Coming to Queens....

Hi everyone. I'm a student from Canada and I've just been accepted into the MA English/Creative Writing program at Queens for this autumn.
I'm just wondering if anyone who's ever gone to Queens can give me some advice. What should I bring? Where should I live? What is this Elms Village place like? Does anyone know what the creative writing program is like? They only accept 25-30 people worldwide and I'm worried that once classes start,it's going to get very competitive.
According to the Queens website, there's various places reserved on campus for international postgrad students, so I know I have a place to go, I just have to choose where.

Any help or advice would be appreciated!

Reply 1

kitten with a whip

OP

Thanks for this. On the website, the options for postgrads are to live in Guthrie House, Mount Charles House, or an en suite room at Elms Village, depending on how many weeks you're staying. Do you know anything about the houses? I was considering Elms Village because the rooms are already networked, even though I know the majority of the people there would be undergrads. How far is it from the university? It says it's just a few minutes walk but the university I went to in Canada had an off campus residence that they said was just a few minutes walk, and it was more like a 20 minute walk through a woods and graveyard, and that was if you took the shortcut. I've lived in residences for the last four years so I think I could hack it, and my boyfriend lives in a town about 30 minutes away so I'd probably be there on the weekends anyway.

The only time I was in Ireland was in the autumn, and it was actually quite nice. I know it's usually rainier and colder, but I know it doesn't get as cold in the winter as it does where I'm from. Is there much snow?

Reply 2

Jarife

I can't really tell you much about the university side of things, but the weather is easy, I've lived here all my life. Our climate is not very extreme at all. It is basically just variations on the same all year round. Sure, at summer it gets a bit warmer and at winter it gets a bit colder but nothing dramatic. We usually get a bit of snow, but it really is just a bit, it doesn't usually hang around. And just recently we've had a week of really hot weather for here. But, if you're starting in Autumn, bring a raincoat!

Reply 3

Lemmiwinks

1

Jarife

But, if you're starting in Autumn, bring a raincoat!

Well in all honesty if you're coming any time that isn't May or June bring a raincoat!

Reply 4

Spud

kitten with a whip

Hi everyone. I'm a student from Canada and I've just been accepted into the MA English/Creative Writing program at Queens for this autumn.
I'm just wondering if anyone who's ever gone to Queens can give me some advice. What should I bring? Where should I live? What is this Elms Village place like? Does anyone know what the creative writing program is like? They only accept 25-30 people worldwide and I'm worried that once classes start,it's going to get very competitive.
According to the Queens website, there's various places reserved on campus for international postgrad students, so I know I have a place to go, I just have to choose where.

Any help or advice would be appreciated!

Canadians are taking over here! I'm just kidding, though there was a Canadian in my Spanish class last year.

Unfortunately, warm clothing is quite essential - but sure it's cold in Canada from time to time. :wink:

To live - the Elms Village is excellent (great atmosphere, facilities etc) but its a good 15 minute walk from where you'll likely be studying (ie around the main building area), and it is filled with immature first year students. :p:

That said, much of it is newly built, with ensuite rooms, and free internet access, and there's a small shop and a bar within the village too.

Creative Writing MA - very impressive! (says the fellow English student :cool:

). I haven't a clue about the exact content of the course, but I know for a fact that entry is highly competitive, but if you've made it this far, you must have shown your ability already, so I'm sure you'll be fine.

Reply 5

Spud

kitten with a whip

Thanks for this. On the website, the options for postgrads are to live in Guthrie House, Mount Charles House, or an en suite room at Elms Village, depending on how many weeks you're staying. Do you know anything about the houses? I was considering Elms Village because the rooms are already networked, even though I know the majority of the people there would be undergrads. How far is it from the university? It says it's just a few minutes walk but the university I went to in Canada had an off campus residence that they said was just a few minutes walk, and it was more like a 20 minute walk through a woods and graveyard, and that was if you took the shortcut. I've lived in residences for the last four years so I think I could hack it, and my boyfriend lives in a town about 30 minutes away so I'd probably be there on the weekends anyway.

