, Strategy, and Business Consulting. As a lifelong learner, I constantly seek opportunities for learning and development and love to challenge myself.