QU ISSUE 16: Spring–Summer 2014 | Page 2

Welcome to QU ine maga z EDITOR's letter 2 My impression of Queen's By Emma-Louise Gibson Inside this edition of QU we'll give you the low-down on the exceptional quality of life available to you at Queen's. From advice on accommodation, study and finances to getting the most from Belfast city life, we've crammed in the info so you don't have to go looking for it. Best of all, it's all written by and for students – so you can count on QU to give you the inside track. Speaking of… we were lucky enough to get a chat with rising Northern Ireland singer-songwriter Triona Carville about the music scene in Northern Ireland, her flourishing music career and why she loves Queen's. Enjoy reading the magazine and I wish you lots of luck with your exams! Life in the (Bel)fast lane Our contributors' soundbites on Queen's University. 4 Now your pesky UCAS form has been completed and university offers are on their way, all that's left to do is make Queen's your firm choice to ensure you have the ultimate student experience. At Queen's we pride ourselves on being part of the Russell Group (24 leading UK universities committed to the very best research, outstanding teaching and learning) and all Queen's students have guaranteed access to the highest standards of teaching as well as world-class facilities. 18 Dates for your Diary Triona Northern Ireland's latest musical export. 7 living on a budget Managing your money. May 2014: have your Firm and Insurance choices sorted 8 May 2014: application process for student accommodation begins Award winning shelf service May/June 2014: exam time, (deep breaths, you can do it) Managing your money. July 2014: Open Days for Queen's student accommodation www.stayatqueens.com August 2014: exam results released and clearing begins September 2014: lucky ducks who get onto their dream Queen's degree receive a confirmation letter and welcome pack 22-26 September 2014: Welcome Week for all freshers 10 Join the club Clubs and societies. 12 29 September 2014: first day of term as a Queen's student Here's what our students have to say Find out more about Queen's through our Prospective Student Portal. Register at www.qub.ac.uk to get a personalised homepage of your subject interests and keep up with what's happening at QUB. Current students and graduates talk Queen's. Visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/myqueens to access a homepage tailored to your subject interests and keep up to date with what is happening at the University. Emma-Louise Gibson, Editor 14 Getting SU-ssed The Students' Union – the glue that holds the students together. 4 Belfast exposed. 20 turbo boost your degree The Degree Plus Award. 21 14 Bridging the gap Taking a gap year. 22 Where to live? 16 Get the lowdown on student accommodation. 24 Culture vultures Arts and culture. 26 Let us take you further Careers and employability at Queen's. 29 Easy Feesy 20 Tuition fees and support. 16 Jargon Buster A–Z guide to university language. For video clips of Queen's and to hear what our students have to say, go to www.youtube.com/come2queens 1 www.qub.ac.uk