The only time I was in Ireland was in the autumn, and it was actually quite nice. I know it's usually rainier and colder, but I know it doesn't get as cold in the winter as it does where I'm from. Is there much snow?

Sorry, just seen this. :redface:

I believe that the two houses mentioned are on the Malone Road, very close to the Elms Village - so they'll not save you much time walking down to the university. Also, they're a bit detached from everything, so I'd advise you to go to Elms, given the better atmosphere down there. That said, the only thing which you mightn't like is being housed with a variety of other foreign students (all speaking different languages :biggrin:

) - but that could happen in the houses too, I suppose.

Snow - yes, there was a freaky snow-period earlier in the year! But it was a bit abnormal, and you Canadians would surely laugh at our idea of a large snowfall. :redface:

Reply 6

kitten with a whip

OP

Yes, Canadian invasion! It's going to be so weird being an international student...but I can't wait! When I was talking back and forth with the university during my application process they said there was usually about 5 or 6 North Americans in the creative writing program each year, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're Canadians...but anyway! As long as nobody mistakes me for an American, I'll be happy. Last time I was in Ireland someone thought I was Welsh, but they were fairly drunk and probably thought everyone was Welsh.

I'm still in shock that I actually got into the program. I didn't know if it was competitive or not, but then they sent me an email saying they only took about 25-30 students each year, so I've been pretty smug about getting in. I'm still half scared I'll get over there and be out of my element.

I think I'll be fine living wherever, I've been in residence for the last four years and there's been foreign students milling around in all of them. I was hoping to live in Guthrie House because it's closer to the campus (I think it's located on something called Fitzwilliam street or something like that, it's not on the Malone Road) and it has internet in the rooms, but my dad is pushing for an ensuite in Elms Village so I'll have a huge room and a shower and all that. But 15 minutes isnt that bad to walk, I'll be happy wherever they put me.

Do you know how long the program is supposed to last? I keep hearing about 39 week and 50 week programs and then someone told me masters students usually stay until the next autumn to hand in their dissertations...I'm so confused about how long I'm supposed to be there. I thought I'd be going home in the summer and now I'm planning on staying an extra 3 months..I'm going to have to get a job over there so I don't run out of money! I think I'm only allowed to legally work for under 20 hours a week though.

Speaking of work, I'm actually at my job now so I should probably go and do something in order to earn my paycheck. Thanks for your help!

Reply 7

blah

Assuming I get the grades, I should be going into first year at Queen's come September. In terms of Elms Village, the website doesn't provide in-depth info, apart from a 350 view of the rooms. I was at one of the Elms' open days last week for a brief tour. And I put my deposit down on the same day.

I don't mean this in a bad way at all, but for an international student security should be important, as like any other city, there are unsavory characters! Elms is extremely secure, there are people at reception 24/7.. along with night patrols. You also need your swipe card to access any building as well as your room.

All rooms in Elms have networking, a common room with tv, and a common kitchen. Sort of divided up to 1 common room/kitchen per floor.

There are two types of room.
Standard
Average size room, with sink. Desk, closet and of course a bed. You share a bathroom with 4/5 people and a single shower room (not like a common shower, just a single room with one shower) with 4/5 also. These are cleaned daily.

Ensuite: Same as the stanard room only much bigger, and of course, your own shower/bathroom. Costs about £11 more per week than standard.

Most people base their choice on whether they want to share a bathroom or not. But I found, after seeing the place, there are other factors. First of all, with 'standard', the common area and kitchen are two seperate rooms. But in en-suite, they are one big room, which is handy and the kitchen is also more modern. This is only what I saw on the tour though. Given this, I opted for ensuite.

In terms of facilities, well, there are lots. Security is one. There is a bar/resteraunt in the Elms serving all day up to nighttime. Also a grocery shop called 'Mace' with 'Student Friendly' prices. Lots of large laundry rooms are available. There is an 'aerobics room' if that is of interest.

True, you pay a bit more than standard accomodation. But it includes all your heat/electricity bills. And is very secure. Would be excellent for an international student in first year in my opinion. Also, the fact that you are international means that you will be given preference in the allocation of rooms; so more chance of snapping up an en-suite.

