A – Accommodation costs

“This will be one of your biggest expenses and was the first thing I considered when making my UCAS decision. Belfast is a much more affordable city to live in when compared to other UK cities, and Queen’s accommodation offers additional perks like free off-peak membership to the PEC to those choosing to rent with Queen’s!"

Find out more about Accommodation at Queen's.

Radhika, Medicine student from Derry/Londonderry, NI

B – Beautiful landscapes

“The scenic landscapes in Northern Ireland, especially on the North coast, also led me to choose Queen’s. There are lots of things to do in Belfast, but Northern Ireland is such a beautiful country, it was hard to pass up the opportunity to explore somewhere new. Taking the train anywhere out of Belfast to the North coast is very easy and doable without a vehicle. I highly suggest you check out Portrush for its lovely beaches and of course do not forget to visit the Giant’s Causeway - there is nowhere else like it! Plus, if you are lucky, you might be able to catch a stunning north coast sunset!"

Kate, Ecological Management and Conservation Biology student from Canada

C – City life

"I like to explore around the city (hikes, cafes, shops, nightlife) and meeting new people. I had visited as a tourist a couple times before and always really enjoyed it. So much to do, so many places to visit and always welcoming!"

Belfast features in the National Geographic’s top 30 most exciting destinations to visit in the world in 2024 (National Geographic Cool List 2024).

Martha, Criminology student from England

D - Diversity

“One thing I really enjoy about my course is the diversity of people in my class. Being surrounded by individuals from different cultures allows me to learn more about their backgrounds and perspectives. The modules are also exciting and keep me engaged, making the overall experience even more rewarding."

Queen’s currently has over 4400 international students from over 90 different countries (Queen’s Planning Office, 2024).

Raeesa, International Business student from Pakistan

E – Enthusiastic staff

"All faculty members are well versed and up to date with the developments in their field of study ensuring that I get the highest quality of education. I really love how enthusiastic the professors are about their subject and the drive they have to answer curious minds. I'm grateful for the flexibility in my weekly schedule and just the infectious energy they carry around encouraging me also to learn more and contribute towards the course."

Megha, MSc Clinical Health Psychology student from India

F - Facilities

“The facilities provided for software engineering students have been exceptional. The modern computer labs in the Computer Science building, equipped with the latest technology and software, have been essential for my studies. Whether working on coding projects or collaborating with peers, these labs have been vital in helping me navigate through the academic year, providing the perfect environment for hands-on learning."

Aleeya, Software Engineering student from Malaysia

G – Global Student Ambassadors

“I visited Queen’s University in April last year, just before starting my first year. During that visit, I met Jesslyn, one of Queen’s Global Student Ambassadors, who also happens to be from Indonesia like me. She had a significant influence on my decision to choose Queen’s. Meeting her made me realise the vital role Global Student Ambassadors play in helping international students feel at home. I was inspired by her and now want to help other students like she did, showing them that Queen’s is truly worth choosing and staying for."

Callista, Computer Science student from Indonesia

H - Heritage

“I chose Queen's University for several reasons. First and honestly, what initially caught my attention was the grand, beautiful, and historically rich architecture of the campus. It exudes a sense of heritage and preservation, something that truly fascinated me. I first came across Queen's University when brochures were being handed out at my own university, and the image that stood out on the brochure was of Queen's University. That led me to dig deeper, curious about where this amazing campus was located and whether it offered my field of study. As it turns out, Queen's had the exact programme I was looking for, and that gave me the confidence to apply and pursue my studies here."

Queen’s is one of the top 10 most beautiful universities in the UK (Times Higher Education, 2023).

Muhammad, Education student from Indonesia

I – Information events

“I attended an evening event at Queen’s where they showcased all the course details for finance, business, and other subjects in the AHSS faculty. This event was pivotal in making up my mind. Although I really enjoyed the finance talk, I fell in love with the Business Management course after hearing what it involved, where it was held, and hearing the success stories from past students."

Check out upcoming events for prospective students here.

Connie, Business Management student from Ireland

J – Job preparation

"Queen's University's commitment to student development through the Future-Ready Award is commendable. It not only prepares students for the job market but also fosters a holistic development approach, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to face future challenges."

Malavika, MSc Human Resource Management student from India

K – Knowledge

"Queen's has not only provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful medical career but also instilled in me the importance of empathy, communication, and continuous learning. As I look to the future, I am excited to specialise in an area where I can make a significant impact, confident that my education at Queen's has laid a solid foundation for whatever path I choose."

Mehak, Medicine student from UAE/India

L – Low cost of living

“The location of Belfast offers a more affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in the UK. This practical advantage allows me to focus on my studies without the financial pressure that can often accompany student life. Belfast is also a vibrant city with a rich history, providing an excellent environment for both academic and personal growth."

Belfast is the UK’s most affordable student city (Natwest Student Living Index 2024).

