Belfast is a city that has provided me with many adventures and experiences. One of the most spectacular for which I will always be grateful is having met my friends and forming a sensational group of support, trust and affection that has made my experience studying in Queen's and living in Belfast the best.

"In addition to the academic experience and beautiful memories, Queen's left me with these two everlasting and beautiful friendships."

The three of us are international students, so we all have the mindset of wanting to explore and get to know the city a little, and how we can enjoy it while we are together. Here I am going to tell you a little about the ideas that have occurred to us and the things that we have done to spend time together and get the most out of this city.

Date nights at home

The most basic thing always comes first, but of course, most of the time we meet it is always in one of our homes, either to pre-drink before a night out or because the plan is truly at home. To be honest, this is my favourite type of plan because we always feel more relaxed, comfortable and calm, and that is when we get to share our thoughts the most often and establish greater trust.

Drinks at home

One of the best things about the plans at home is that they cultivate our skills and allow us to discover new talents. Summer became the best at making cocktails, Steff discovered her skill at making cheese boards, and I became the best entertainer while they took care of the food (and the one cleaning the dishes).

These outings at home involve more than cooking or preparing desserts and cocktails, they are about having the possibility of sharing time, not spending a lot of money and making incredible moments.

Steff feeling proud of her board

Play board games anywhere

Summer is the friend who has a huge collection of many board games; however, why play them at home when there is a city to explore? I recommend you carry some of your board games in your bag, in case for some reason the place you are in is conducive to the environment to play them.

The bar located in the lobby of the Room2 hotel has become our favourite place to enjoy a drink with snacks, and of course play Uno or any other board game. It is fun and very entertaining, and when you finish playing you will still have the opportunity to continue enjoying the atmosphere and the food, which is sometimes accompanied by good music.

Playing the meme game

Don't miss out on exploring Belfast's gastronomic and drinks offerings

Belfast has exquisite and varied gastronomic options throughout the city that is worth exploring. Our favoruite restaurants are located on Botanic Avenue, it is like walking down a street where you go from country to country because the international gastronomic offerings are impressive. Madame Pho is undoubtedly our favourite so far, but don't miss out on enjoying these exquisite meals and learning about international cuisine while living in Belfast, and of course spending an incredible time with your friends.

Ritas is undoubtedly one of our favourite places to enjoy cocktails

Invite your friends to your accommodation events

To all the events that I can bring guests to that take place in my accommodation, I invite them, and of course, they do the same. This opportunity is incredible because you get to enjoy what the event consists of and at the same time share time with both your friends and the people in your accommodation, meeting people and enjoying unique moments. Many times these events are accompanied by drinks and good music.

Accommodation end of year event

There is always a friend who is the 'fitness one'

It doesn't matter if you don't feel fit, follow the lead of your friend who feels more energetic, who will somehow always invent something to do (which will require physical activity) but in the end it will be 100% worth it. Go walking around the city, hiking in Cavehill, yoga in Botanic Gardens, or salsa classes on Tuesdays at Revolución de Cuba.

We live on an island, let's go to the beach

Sometimes while living in Belfast, it is difficult for us to feel the reality of living on a big island, but the seagulls are always flying nearby to remind us of it. The closest beach is undoubtedly in Holywood, just 10 minutes by train from Belfast. Go on any afternoon, take advantage of a sunny day and visit this town with sea views near the city, walk along the beach and return to the restaurant (Dirty Duck) in front of the train station to drink or eat something. It's a super fun plan, you can see the boats entering the port, enjoying a beautiful sunset while you watch the sun set behind the hills.

The Dirty Duck - highly recommended if you visit Holywood!

There are many things to do with your friends, don't miss the opportunity to share incredible experiences with the people you meet on your way through Queen's. In addition to the academic experience and beautiful memories, Queen's left me with these two everlasting and beautiful friendships.

Find out more

BLOG: Dealing with Living Abroad as an International Student

Information for international students at Queen's

Information for students from Colombia

Isabella Barros De La Rosa Violence, Terrorism and Security | Postgraduate Student | Colombia Hello, my name is Isabella Barros, I am 24 years old and I am from a beautiful city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia called Barranquilla. I am currently pursuing my master's in Violence, Terrorism and Security at Queen’s. I am very into running and outdoor activities. That's why Belfast is so amazing to live in, because of the landscapes, and the spaces for this kind of hobby. Besides running and studying, you can find me in any bookstore, wandering around the city, or enjoying a pleasant coffee in a cute cafe!