Before moving to Belfast, I cannot deny that one of my biggest concerns was what my life would be like in this city, what challenges I might face, and what new situations I would have to adjust to. Safety was always a topic of conversation among my family, despite how much has been achieved globally regarding the protection of women's integrity, the new things I was going to face in a place that was unfamiliar to me were still a concern.

Despite all my fears and insecurities, I decided to come and leave the comfort zone that my city and being surrounded by my family always represented for me.

What should you know before coming to study in Belfast?

To my pleasant surprise, Belfast has been one of the cities in the world where I have been able to feel safest. The people who live in this beautiful city have a particular sensitivity and a comprehensive awareness of the importance of caring for women, regardless of their place of origin, age, religion or occupation.

Belfast is in the safest region in the UK (UK Crime Surveys 2021/22) 

Likewise, studying in Queen's has been one of the best experiences in terms of being a woman. I appreciate the university's concern regarding gender issues, and its commitment to making this space safe for everyone.

SU: my safe space, the common home

It is a secret to none of the students in Queen's that the SU is the space where our needs as students (and beyond that) are best served. The SU considers everything we may need for our wellbeing while living in Belfast. It has offices for every need, even the ones you can least imagine.

Take a tour of One Elmwood Student Centre and Students' Union!

No matter how uncomfortable the topic may be for you or if your prejudices make it difficult for you to communicate, in the SU you will always feel safe to share your concerns and receive appropriate advice from people who genuinely care. They care about our wellbeing.

• Health and Wellbeing at QSU

From my experience, all those things that I may need have been well attended to in the SU, such as those issues related to my physical and psychological well-being, my sexual and reproductive health, as well as the supply of food and hygiene and personal care products. Likewise, the SU has the best communication channels if you are looking for someone to talk to, all its staff are very receptive and will guide you in the best way on how to handle the situation you find yourself in.

Find out more about Period Dignity @ Queen's

I have never felt alone, always protected

Throughout the campus and in its different spaces it is clear to see how Queen's is committed to preventing any type of situation that violates the integrity of its students and staff. Throughout the campus, many of us have been able to identify posters that seek to help us identify if we are subjected to any situation of violence, and open doors of communication so that we can feel confident and secure in reporting those that afflict and harm us.

Through these messages, the university aims to open channels of communication with all the people who are actively in its facilities, trying to be a support for people who find themselves violated in their domestic lives or other types of interpersonal relationships; showing that it is not about normalising and supporting certain types of behaviours that violate us and that it is necessary for them to be reported. For this reason, on these posters there will always be a telephone number that you can contact if you need to talk to someone.

• QSU - Home and Personal Safety
• Key contacts for students

Queen's has a dedicated Student Wellbeing Service

Gender equality

Likewise, Queen's has been awarded on several occasions for its commitment and the various campaigns it promotes in the university community, such as the Queen's Gender Initiative (QGI), which works to enhance the participation and visibility of women in all aspects of university life. This initiative works together with the university's faculties to promote the visibility and contribution of women in each academic and professional instance of the university.

Queen's is also actively involved in the Athena Swan programme, achieving several accreditations for promoting gender equality in higher education and research. Additionally, it implements policies and programmes to support the professional development of women, combat discrimination and harassment, and foster an inclusive and equitable environment. These actions reflect their dedication to gender equality and the empowerment of women at all levels.

Queen’s is the first university on the island of Ireland and only the second in the UK to achieve an institutional Gold Award for its work in improving gender equality

Queen's University Belfast demonstrates a strong commitment to the care and empowerment of women through its various gender equality initiatives and policies. The implementation of policies against discrimination and harassment demonstrates its dedication to creating an inclusive and safe environment.

Programmes to support the professional development of women and their focus on equality reflect an institutional culture that values ​​and protects all its students and staff, promoting an equitable and respectful academic environment.

Find out more

Queen's Gender Initiative

Queen's Student Wellbeing Service

Study Violence, Terrorism and Security 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!