Student Support
For truly successful study, you not only need a high-quality study programme, but also a support network that ensures you can focus on your studies and enjoy student life.
INTO care begins while you are still in your home country and continues throughout your studies at the Centre. INTO Queen's University Belfast has a network of supportive agents around the world to help you make the right decision. Once you arrive in Belfast, you will be cared for by the INTO student services team, and when you enrol on your degree programme, the University’s Student Guidance Centre and personal tutors will continue to support you until graduation.
Supporting your application
Your first point of contact with INTO Queen's University Belfast is likely to be with one of INTO’s representatives in your home country. Our agents recognise the importance of the choices you are making and are well informed about our programmes and the University. They will gladly answer any questions and assist you with your application.
INTO customer relations team
Once you have applied to the Centre, our team of experienced customer relations advisers will ensure that your application is processed swiftly and that you receive the correct documents, so you can successfully obtain your student visa for entry to the UK.
Meet us in your country
INTO has a network of regional offices throughout the world. Our team of regional managers provide additional support for our overseas representatives, and regularly attend overseas education exhibitions and events. Representatives from the Centre and the International Office at Queen's University Belfast regularly travel overseas, providing you with an opportunity to discuss face-to-face your study plan with someone from the institution.
Prior to your arrival
Pre-departure guide
Once you have accepted your offer, you will receive a pre-departure guide containing practical information which will assist you in preparing you for travelling to the UK, arriving in Belfast and enrolling on your course of study at the Centre. The guide also includes information to help you adapt to living and studying in another culture. You can also visit our pre-arrival web page, where you can find further information about Belfast, INTO Queen's University Belfast, your course, and how to book your airport pick-up and confirm your arrival details.
Meet our students
If you would like to gain a first hand student perspective on what it is like to study at the INTO Centre, or learn more about the University campus, or student life in Belfast, please visit our website – where you can read our students’ blogs and view videos and photos of their Queen’s experience.
Your arrival
Travelling to Belfast
For students arriving at Belfast International Airport or George Best Belfast City Airport, we offer an airport pick-up service from the airport to your accommodation, at a small additional charge. If you want to make use of this service you will need to provide the student services team with your full flight details at least two weeks in advance of your arrival date.
If you are under 18 when you arrive this service is compulsory, unless your parents can provide evidence to our Admissions Office that a suitable arrangement has been made for your collection. This compulsory service also applies when you are departing from the UK.
When should I arrive?
You must normally arrange to arrive in Belfast on the weekend before the first day of your course. You should inform INTO of your date of arrival and travel arrangements at least two weeks in advance so we can advise either the senior residents in University accommodation, or your host family, of when to expect you.
Student services team
Based at the Centre, the student services team look forward to meeting you and are dedicated to supporting you throughout your studies. The student services team offer a range of support services designed to meet the specific needs of international students. When you first arrive at the Centre, the student services team will help you settle in to student life in Belfast, and will remain as your first point of contact for any non-academic issues, ranging from registering with the doctor, and opening a bank account to renewing your visa. No matter how large or small your problem may be, there is always someone available to help and advise.
Orientation programme
On arrival, a comprehensive orientation programme is provided to welcome you and introduce you to studying at the INTO Centre and living in Belfast. It is important that you attend the orientation programme. The programme includes a formal academic induction where you will be registered for your programme, take an English language placement test, receive your timetable and, for academic programmes, select your modules. You will also be given a tour of the University campus including the library, Queen's Students’ Union and Queen's Sport, as well as an introduction to the city centre so you can find out about the local transport systems and where to find the best places to shop. During orientation there are also daily organised social activities to help you settle into life at the Centre and meet other students.
Ongoing support
24-hour support
INTO is dedicated to ensuring that you feel totally safe and supported. Upon arrival all INTO Queen's University Belfast students are issued with an emergency telephone number which can be used to ask for assistance at any time of the day or night.
Student attendance monitoring
Good attendance is key to your success. INTO Queen's University Belfast expects all students to attend all academic sessions. Student attendance is monitored carefully and where attendance is not satisfactory, our student progress team will provide additional support to ensure that you can succeed in your studies. The Centre has an additional obligation to report to the UK Border Agency (UKBA) any changes that may affect the terms of an international student’s visa, including an international student is absence from the programme.
Students who are under the age of 18
Before INTO can accept a student under 18 years of age, parents must sign a consent form authorising nominated INTO staff to act in loco parentis (on behalf of the parent) in the case of an emergency. Parents are also required to complete a medical information form. Relevant forms will be sent to parents and the student with the confirmation documents. No student will be accepted at the INTO Centre without these forms having been completed, signed and returned before the start of the course.
INTO recommends that parents appoint a UK-based guardian for international students under 18. If parents are making their own arrangements for either Guardianship services or a friend or family member in the UK to act as guardian to the student, evidence of these arrangements must be supplied to INTO before the course starts. A copy of our policy regarding students under 18 is available on our website and a copy will be sent to the parents once a student has applied.
Language advisers
At the Centre, our language advisers speak a range of languages and are available to assist new and prospective students and parents who may not be able to communicate effectively in English.
Social activity programme
Whilst the main reason for coming to Belfast is to study, in our experience involvement in non-academic activities will help you adjust to life in the UK and allow you to develop a network of friends to make your stay more enjoyable. The University campus offers a wide variety of options for socialising, experiencing the arts or taking part in sports. INTO also organises a regular programme of activities designed to help you make the most of your time in the UK. The programme includes visits to places of interest in Belfast and the rest of Ireland, as well as visits to the theatre and cinema, so that you can experience Belfast’s rich cultural offering.
Visa and immigration support
Once students arrive at the Centre, the student services team, in conjunction with the International Student Support Office, will provide information, support and guidance on renewing your student visa, as well as issue any documentation you may need to support your visa application. Visa workshops will be held throughout the year and individual appointments will be made available for you should you require any specific advice.
Support for students with disabilities
Queen's provides a supportive environment for students with disabilities. Disability Services co-ordinates a range of services to support students with disabilities, including school and exam support, and accommodation requirements. Further information can be obtained from the Student Guidance Centre website.