In September 2024, Queen’s University Belfast, in partnership with Belfast City Council launched its Civic Commitment to the South Belfast University Area, underscoring a dedication to improving community relations and student welfare. This initiative, developed in partnership with Belfast City Council and local communities,  provides the framework to continue to build positive relationships with those who live, work or visit the wider university area.

Since 1845, Queen’s University has been integral to Belfast’s growth. As the city and University have expanded, so has the institution’s commitment to its surrounding communities. Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s, emphasised:

“We have grown as the city has grown. We share Belfast City Council’s vision of the city as a place where people want to come to live, to work, to study and to experience our city. We are committing to working in partnership with Belfast City Council, and local communities, in order to co-create and deliver ambitious plans for cohesive, inclusive development and deliver them with the continued support of the community in South Belfast.”

The Civic Commitment builds upon ongoing work and includes three main priorities:

Promote the Growth of Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation:

• Enhance QUB’s accommodation offerings.
• Introduce an ‘Accommodation Bursary Scheme’ worth over £500,000 for low-income students from Northern Ireland.
• Adhere to the UUK Student Accommodation Code

Encourage students to be good neighbours:

• Organise ‘Moving In’ and ‘Moving Out’ events to educate students on community living.
• Address the impact of waste and noise issues.
• Establish the ‘Students in the Community Steering Group’ to agree interventions which ensure students are valued members of the community.
• Encourage student volunteerism through the ‘Handy Helpers’ programme, focusing on environmental improvement projects.

Ensure students are valued members of their communities:

• Engage students in local research and community-focused learning through initiatives like Queen’s Science Shop.
• Focus on engagement research and innovation, through initiatives like Queen’s Communities and Place (QCAP), to address social challenges and improve outcomes.
• Queen’s Students' Union will lead volunteer and fundraising efforts, such as QUB RAG and Homework Clubs, to foster community cohesion and support students personal and professional development.

As Queen’s University Belfast continues to advance its Civic Commitment, the partnership with Belfast City Council and local communities will enhance the quality of life in South Belfast, ensuring that both students and residents can thrive in a vibrant, inclusive city.

Read the civic commitment