What will you be doing over the Easter break? >>

This discussion is now closed.

Check out other Related discussions

Liverpool vs Queen's Belfast

I need advice! I'm an English student (I hear this fact might be relevant in relation to Queen's) and I'm considering my insurance choice. I have offers for Ancient History at Queen's and Classical Studies at Liverpool. I'd enjoy either course equally I imagine. Which university would you advise I use as my insurance choice and why?

Reply 1

cubes

I know nothing about Liverpool, but as far as QUB goes:

It's predominately a local university, most students are from Belfast and other areas in NI, though its science/engineering based courses attract foreign students, and students the uk. I've heard a few English voices around so you wouldn't be totally alone (but still safely in the minority).
Aside from that quality of teaching is good, and there's plenty of bars nearby, do remember the weather is rubbish though.

*oh and you probably wouldnt get university provided accomodation past first year, but there is a large student community in the immediate university district living in rented homes, so its easy enough to get somewhere to live.

*oh, oh: and there's byzantine studies if you're into that sort of thing (arts students have to take a 2nd/3rd subject in first year).

Reply 2

egyptiancat

cubes

*oh, oh: and there's byzantine studies if you're into that sort of thing (arts students have to take a 2nd/3rd subject in first year).

I know! I really wanted to apply but to progress to 2nd year you have to learn Greek (and I'm not sure I good I'd be at learning a whole new alphabet!). If I come I'll take it with Ancient History in 1st year if I can.

Do you know what the library is like Cubes?

How far away is the 1st year accomodation and how frequent are buses between the 2 if it is very far?

Reply 3

cubes

The first year flats are within walking distance (5 minutes? probably less), buses in general are regular(every 15 minutes). I think the library is pretty standard, though is right on the central campus. I'll check if there's anything extra special about it.

Reply 4

egyptiancat

Thank you! (Would you find out if the library is modelled after the US - by topics - or uses the British system and organises its books by subjects? Oh! Could you please look at the Ancient History/Civilisations section for me? How big is it?)
I was so worried that the accomodation was ages away, as that was the impression I recieved from the brochure.
Cubes are you studying at QUB, if so what subject?

Reply 5

cubes

No i'm not, currently on a year out. All my friends are at queens though (and a couple doing history) so i can find out the library info easy enough; the university bookshop(well stocked but pricey) will have all books needed for the courses as well.

Reply 6

egyptiancat

Cool. Thank you so much!

Reply 7

cubes

ok, there's one small short term lending library(seamus heaney library - basically just a workspace) and then the main library.

The main library is 12 floors and organised by subject, not sure about ancient history specifically, but history in general is "pretty damn big". Lending is for two weeks.

Reply 8

egyptiancat

Thank you! :smile:

Ohh, goodbye Liverpool :p:

, hello Belfast :biggrin:

Reply 9

viciouscircle

egyptiancat

Thank you! :smile:

Ohh, goodbye Liverpool :p:

, hello Belfast :biggrin:

have you thought about visiting? - I know I wouldn't wanna be stuck in QUB for 3 years

Reply 10

egyptiancat

I'm going to try and visit in Febuary now. What do you have against Queen's? (I'm not an 'outgoing' person if you're referring to the nightlife.)

Reply 11

viciouscircle

egyptiancat

I'm going to try and visit in Febuary now. What do you have against Queen's? (I'm not an 'outgoing' person if you're referring to the nightlife.)

lol it's not that there's a lack of nightlife in Belfast - far from it, there's students brawling outside the pubs n clubs at chuckout time every thursday, fri n sat nights.

It's just not that great a university - the standard of degree isn't that good. QUB is only 'respected' (i use the term loosely) in NI because our other university is UUJ, a former poly. Although Queen's is highly rated for Medicine and engineering. But it was clear from the open day that all the money is being ploughed into these departments whereas the Arts and Humanities were pathetic. Sciences had Powerpoint presentations etc whilst Arts had pieces of pink card with photos of the lecturers stuck on!

Student council or govt. or whatever it's known as, is full of sectarian idiots. I've heard stories of students being intimidated by Sinn Fein out of standing for student positions. It's backwards to say the least. I pity my friends who are going there - can't wait to escape and expand my mind.

Reply 12

saoirse

ummm NOT true!

Im a Queen's student and my area, film and drama is outstanding. Facilities and staff are excellent. Lot of my friends do english and from what i hear its to be great

Everyone is friendly and relaxed and theres plenty of stuff to do

I studied in dublin for two years- and believe me Belfast is much more student friendly

Come to Queen's!

Reply 13