Hi everyone! My name is Amy Smith and I am your current Postgraduate Education Student Officer in the SU.
I studied my undergraduate degree in Drama and English here at Queen’s, and have just started my Masters in Arts Management. I have been frequently involved in clubs and societies such as Queen’s Musical Theatre Society, where I was the president, and Queen’s Knights Cheerleaders.
From completing my undergraduate degree, I completely understand the stresses and anxieties of starting university, sometimes in a new city with new people and new experiences.
It can seem daunting but the more you put into this experience the more you will get out of it.
The Students’ Union offers something for everyone so do keep in touch with the social media pages and website to find the right fit for you. Make sure to have a look on the SU website to get yourself prepared for all of the freshers’ events that you can attend, and don’t worry, everyone is in the same position as you are so you won’t be alone.
Before you arrive at University
Make sure to research and apply for accommodation. Always ensure you are choosing the accommodation that is right for you, such as the area and other students. Every accommodation is different and located in different settings from BT9 to BT1 to BT2, we ensure that our freshers have options and choices in finding what is right for them as well as free confidential advice on the third floor of the SU. Once you have got your accommodation confirmed, get to know your flatmates. There are plenty of group chats available on social media where you can find people in your accommodation even as close as the room right next to you. Again, they will be in the same position as you, so don’t be afraid to reach out.
Get to know your course mates. Similarly to your flat, it is just as easy to find others also doing your course through societies, social media and group chats. This should hopefully ease some social anxieties with meeting new people and help you to feel comfortable in your classes alongside people you are familiar with. Within your course, it may feel overwhelming. The best thing to do is take everything one step at a time. Your lecturers understand that it can be a lot at the start. Do not try to commit and do everything at once, it takes time to get used to the university life.
While you are at University
Join as many clubs and societies as you can! Meeting people that share the same interests as you can take your mind off your studies a couple of times a week. It is so important that your university life isn’t just solely your studies. Different clubs and societies meet every single day, some for free or a small charge for membership for the year. It is the main domain for you to make friends for life at university doing things that you have a passion for.
The Students’ Union has an abundance of welcome and freshers’ events. Keep an eye on Instagram as well as the ‘What’s On?’ section on QSU website for all of the updates on events and social activities. Services such as SU Volunteer, SU Enterprise and SU Voice provide opportunities that can carry forward in preparing you as far as leaving university.
There is something for everyone in the SU so always remember that you are part of the Union for your entire university life, use it to your expertise and take advantage of every opportunity.
Your Student Officers’ door is always open so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
See you soon,
Amy
Blog by Amy Smith
PG Education Student Officer
