Is Queen's University of Belfast a good school?

Question

I'm an american who will be studying abroad in Northern Ireland at QUB next fall. I'm super excited, and have heard wonderful things about Belfast and the Northern Irish people in general.

So is QUB as great as i've heard it is?

Also I was wondering if anyone had any tips for me (i.e. things to do in Belfast, things NOT to say in Belfast, etc)

And, as a DISCLAIMER, I am not an arrogant bush-loving, gun-toting, brash american stereotype. I'm from Minnesota, have never even touched a gun, and will probably celebrate 01/20/2009 (bush's last day in office) like a National Holiday.

Answer 1

Yeah Queens is a very good uni, one of the best in the UK.

The Belfast City Sightseeing bus tour  www.belfastcitysightseeing.com is a good way to get an overview of the city when you arrive.

You may find some of the phrases and sayings they use a bit hard to understand at first ie.:

Whats the craic - whats happening/any gossip

What about ye? - What's up, How are you?

Catch yourself on! - Wise up.

Dead on! - Great. Perfect, Really nice

http://members.tripod.com/~Shinann/langu...

You should also check out www.gotobelfast.com, http://www.4ni.co.uk/entertainment/ and www.belfastcity.gov.uk for information on events, clubs etc.

Ps- I would try to avoid talking about the politics of the country, most people dont really mind however there are a still a few who have got quite strong opinions on it.

Answer 2

I am from Donegal in the Republic and luckily for you Queen's is an excellent university with an outstanding reputation.Lots of students here in the south choose Belfast because of it's high standards.I personally know three from my area,one of which finished top in his graduation year in Chemistry and is now working in Germany for a high flying company.

Belfast is good for night life but I would warn you that the culture for drinking is different here and you will see more folk who have 'overstayed their welcome' in the pub shall we say.

Keep your politics and your opinions close to your chest when in open company and you'll be fine.Nobody is going to eat ya. Good luck ;)

Lol at your disclaimer.When I was in Egypt and Turkey last year I twice came across Canadians wearing 'I am a Canadian' T-shirts.Wonder why?

One further point.The City of Derry gets called Derry by Catholics and Londonderry by Protestants.To avoid offence it can be referred to as stroke city(as in Derry/Londonderry).

You're wishing you never asked now,yeah?

Answer 3

Queens is a great university.  I'm in my final year at the minute and whilst i can't wait for the stress of exams and assignments to end, i'm also really sad about leaving.



On the whole people are really friendly and there's a great social scene.  I'd reccommend you go to places like the bot, the students union, the stiff kitten and the eg. I'm assuming that if you're a foreign student you'll be staying in The Elms halls of residence so you'll have the chance to meets lots of new friends.  

In terms of cultural things to see and do in the Belfast area, there's Belfast Castle, The Ulster museum, The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Stormont, Botanic Gardens, City Hall etc.  There are also great tours of the city where you can learn about the history and legacy of the trobles and the construction of the Titanic.  The Antrim Coast/Giants Causeway is well worh a visit too and Dublin is only 2 hrs 30 mins away by bus. (£12 return)

Hope this helps and Good luck.

Answer 4

The clue is in the name,  dear - it's a UNIVERSITY, not a school! We finish with school at about 18 years old over here.

I've only heard good things about Queens, so I'm sure you have a marvellous and educational time there. Just try not to talk Irish politics if you like your kneecaps.

Answer 5

YES!!! Come to Northern Ireland.You will enjoy it soooo much!! The people are all very nice and helpful and will not think that you are an 'arrogant bush-loving, gun-toting, brash american stereotype.'

Just make sure that you don't call the people Irish. Always say Northern Irish. Theres a lot to do in Belfast.

Don't mention Catholic/Protestants or religion in general unless you're meant to. people are still very biased over here though things are improving.

The new Victoria Square shopping centre opened here yesterday- with shops like House of Fraser (a big fancy department store-designers) so go there.

There are now lots of nice shops and restauants here.

Theres also the Giants Causeway, Bushmills distillery etc.

You'll find it very easy to make friends over here.

Vocabulary-

Dander , "I'm going for a dander"- going for a walk

Craic (crack), "There is good craic there"- good laugh, entertainment, good atmosphere

Wee- small,"Look at the wee baby"

term of endearment, "She is my wee darling"

Nice, "Make us a wee cup of tea"

Also used in general language for no apparent reason.

Anymore help don't hesitate to email me or something.

Have a really nice time!!!!

xx Alice.

Answer 6

QUB is a very good university i go there!