Things to Do During Your First Week in Belfast
Third year Medicine student Manya lists some top priorities for your first week in Belfast as a new Queen's student!
As a new international student, here are a few essential tasks to complete as soon as you reach Belfast.
Airport Pickup from the University
During Freshers’ Week, the university organises pickups on various dates from the airport to give you a warm welcome to Belfast. When you book your flights, get in touch with the university to check if they have a pickup on your arrival date.
Find out more about the airport arrival process
Collect Your BRP
While filling out your CAS application, you would have specified whether you will collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) from the university or the post office. I got mine from the university, and the process was very easy. You can book an appointment online, bring an ID with you, and get your BRP.
Get a UK SIM
You can choose to bring a SIM from your home country or buy one in Belfast. SIM cards are easily available in many local stores, and you can get affordable monthly or yearly plans. I got my SIM along with my visa from the visa office.
Register with a GP
There are many GPs around the university area, and you can choose to register with any of them. I registered with the University Health Centre. All you need is a letter from the university stating you are a student at Queen’s and confirming your address. Then you fill out a few forms provided by the GP, and you’re registered.
The University Health Centre at Queen’s – The How, What, Why, and When Answered
Open a Bank Account
It is important to have a UK bank account. The process for opening an account is straightforward. You will need a letter from the university confirming your student status and address and the rest of the process might differ from bank to bank. You can open an account online or in store. The staff are very helpful and make the process easy. Some popular options are Ulster Bank, HSBC and Barclays.
Make Your Translink Account and Apply for a yLink Card
Translink is the local transport operator in Belfast. Their app helps you navigate routes and figure out which bus or train you need to take. They also have an online ticketing app called mLink. A yLink card gives you discounted travel and is for 16-23 year-olds.
Plan your journey on the Translink app
Get a National Insurance Number and Register on QWork
You need a National Insurance number to be eligible to work in the UK. You can simply apply for it on the government website. QWork is the university’s jobs portal where you can find part-time and full-time jobs. I recommend working with the university as it pays well, requires minimal time commitment, and is a great way to meet new people.
Acquaint Yourself with the University and the Students' Union
You can opt for a tour of the university or just take a walk around yourself. It is helpful to have an idea of where different buildings are for when you have classes in them! Familiarising yourself with the Students' Union is very important as it is your go-to point for any information, help or support you might need.
Check out our student tour of One Elmwood!
Some Final Tips
- Attend as many Freshers’ events as you can.
- Join different clubs and societies.
- Don’t be afraid to talk to new people! Make as many friends as you can.
- Explore Belfast! It is a beautiful place.
I hope these tips help you settle in quicker and make the most of your time at Queen’s!
Find out more
Queen's Welcome and Orientation
Manya RanganathanMedicine | Undergraduate Student | IndiaI 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. |
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