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Queens University of BelfastTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > Queen's University Belfast
 Queen's University, Belfast is a large university in Northern Ireland. It has a very good reputation in a number of subjects, including more traditional vocational subjects like medicine, pharmacy and architecture. It also has affiliated teaching colleges Stranmillis and St. Mary's. With regards to research it should be noted that Queens is part of the Russell group and therefore is an excellent, research intensive University. With such a large student population the uni has a lot going on too, so it's great place for both your academic life and your social life. New developments are currently in process regarding the merger to Stranmillis which when achieved will enable Stranmillis School of Education to form. FacilitiesLibrariesThe Library provides access to a wide range of:
 The McClay Library, which replaced the Main, Science and Seamus Heaney Libraries, is situated in College Park, at the top of Botanic Avenue, flanked by the trees of Botanic Park. The ground floor brings together a range of facilities to support teaching and research. Here you will find the Language Centre, with two language labs, the Computer Help Desk and Shop and specialists in media production. There's an Extended Hours Study Room, designed to provide computing access when the main floors with their workstations have closed. An auditorium and training rooms on the ground floor support organised sessions on library and computing resources. The upper floors contain the Library's main collections in the arts and humanities, the sciences, social sciences, and law. Designed by Boston-based architects Sheply, Bulfinch, Richardson & Abbott, working in association with Belfast architects, Robinson Patterson Partnership, the library opened in July 2009. The building has been named in honour of Sir Allen McClay, a major benefactor of Queen's University and of the Library.
IT and ComputingThe Bernard Crossland Building has two computer labs. During the day these are often in use by computing students completing lab classes.
SportsThe Physical Education Centre located on the edge of Botanic Gardens on the Stranmillis embankment The "Dub" Queen's has two sports halls, a swimming pool, squash courts, a climbing wall, a fitness suite & free wieghts room and winter grass pitches. It BUCS ranking in 2009-10 was 93, but is currently (04/03/2011) at 54. The reason for the poor ranking is mostly due to the fact the main sports at Queens are Gaelic Football and Hurling, where Queen' play in the Irish championships not the BUCS ones. WelfareHealthcareShopsIn recent years, the centre of Belfast has really developed commercially, some of the biggest and best shops being in Victoria Square (including a massive Topshop, and an *incredibly* popular Hollister - like seriously, the queues are out the door!), which is just a short walk from the university. Overall, your shopping tastes will definitely be satisfied in Belfast. RestaurantsBy virtue of the fact that Belfast is cheaper than most cities England, Scotland and Wales, you're going to find loads of great deals available. Botanic avenue has a fairly decent range of places, such as several chip/kebab/pizza places. The Other Place is a great little restaurant that does 99p ulster fries from mondayto friday. Harry Ramsden, Subway, Oddles of Noodles (new) and Maggie Mays (big portions, very reasonable prices). Stranmillis direction yields a few more chippies such as the well awarded Sphinx, Chinese's, cafes and a few nice restaurants, with prices that aren't too outrageous. Malone Road, of course, has the Bot, Esperantos, the Barking Dog and some more delights. Go far and wide with your cullinary searches - there are lots of gems to find in greater Belfast. BanksMain banks include: Ulster Bank, Northern Bank, Bank of Ireland, First Trust, Abbey National, HSBC, and Santander TransportMetro services run throughout belfast to the outskirts of the city from about 6am -11pm. If you are wanting to travel out of Belfast, Ulsterbus provide services to almost every town in Northern Ireland from the Europa bus centre in the city centre. Northern Ireland railways runs services to certain areas in Belfast. Great for a student wanting to get from A to B faster than the metro buses can take them. Translink also offer a student discount card, which may prove useful for frequent travellers, but it is worth noting that in some cases, a regular prepaid multi-journey card can bring about greater savings than the student discount card. In west Belfast black taxis are also a popular option, however using a minicab (such as fonacab) is often considered cheaper. There are also regular trains to Dublin (the Enterprise) from Belfast Central station. Careers servicePart-time jobsWith so many pubs and clubs in Belfast's student area and many more in the city center, west, east and north of the city you should find a job if you look hard enough. If going for a job in the student area, it would be worth mentioning you are flexible work weekends if coming from outside Ireland. Most of Belfast's student population come from rural areas outside the city and travel home at weekends, giving and advantage when handing in your CV. If you are looking for a job in Belfast, go to www.jobcentreonline.com it's great for searching for work, just type 'Belfast' into the search bar. Religous facilitiesQueen's University Belfast Discussions
SocialBars, Pubs and clubsThe Bot, Parlour, Filthy McNasty's The House, Stranmillis Stiff Kitten, The Limelight, Auntie Annies, M Club, Laverys, Eg, The Globe, Cutters Wharf, Stranmillis (are all in the surrounding area of QUB) EventsClubs and societiesAccommodationWhilst QUB does have its own accomodation at Elms, and the teaching college at Stranmillis - finding accomodation in second year is generally a matter of renting in the Belfast area, as first years get accomodation preference. Currently The largest and most student friendly website in Northern Ireland - is Property Pal. Accommodation policyElms VillageSet in a leafy residential area, this modern, village-style residence is located 800 metres from the University campus and 15 minute walk to Belfast city centre. Elms Village also has a centre offering a restaurant laundrette, shop and ATM cash machine. There is a private board room which can be booked separately - bookings for this should be made in advance. Rooms are in low-rise accommodation blocks of 3 floors and a common room with kitchen and television is available on each floor. All rooms include Internet connections and desks. The is a choice of en suite available. ResidencesPrivate sectorStudent unionEventsThe Union frequently has big events on. The union occasionally host gigs for popular bands (recently Franz Ferdinand and Gomez). Wednesdays nights sometimes have a comedy night provided by Queens Comedy Club, where some of Ireland's finest comedians do stand-up. Club NightsOn Monday nights is Connected, offering the best in indie, rock, dance, hip-hop and alternative. This takes place in the Mandela Hall and the Bunatee Bar. On Wednesdays is Dare, which takes place in the Speakeasy Bar. On Thursdays is Flirt, taking place in the Mandela Hall and the Bunatee Bar. On Friday at the Speakeasy Bar is Good Friday, where drinks are £1.50 from 4pm till close. EnvironmentArchitectureLocal areaQueens is situated near the hustle and bustle of the capital (Belfast). As such it is quite an urban area however is in a leafy part, botantic gardens is a must-see for all and is at the back of Queens. The atmosphere of the local area is often dependent on whether the uni term is on or not. Teaching qualityApplying to Queen'sThinking of applying to Queen's? Why not read some Personal Statements which were used for applying here? Other Queen's ArticlesWhy not read these other Queen's Articles? Links |
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