Living Away

Growing up, I thought of Belfast as a small pond and was excited to get away. I went to study Law in England, and afterwards moved into a public sector job in Safeguarding. Living away challenged me in many ways: making new friends, dealing with homesickness, managing my finances, doing my own domestic tasks, finding housing in challenging rental markets and navigating my first “grown up” job. Not to mention all of this was going on during COVID! While there were definitely ups and downs during these years, I think it was a hugely formative and worthwhile experience.

^{I felt increasingly drawn towards home}

Changing Direction and Thinking of Home

During my final year in England, I knew I wanted to change direction in my job; I missed studying and COVID years had got me thinking about digital and creative work. However, this decision was not without its difficulties, as I felt I was leaving a position of responsibility, and so felt a twinge of guilt. I think a lot of people choosing to leave their public or third-sector job know the feeling of being drawn to a more expressive path but feeling selfish for doing so. Ultimately, I had to do the right thing for me.

I wanted to upskill, so I researched master's degrees in Media. Around this time, I was feeling increasingly drawn towards moving home, with family being a big pull. In the short time I’d been away, Belfast’s reputation as a cosmopolitan city was on the rise, with a booming Film and Television industry, a thriving food and drinks scene and loads of small businesses cropping up all over. Living away reminded me of all the great things about this wee country: the lower costs of living, the proximity to countryside and beaches, the unique Anglo-Irish culture, but most of all, the people and the craic.

So, despite not having considered Queen’s first-time round, I decided to apply. One successful application later, and I was on my way to study Media and Broadcast Production.

Homecoming

Moving back home meant reconnecting with old friends, but also the awareness that I needed to make some fresh starts. I had to reconstruct my relationship with the city as an adult, having rather different interests than six years ago. In the first few weeks I: ventured to new bars (Bull House East in East Belfast offers a fantastic range of craft beers in a hip and dog-friendly setting); wild swam in Strangford Lough (something I would not have dared in my teens); and joined a rock choir group. Pushing myself to try new things has made me connect to the city as an adult, rather than a visitor returning to my childhood home.

^{My friends and I on a night out in the Cathedral Quarter}

Freshers as a Twenty-Something; Postgraduate Life at Queen’s

Despite being several years older and wiser, those familiar, first day nerves crept in as I set foot on campus. These were quickly dispelled after a friendly welcome by new course mates and staff alike. A welcome talk reminded me of the huge range of societies, with many events geared towards master's and PhD students (Wine and Cheese Night piqued my attention). I’ll admit that during my first time round at uni, whilst I was a social creature, I did not make the most of the extra-curriculars. This year, I’ve made a promise to myself to make the most of being a student and say yes to activities on offer (Student Blogging being one example).

I learned of unique Postgraduate opportunities, such as the resources on offer from the Graduate School. Not only does the beautiful building boast a quiet study room and all-day tea and coffee, but there is a team dedicated to supporting Postgrad students with all aspects of student life and beyond.  

^{Another gem of an Irish beach, this time in Sligo}

I’ve also found that as a Postgrad, your cohort tends to be more diverse, of all ages, and varying levels of industry experience. They also tend to be passionate about their subject, making awkward seminar silences less likely. As such, a Postgrad is a great opportunity to connect and network.

I look forward to the year ahead, studying and working to become a part of the rich fabric of the community that is Queen’s, and moreover Belfast, my home.  

Find out more

Postgraduate study at Queen's

Student life in Belfast

Study Media and Broadcast Production