Moving to uni is a whole different experience and for most, it can be very daunting. For many people, it’s a big step into the big wide world, especially if it’s somewhere you aren’t very familiar with! At times you may feel like you need an extra hand, guidance or just simply some advice. Queen’s offers a wide variety of support services to assist all of its students. Some key support services are stated below, however, there are also many more!

Student Wellbeing Service

Whether you’re feeling stressed with deadline season or maybe missing home, the Student Wellbeing Service offers an abundance of support, from advice to events. My own personal experience has been nothing but positive and I hugely recommend it to anyone who feels like they need help with absolutely anything!

^{Student Wellbeing room}

The Student Wellbeing Service offers a drop-in service all weekdays 11am-3pm, where you’re able to have one-to-one chats. The events which the centre holds are greatly diverse, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs some support. They’re also a nice way to meet and chat with other people. Some examples of events they have held in the past include bowling, yoga, pizza, and paint, learning how to crochet and talking tables (a space to chat to other students/wellbeing staff while enjoying some refreshments).

^{Find out more about Wellbeing and Disability services at Queen's}

As well as all the events available, if you feel something is missing or have a proposal for a different event, the university more than welcomes ideas and suggestions!

Disability Service

Just like the wellbeing service, the university also holds a disability drop-in service Monday-Friday 11am-3pm. When moving to university, students with a disability are greatly encouraged to sign up with the University Disability Service. This ensures that students are provided with the correct support and individual needs they require.

The drop-in sessions are there for students to seek advice and guidance from the wellbeing and disability staff. The support Queen’s staff offers is incredible and I would really encourage any student who needs help in any way to reach out.

Librarians/lectures

Through my experience at university, I couldn’t recommend the subject librarian enough! The step up to uni can be challenging, especially regarding readings for your subject. Any help or assistance you feel you need with assignments, not only lecturers can help but also your subject librarian.

^{McClay Library}

They can guide you to the right areas and provide support when deciding on readings. I only got around to using the subject librarian in my 3^rd year and I couldn’t recommend them more! I wish I had considered and taken advantage of this support sooner. It can really just help speaking to someone familiar with your subject and seeking guidance.

"I only got around to using the subject librarian in my 3^rd year and I couldn’t recommend them more! I wish I had considered and taken advantage of this support sooner."

Also remember that your lecturers are there to help you! They will also do what they can to assist your needs. In my third year especially again, I found drop-in sessions with my lecturers to be extremely beneficial, just receiving that extra bit of support made a huge difference.

SU Pantry

To help students with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the Students’ Union have partnered with Queen’s University to provide a free filling station called The Pantry. This can be found on the ground floor of the One Elmwood Student Centre.

^{Stock up on cereals and pasta!}

This filling station allows you to take up to 3 items from each section, bringing your own reusable containers to do so.  The products included within the filling station include pasta/noodles/cereal /spices, household items etc. I must say, during the cost of living crisis, this extra help has made a huge difference to many!

The pantry is open weekdays 12-2pm, as well as 4:30-6pm on both Tuesday and Wednesday. I would encourage students who feel they would benefit from using this service, to do so.

At the end of the day, you will never be stuck asking for help. The support service at Queen’s from my own personal experience has been outstanding and has really helped me through my university experience.

Find out more

Queen's Student Centre

Blogs about wellbeing and support

Information for students from GB

Katie Gordon Broadcast Production | Undergraduate student | York, England I am in my final year studying Broadcast Production at Queen’s. I have a strong passion for everything media-related especially because it allows me to be creative and imaginative! I love travelling, trying new things, and setting myself challenges. I also have a great interest in films, especially the genres of horror and comedy; I would definitely recommend the QFT! I am very eager and open to helping anyone who feels they need further support as well as advice from a third-year student.