Welcome to Belfast – The Drop in Dialogues

As we inch further into September and semester start, Belfast is welcoming thousands of new students from across the region and the globe. It can be a daunting time, starting a new venture in a new city, especially if doing it alone. The Accessible Learning and Wellbeing Drop-in have put together a few ways to avoid teething problems:

Manage your expectations- expect nerves! This is normal. As well as that, expect stress! University is meant to challenge you. There will be an element of feeling under pressure. How you handle this is what counts. Similarly, expect to have differences of opinion with your new housemates. Learning to accommodate each other will involve give and take.
Register with a GP. You never know when you may need healthcare. This should be with your closest practice. The Student Information Point in One Elmwood has registration forms for the University Health Centre. It is important to understand that it may take time to get a GP appointment and practices have rules about when to call for these-often before 10.30am.
Take a look at the Conduct Regulations. When excited about freedom and exploring, this may be the last thing you want to do. However, many students have faced Conduct Investigations because they didn’t realise that how they behave off campus is covered in the Conduct Regs. For example, did you know that if you live in private rented accommodation, the Belfast City Council notify the University if they receive a noise complaint involving a student? This could lead to fines and warnings on your record.
Find out about and make use of the facilities! If you live in Elms, there are shared social spaces, daily activities, etc. Check out the PEC, all that is on offer in the McClay Library, your School facilities and the new One Elmwood building.
Watch out for scams. Many students have fallen victim to increasingly sophisticated ploys. International students have been particularly targeted, transferring money in the belief they are paying for accommodation, pre-employment checks or government fees.

Although you may be moving by yourself, you are not, in fact alone. Many others are experiencing similar situations and feelings. As well as this, there are so many ways you can meet like-minded people. The pre-semester events and inductions will give you a good idea about clubs and societies, wellbeing events and school events. Most schools operate a Peer Mentoring Scheme so make make the most of the experience of those who were in your shoes last year. SU Volunteers and the International Student Guides run events all through the year to make it easier to meet people in a safe space.

If you do need help, please don’t wait until the situation worsens. You can call into the Drop-in to see us, look up information on our website or utilise Advice SU for specific issues. You can talk to your Personal Tutor or Advisor of Studies about academic worries. If you have a long-term health condition, Accessible Learning Support (formerly Disability Services) can help with in-course supports. We have included some of the links at the end of this blog.

The Accessible Learning and Wellbeing Team welcomes you to Queen’s University. We hope you enjoy your stay!