English - BA (Hons)

Queen's University Belfast

There is a great student environment and support systems, as well as the student union offering an inclusive and social place for uni life

The campus is incredible, I love to walk through every time I have class. The Lecturers are very good, both at teaching and providing support. They want us to do well. Everyone here is very friendly and the Student Union is the best it can be. There is not much I dislike.

Campus vibe and student life are extremely appealing. However, general organisation of timetables and courses is often very messy, with constant clashing of modules and days where you only have one class. They seem very inconsiderate of students who travel to campus.

The student's union is a really involved and helpful collection of departments. It is so easy to access support of all kinds, from mental health and wellbeing support, to disability support, to advice on more specific issues such as housing, academic support, finances etc. There are strong supports in place beyond the SU also, with personal tutors, academic support advisors, subject librarians, advisors of study etc all available for various purposes. In my experience if I have approached the wrong person for help, they are very responsive anyway and will pass me on to the correct or more relevant support person. Lecturers are generally quite open to offer advice or answer clarifying questions, and have a good insight into what students want. Seminars are interactive and participatory allowing us to learn from one another. The library has fantastic facilities, I have never struggled to find space at a computer and the books are easily navigated - with many of the more recent books available as e-books also. Some services could be improved, for example there are a number of campus cafes and coffee shops but they are all premium priced, sometimes more expensive than off-campus alternatives. More effort into providing affordable hot food services, even if they are not in any way "fancy", would be appreciated.

So far I have really enjoyed my course the modules have been interesting and challenging. I have found the university welcoming and the facilities are incredible particularly the gym and the Students Union. The only element I have found a problem with is the release of assignment questions quite late and the advice for those is not given out until a week before the assignments are due. However, the Tutors have given a lot of support in terms assignments and are more than happy to answer any questions and give help when needed.