Returning to Belfast for another year at Queen’s University felt like coming home. But at the same time, moving into new accommodation and meeting new people was scary and exciting! I lived in Elms Village for my first year and College Gardens for my second year. It is safe to say that it was a wonderful experience, and the house is beautifully built.

My flat mates were all very lovely people and some of us have decided to stay together for our third year as well. Some of the highlights of my stay were definitely the accommodation’s proximity, big rooms and the amazing people I got to live with.

Take a 360 tour of College Gardens

Proximity to Queen's campus

Since the accommodation is a part of Queen’s accommodation, the security was very well maintained. We also had access to the Treehouse in Elms Village and all the events in the coffee bar. I feel the biggest plus point for College Gardens is its proximity to the main campus. It is just a five minute walk from the Lanyon building and the MBC. This has saved me a lot of time!

The accommodation is also very close to the McClay library which was incredibly helpful during exam periods. It was convenient and safe to get back home after late night study sessions! Living at College Gardens also made it easier to explore local areas. It is close to Lisburn Road and Botanic Avenue. Both of these streets are filled with cafes, restaurants and charity shops, perfect for students.

Check out where you can shop close to campus!

Rooms and amenities

The big spacious rooms with so much natural lighting were a major attraction. The large windows allowed plenty of natural light to enter, brightening the room. There was also a lot of storage in the room, which is such a bonus for me as an international student. The kitchen was also fully equipped with all appliances we could need, and it was very big, making it easy to share space and cook meals together.

College Gardens is suitable for students who prefer a more independent lifestyle

There were also washers and dryers in the kitchen. Having access to free laundry was such an advantage. My house was conjoined with another house. This meant we were more people living together and we had a bigger space as well. It created such a sense of community, and it was so easy to meet new people. The common area was always filled with laughter, whether it was a casual chat or a flat movie night!

Support from Residential Assistants

Moreover, the support from the accommodation team is commendable. We had a RA living with us to help with any day-to-day issues. Solving maintenance problems was also very easy in Queen’s accommodation and were promptly taken care of. This level of support made living away from home stress-free and happier.

Interested in becoming a Residential Assistant? Find out more from Sreyashi

I really enjoyed staying at College Gardens and I hope if it ever becomes your home, you enjoy it as much as I did! 

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Accommodation at Queen's

Take a 360 tour of College Gardens

Study Medicine at Queen's

India: Admissions Guide

Manya Ranganathan  Medicine | Undergraduate Student | India I have just finished my second year of medical school at Queen’s. It has been an enjoyable two years in Belfast with lots of study sessions in the McClay, discovering new parts of the city and working together with my peers. I am an international student from Delhi, India but the wonderful people I have met and the friends I’ve made make Belfast seem like home.