English student in Belfast

I want to start university in Belfast in September, but as a English student I feel like there will be difficulties that I will face. I have read online about all the problems that English students have had studying at QuB due to the strong dislike towards the English, the history and the strong religious views of the country . But all the thing I have read are around 10 years old. I was wondering if there any current English students that are studying there or any that have recently graduated, who can tell me about their experience. Or even other students that study that can comment on the way that English students get treated. I have also been told that dorms can be very quiet in the weekdays as many go back home, which really shows how few internationals there are.Which is the best dorm to stay in, that tend to have more international students staying in them.

I want to start university in Belfast in September, but as a English student I feel like there will be difficulties that I will face. I have read online about all the problems that English students have had studying at QuB due to the strong dislike towards the English, the history and the strong religious views of the country . But all the thing I have read are around 10 years old. I was wondering if there any current English students that are studying there or any that have recently graduated, who can tell me about their experience. Or even other students that study that can comment on the way that English students get treated. I have also been told that dorms can be very quiet in the weekdays as many go back home, which really shows how few internationals there are.Which is the best dorm to stay in, that tend to have more international students staying in them.

Hey. I live in Northern Ireland and I am starting Queen's in September. Obviously I am not sure what it is like within the actual university but what I can say is from my experience that things have moved on in Northern Ireland. Yes, sectarianism is still happening but I would be honestly surprised if you were treated differently because you are English. My advice to anyone is stay out of any Protestant / Catholic chat. With all the history it's not even about the actual religion. It's about what side of the wall you're on. I dont consider myself to be either Protestant or Catholic. Wouldn't wanna associate myself with either side. I know family and friends who have moved from NI to England who have said that NI is a lot more backward than UK Mainland. Even little things like shop opening hours on Sundays, night clubs closing at 1am etc. Most never come back because it's a different kind of life across the pond.
I hope your experience of Queen's and NI is a positive one but bear these things in mind before you come so that your expectations aren't too high...

Saying this, there are also many positives to coming over to study here. You will meet many people from a range of backgrounds. There are so many beautiful places fo visit and sights to see. We are home to one of the worlds most beautiful coastal drives and of course not forgetting the GOT filming around our country. There are more positives to coming than letting a few sectarians put you off. You have the chance to study in a renowned university & gain a degree. I hope it all works out for you.

Thank you, thats very helpful. What course are you starting in September, I am in for Law but the place is not guaranteed until results day on Thursday.
Its so good to hear that things are good and I have nothing to worry about. I was especially worried about being from London, it could make the hate worse.

1 3 days ago

Hey – I’m an English student at Queen’s from Huddersfield. A lot of students from England are worried about this before coming to study in Northern Ireland but honestly there’s nothing to worry about! I’ve found that the strong views you talk about are all but non-existent – the students at QUB now were nearly all born after the Good Friday Agreement and therefore all they’ve ever really known is a peace time NI. All of the students from England are just treated like everyone else! Also, you really won’t be on your own at QUB as someone from England – the numbers of students from outside of NI is definitely on the up. Some NI students do go home on a weekend but this definitely isn’t a problem! If you stay at the Elms BT9 accommodation then there are 10 or 11 people living in each flat, sharing a kitchen and living area. The accommodation staff are really good and try to make sure there’s a good mix of English, Northern Irish and International students in every flat -this means that even if a few NI students head home on a weekend there’s still loads of people around. I’m going into my third year now and I’m going to be living with 3 other NI students and none of them go home on a weekend. (And if you want to head back home to England then the flights really are super cheap and quick!) If there’s anything else you want to ask me about student life go for it!