1) Unique University Experience in Belfast

Living in Belfast means that you will be a student in one of the National Geographic’s top 30 most exciting destinations to visit in the world in 2024 (National Geographic Cool List 2024). The buzzing Queen's Quarter and nearby Cathedral Quarter have enough bars, cafes and restaurants to keep your social life buzzing and abundant during the entirety of your degree.

New to Belfast and need some activity inspo? Check out how our GB students are enjoying their time in Belfast, from brunching around campus, visiting the various vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the city, to catching a film in the QFT (at just £5 for a student ticket). Also, don't forget to read Charlotte's guide to nightlife in Belfast for her top pub, club and live music recommendations: "It is safe to say that Belfast has an atmosphere like no other at night with their incredible Irish pubs and a wide variety of clubs."

With Belfast as your new home base, there are plenty of opportunities to escape city life for a while and explore Northern Ireland and beyond, from day trips to Dublin, to a road trip along the picturesque North Coast. If you are staying in Queen's Accommodation, regular excursions are organised for students to scenic spots such as Glenariff and Downpatrick (for some goat yoga!).

“I had such positive experiences here as an undergraduate student. Belfast is warm, full of friendly people and is a walkable, culturally vibrant city. Stretch your comfort zone - it's only across the water and not too unlike home!” - Lana Cook, Scotland

Find out more about life at Queen's in our Life at the Lanyon podcast

2) Academic and Career Opportunities

As one of 24 leading universities within the Russell Group (and the only RG university in Northern Ireland), Queen's prides itself on having a world-class standard of education, facilities and learning experiences. Courses like Planning, Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Agriculture feature in the top ten in the UK for teaching quality, student experience and research ranking (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025). 

As well as a high-quality education, studying at Queen's opens up various opportunities to develop new skills and enhance your career profile around the UK and internationally, from community projects in Fiji to placements with Formula One in England. As part of her French and International Relations course, Jadzia is currently studying in Toulouse for a year - read how her first month went!

Having a degree from Queen's means you are better equipped for the job market following graduation - we are ranked 8th in the UK for career prospects after 15 months (Guardian University Guide 2025); and first in the Russell Group for graduate employability and further study (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22). Our dedicated Careers, Employability and Skills department helps to expose students to the right connections and expertise they need during their time at Queen’s and into their early career, with regular careers consultations, careers events and fairs, and future-ready programmes.

Follow Charlotte on her trip to Fiji!

“Queen's was completely unique in its offer of physics with a language, and the idea of a year abroad speaking only Spanish was too good of an opportunity to pass up. The absolutely gorgeous architecture didn't hurt, either.” - Amy Furlonger, Physics with Spanish, England

3) Affordable and Accessible

Studying at Queen's means that you will be living in the UK’s most affordable student city (Natwest Student Living Index 2024) - in fact, it is £178 per month cheaper for student living costs in Northern Ireland compared to the UK average (Save the Student National Student Money Survey 2024). Money-saving schemes such as The Pantry and the Swap Shop are also available to support your student budget while in Belfast.

To give you an idea of how much it costs to live in Belfast as a student and how to budget effectively, student bloggers Anaiba and Jadzia have put together some useful tips and tricks for money management during your time at Queen's.

Importantly, as a student from GB coming to Queen’s, you will benefit from an exclusive scholarship (with no application process!), which offers £3000 to support accommodation and moving costs. Find out more about the scholarship here.

If you are feeling the homesickness pangs, it couldn't be easier to travel home, as GB student Charlotte can attest to. With three airports in Northern Ireland plus regular ferry crossings, travelling to and from Belfast is both swift and affordable. 

“Flights are so reasonable and the GB scholarship from first year is 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, Psychology, Wales

4) Student Life and Community

Moving away for university can initially be daunting, especially if you're starting from scratch with new people and surroundings. Luckily, with over 220 clubs and societies at Queen's, you have plenty of opportunities to become part of a team or community, whether that's through friendship bracelet making with the Taylor Swift Society, showing your theatrical side with the Players Society, or playing video games competitively with the Esports Society.

For a little 'home away from home', you can also join the likes of the Welsh Society - or why not start your own club/society and create a new community during your time at Queen's? For inspiration, check out how GB students Katie and Charlotte have benefitted by getting involved in clubs and societies.

Queen’s is home to over 25,000 students, and welcomes all students regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community and are worried about trying to find your 'circle' at university, Broadcast Production student Eliza has you covered with information about the welcoming community here in Belfast. We have also put together a list of Queer-friendly spaces and support services in and around campus.

GB students take part in our mythbusting guide to Belfast!

5) Welcoming and Supportive Atmosphere

Queen's is fully aware of the anxieties that come with starting university, and there are multiple support services at the ready for those who are new to Belfast and higher-level education. Check out Katie's guide to what's available for GB students at Queen's.

With Belfast being one of the top 10 friendliest cities in the UK (Condé Nast Traveller, Readers' Choice Awards 2024), you are sure to receive a warm welcome upon your arrival in the city. In fact, History and Politics student James had a very positive welcome and orientation experience at Queen's after moving from Bournemouth and also completing a semester abroad in America - read about his experience here. 

Moving away from home to start a new life in Belfast for a few years can be stressful and intimidating - feelings Anthropology and Archaeology student Tiana experienced when she arrived from Buckinghamshire in England. "Even after preparing myself for the difficulties I knew I would face, the first few weeks of my first year were difficult and I didn't do nearly as much socialising as I had hoped. My anxiety levels were very high after moving in, and it was frustrating to keep having to step back because everything was overwhelming."

However after talking to the Queen's Student Wellbeing Service, engaging with hobbies, and striking up conversations with fellow students in her accommodation, Tiana started to make Belfast her 'home away from home' and is now enjoying her experiences here - read more about how she deals with her social anxiety and tries new things at her own pace (she's now the Wellbeing Officer on the committee for the Archaeology Society!).

What do GB students think of Queen's?

“The people here are incredibly welcoming and most of the students who did come here with friends from their old schools will still want to make new ones. You won't be alone at weekends, there's always so much to do, and if you're really worried about making friends, I can't recommend Elms Village enough.” - Amy Furlonger, Physics with Spanish, England

Open days

If you're still feeling unsure, why not attend one of our open days this year? It's the perfect opportunity to visit the campus and accommodation, and chat with current students about their experiences of Queen's and Belfast. 

“I came on an offer holders Open Day and just fell in love with the campus, the people and the friendly vibe that Queen's had. The department for Psychology was one of the best in the UK and I thought it seemed great!” – Niamh Rind, Psychology, Wales

Find out more

Finding Friends for Life at Queen’s

Where to Take Your Family When They Visit Queen's and Belfast

Moving into Student Accommodation: What to Consider

Causeway Coast – The UK's Hidden Gem, Only One Train Ride from Belfast

Hannah Reilly Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Hannah, a two-time graduate of Queen's University Belfast and now a current staff member of Queen's Global! As well as helping with general content management for the main Queen's website, I also collaborate with current students to create relatable and useful content for the student blog. I studied BA English and MA English Literary Studies at Queen's and have since worked in various editorial positions in Belfast, including previous roles as Editorial Assistant and Assistant Commissioning Editor for local and international magazine publications. In my spare time, I enjoy reading novels (and attending various book clubs), studying Korean at the Queen's Language Centre and attending Belfast Giants ice hockey games!