Hope this helps.

Reply 8

Spud

That's a better analysis than I could have given. And I've just spent a year there. :redface:

Reply 9

Spud

kitten with a whip

I think I'll be fine living wherever, I've been in residence for the last four years and there's been foreign students milling around in all of them. I was hoping to live in Guthrie House because it's closer to the campus (I think it's located on something called Fitzwilliam street or something like that, it's not on the Malone Road) and it has internet in the rooms, but my dad is pushing for an ensuite in Elms Village so I'll have a huge room and a shower and all that. But 15 minutes isnt that bad to walk, I'll be happy wherever they put me.

As blah said, the Elms has internet in the rooms too, so you'll not lose out on that.

kitten with a whip

Do you know how long the program is supposed to last? I keep hearing about 39 week and 50 week programs and then someone told me masters students usually stay until the next autumn to hand in their dissertations...I'm so confused about how long I'm supposed to be there. I thought I'd be going home in the summer and now I'm planning on staying an extra 3 months..I'm going to have to get a job over there so I don't run out of money!

Jeepers - that sounds rough. And I though that the two 12-week semesters were bad enough. :redface:

I'll have a check though to see about the length of the course - might be somewhere, amongst the reams of (unorganised) information that I have from the school!

Reply 10

kitten with a whip

OP

Hey Blah, thanks for all the info! Queens updated their website a week or two ago so there was a lot more information on accommodation, and I ended up sending my application in for an ensuite before I even read your reply, but it sounds like I made the right choice from what you said :smile:

Well actually it wasn't my choice, it was more my dad going "Choose the expensive one, they're always the best and you're going far away, want to be comfortable ramble ramble ramble father grumblings" or something like that. Is there an eye rolling emoticon around here somewhere? Ha ha!
Anyway, now all I have to do is wait to hear where they're sticking me.

Spud - I got confirmation from the English department that my program is 50 weeks long, AH! So it looks like I'll be in Belfast for an entire year. Know of anyone handing out free money? Ha ha...nah, I think I'll be alright in the finance department. My dad will be looking out for me I'm sure!

Reply 11

Spud

Well done to your dad - wise ramblings!! Anyway, that's a decision which I doubt you'll regret.

Now, signing up for a 50-week course - that might be a different story!! Just kidding :biggrin:

Reply 12

kitten with a whip

OP

Do you know how it works exactly, when you show up on registration day? This is strange to me, at all my other universities you chose your courses online waaaaaaaaaay back in the spring before the next school year was even in your mind. I'm envisioning long lines in front of tables where students fight to get into courses...please tell me it's not like that!
Well...I guess mine won't be like that, since I know I have a place in my specific course...but I still don't get this registration process.

Reply 13

Spud

kitten with a whip

Do you know how it works exactly, when you show up on registration day? This is strange to me, at all my other universities you chose your courses online waaaaaaaaaay back in the spring before the next school year was even in your mind. I'm envisioning long lines in front of tables where students fight to get into courses...please tell me it's not like that!
Well...I guess mine won't be like that, since I know I have a place in my specific course...but I still don't get this registration process.

Ah well, you should be fine seeing as its a small Masters class.

That said, much long lines could well be part of registration as it was last year. :frown:

Don't know about the fighting bit though, nobody seems too serious about study in September. :biggrin:

Online registation was done for my English modules back in the spring, and two of my French modules were mandatory, so I've just one module to select. That was supposed to be done via the interweb before the end of term though, so I've no idea when it'll be! :rolleyes:

Reply 14

blah

Hey 'kitten with a whip'. See you soon Elms buddy! lol.

Reply 15

LawQueen

14

i'm applying to elms too!

Reply 16

Spud

Quite the crowd gathering on here this year!

Reply 17

Christie

Me too

Reply 18

kitten with a whip

OP

Hurrah Elms Village friends! You'll all have to stop by my room to say hello because I won't know anyone. You'll recognize me because I'll be the one wandering around looking confused and trying to plug Canadian appliances into Irish electrical outlets.

Reply 19

john171

11

The climate is not as extreme as implied. Canada is far, far worse.

Coming to Queens....

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