Keith, Law student from Malaysia

M – Member of a community

"Everyone is so lovely here, don’t be afraid to go up and talk to everyone, make friends and get involved with as many societies and clubs as possible, and it will be guaranteed to feel like home soon enough! I love to perform at the local open mic music nights in Belfast, as well as take part in numerous sports clubs at Queen's such as trampoline, wakeboarding and swimming. I particularly enjoy competing in these as it is a great chance to get to know other club members better and travel and get to see other parts of the country too."

Abi, Product Design Engineering student from England

N – Networking

Every year, the Careers Service runs several on-campus and virtual events for students. The most well-known and publicised are the various graduate fairs, which are fantastic. They are a chance for all students, but particularly final years, to scope out potential employers and strike up conversations with company representatives from a wide range of sectors.

Zoe, French and Spanish student from Northern Ireland

O - Offer-holder Events

"I came on an offer holder's 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, Psychology student from Wales

P – Proximity to home

“I chose Queen's University because I wanted to go to a university close to home which still offered great opportunities to travel abroad. I come from a rural area at the foot of the Mourne Mountains so growing up even going to Belfast was a day out and as such it was quite daunting making the move to the city. I thought that once I got to the city I would have the confidence to go anywhere! As I got to know more people from Queen's and on my course I've enjoyed the city more and there's always something to do, and now I actually finding myself preferring to be in Belfast rather than home!"

Chloe, English student from Northern Ireland

Q - QWork

"During my first year in Queen’s, I have worked three different jobs through QWork - some jobs only lasted a few days, others, a whole semester. I worked for two semesters in the Students' Union Shop (Spar), one month as a student fundraiser, and I helped out with two open days and a careers fair. Overall, these jobs really enhanced my communication skills and confidence. I have met many new people while working, which has really helped me settle into my new life in Belfast and broaden my horizons. It has also provided me with lifelong skills that I will carry with me and use in my future career."

Sarah, Human Biology student from Galway, Ireland

R – Reputation

“As one of the elite Russell Group universities, Queen's University Belfast is often ranked in the top 200s (QS ranking), locally and internationally. The two main characteristics I looked for in a postgraduate study programme were its dedication to cutting-edge research and uncompromising academic standards. Queen's is also known to have very high career prospects, and their services to help us students find a stable job are really out of this world."

Ghada, MSc Clinical Health Psychology student from Lebanon

S - Scholarships

“Queen's University offers various scholarships to international students, and I was fortunate to receive a generous award. This financial support made my decision even easier, as it significantly reduced my tuition and living expenses. The combination of a strong International Relations and Politics programme, abundant opportunities for study abroad and research, a supportive international student team, and the benefits of living in a smaller city with a lower cost of living made Queen's the best choice for me."

Emily, International Relations and Politics student from Washington DC, USA

T – Tuition fees

"The tuition fee is very affordable, along with a reasonable cost of living in Belfast, made it feel like a place where I could focus fully on my studies without being overwhelmed by financial pressure."

Trinh, MSc Tesol and Applied Linguistics student, Vietnam

U - Unique courses

“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, Physics with Spanish student from England

V – Visit the Campus

"Lived experience is far more detailed than any FAQ section! Talking to academics can help answer your questions about the courses you’ve got your eyes on, while current students are more than happy to answer questions about their experiences in Belfast - I still remember chatting to an older student about her clinical placement when I was at a medicine at Queen’s open day, and that was the first time I could truly start to picture myself doing the same a few years down the line."

Kathryn, Medicine student from Lisburn, Northern Ireland

W – Welfare

“Belfast is one of the safest cities in Europe and Northern Ireland has the second lowest crime rate in Europe. Queen’s is a student-centred university, so no matter where you go around Queen’s Quarter, be it a night out or a sunny daytime stroll, you are bound to bump into a friendly face you know who is looking out for you." 

Belfast is in the safest region in the UK (UK Crime Surveys 2022/23).

Sarah, Human Biology student from Galway, Ireland

X - Xenial

"Since arriving in Belfast, I have been overwhelmed by the warm embrace of this vibrant city. From the moment I set foot here, I felt an immediate sense of inclusivity. The people of Belfast have a remarkable knack for making newcomers feel right at home.

Whether it's striking up a friendly conversation with a stranger at a local café, receiving a warm welcome from my professors and classmates at the university, or simply strolling through the streets filled with smiles and greetings, there is a charm about the city."

Disha, Medicine student from Dublin, Ireland

Y – Yes

"I didn’t know until the last week of May 2023 that there was a university named Queen's University Belfast or a place named Belfast and by December 2024 this place holds a significant place in both my CV and my heart! I said yes to opportunities, challenges, and moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone. People around me always believed I was meant for greater things but I used to constantly question myself. The last 15 months of saying yes to opportunities at Queen's showed me my own potential because of saying yes to things and actually doing them!"

Sai Sree, MSc Management student from India

Z – Zero-cost

"At Queen's University, the Students' Union offers a fantastic pantry option where you can take various food items for free twice a week. This can significantly help with managing your grocery expenses and ensure you always have access to essential items.

The pantry includes a range of products, from basic groceries, ensuring that you can cook balanced meals without breaking the bank."

Madhurya, MSc Business Analytics student from India

Queen's Staff