Hanging out with fellow society members

“I enjoy hanging out with my friends, going bowling, and going to see movies. We often go clubbing and I also like grabbing a pint with my uni friends and fellow English Society committee members. I enjoy going to society events and I like to travel when I have the time.”

Cheri Botha, English with Creative Writing, South Africa

Exploring Northern Ireland

“The SU and the MBC building are my favourites and I love spending time in the McClay library too. The SU bar is a great place for us to hang out and to meet new people. The city centre is amazing to hang out with my friends, where we spend time shopping or watch movies. During the weekends we even plan and go out to different places in Northern Ireland too.”

Riya Roy Thomas, Medicine, GB/India

Volunteering and working part-time

“I volunteered for six months at St. Malachy’s Youth Centre through Queen’s Students' Union, helping young students from P2 to P7 with their homework every Wednesday while creating a fun, supportive environment. In addition to volunteering, I also work part-time as a sales assistant at Deichmann Shoe Store. This job helps me immerse myself in the local culture, learn the slang, and better understand Northern Irish life.”

Callista Budihardjo, Computer Science, Indonesia

Hiking and cafe hopping

“I like spending time with my friends on hiking trips such as to the Antrim Hills and the Mournes, as well as fun activities near Belfast such as the HydroPark. I also love cafe hopping and would regularly explore new and established cafes in Belfast, and have an ongoing list of personal ratings for these restaurants. I would also go on walks around Belfast, exploring the areas around the Titanic as well as Ormeau Park, including shopping trips to TK Maxx and vintage shops for some good deals and good finds.”

Aliya binti Mohd Zayed, Medicine, Malaysia

Unwinding in local parks

“When I'm not in class or studying, I like to spend my time exploring new places and cultures. In Belfast, I enjoy visiting the local parks and historical sites like the Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum. It’s a great way to unwind and learn more about the city’s heritage.”

Taher Kapasi, MSc In Pharmaceutical Analysis with IIP, India

Chilling in the Students' Union

“Of course, when I'm not in class or studying, I love heading to the Students' Union. Especially during the day when The Pantry is open, because I can find all my essentials there. Since I’m from Indonesia, rice is my staple food, and luckily, they have it there, which I really enjoy. Another thing I love about the Students' Union is the student lounge on the third floor. There, we can make tea, coffee, and use the microwave to heat up our food. It’s one of my favourite spots. I also really enjoy taking pictures, selfies, and videos around the campus buildings. Every corner has an incredible design full of history, and I love capturing those moments.”

Muhammad Syahruddin Nawir, PhD Education, Indonesia

Attending university events

“Whenever I am not studying, I'll be attending events happening across University! Queen's has loads to offer whether it is volunteering or sports, I'll be ending up attending events out of my course every time after my lectures or in my free time!”

Varshitha Manjunath, International Business, India

Exploring Belfast

“I really enjoy exploring Belfast and going on casual strolls around the city. I have always been someone who loves history, legends and nature so trips to Carrickfergus for example made me fall in love with Belfast even more. Cafe hopping and capturing the seasons change through my lens have been my absolute favourite things to do.”

Megha Elsa Thomas, MSc Clinical Health Psychology, India

Enjoying faculty-led activities

“I usually join events held by my faculty/Graduate School/AHSS Student Skill Hub/Students' Union. They have a bunch of fun and useful activities, ranging from fun tours to insightful conferences. I also love reading fiction and watching movies. Sometimes I spend my time cooking because I still miss my hometown foods. Ah, and I love to hang out in Students' Union where I can meet new friends and learn about a new culture.”

Henny Septia Utami, PhD Education, Indonesia

Daily walks through the city

“When I'm not in class or studying, I usually find myself reading, writing, or exploring. I'm a little bit on the introverted side, but time and time again, Belfast has helped me out of my comfort zone. Instead of reading alone in my room, I go to local libraries, book shops, and cafes. Instead of writing alone, I head to campus to enjoy the Graduate School or Seamus Heaney Centre. Everything I used to do all on my own, I'm doing as a part of a community, now! When it comes to exploring, I like to take daily walks to find new, hidden gems around the city, but I've also taken the bus and train to some of the neighbouring towns!”

Brittany Marasciulo, MA Creative Writing, USA

Connecting with cultures

“When I’m not in class or studying, I like to stay involved in different activities. I often participate in events organised by the Malaysian Society, where I was a committee member last year. Being part of the society has allowed me to help other Malaysians in Belfast feel a little closer to home, and it’s been a great way to stay connected with my culture while also sharing it with others. I also love going for hikes around Belfast. The city’s accessibility to nature and its greenery make hiking such an enjoyable and relaxing activity. It's the perfect way to unwind while staying active.”

Aleeya Emelna binti Mohd Khairul Isma, Software Engineering, Malaysia

Find out more

International students at Queen's

Living Abroad in Belfast: A Unique Experience

Discovering Belfast as an International Student

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!