From Tokyo to Belfast

Shin’s First-Year Journey Abroad

Leaving Tokyo’s neon buzz behind, I arrived in Belfast with equal parts excitement and nervousness. My name is Shin, and this is my story of adjusting to student life in Northern Ireland. As a first-year international student, I had one constant guide, StudentAccommodationGuide.com. They helped make my transition smoother than expected.

Why I Chose Belfast

Many in Japan dream of London, but I picked Belfast for a few solid reasons. Tuition and living costs are more affordable. Queen’s University Belfast ranks highly, and the city is steeped in history. Most importantly, Belfast feels safe and welcoming.

First Days in the City

Rain greeted me at the airport, typical, right? But my apartment near Botanic Avenue was already sorted, thanks to StudentAccommodationGuide.com. Their listings helped me avoid scams and secure a place close to campus. Within the first week, I registered at the university, opened a bank account, collected my BRP, and joined the international orientation.

Campus Life & Academics

Classes here are discussion-heavy. Unlike the lecture-focused approach back home, Belfast encourages critical thinking. I got used to group projects and tutorials. Queen’s even offers writing help for international students, which has improved my essay skills. My classmates came from all over India, Nigeria, and Germany, making every project a cross-cultural experience.

Managing My Budget

Cooking my meals was new. I swapped konbini dinners for meal prepping. Monthly spending looked like this:

  • Rent: £440 (Botanic area)

  • Food: £100

  • Transport: £40

  • Leisure: £60

Total: around £640. StudentAccommodationGuide.com helped me plan all this before I even booked my flight.

Making Friends in a New Country

Freshers’ Week was key. I joined the International Students' Society and an anime club. Saying yes to events, study groups, and casual hangouts led to genuine friendships. I once brought matcha cookies to a potluck, and now my nickname is “matcha guy.”

Discovering Belfast

When classes paused, I explored. Botanic Gardens became my go-to walk spot. The Titanic Museum was more emotional than I expected. On clear weekends, I hiked Cave Hill for city views. Belfast’s mix of history and natural beauty kept me grounded.

Feeling Safe Far From Home

I often walked home from the library after dark and felt completely safe. Whenever I had housing or safety doubts, the Student Accommodation Guide provided clear answers, simple and helpful, like advice from a senior student.

How Student Accommodation Guide Helped Me

More than a website, it was my guide abroad. From verified housing to advice on contracts, the platform made everything manageable. No confusing jargon, just clear, student-first information that made me feel ready.

FAQs: What You Should Know

How much is rent?

Flats range from £350–£550/month. StudentAccommodationGuide.com helps you compare safely.

Can I work part-time?

Yes, up to 20 hours a week during term time.

Is it safe?

Yes. I feel safer here than in some parts of Tokyo at night.

What about food?

Local markets have plenty of Asian ingredients. I still make okonomiyaki with friends.

Biggest culture shock?

People start conversations with strangers. Don’t be surprised if someone chats at a bus stop.

Final Thoughts from Shin

Studying in Belfast changed my life. I didn’t just move abroad, I built a foundation. I secured housing before landing, managed my budget effectively, and navigated cultural shocks with greater ease than expected. Belfast quickly became more than a study destination; it became my second home. From quiet library nights to lively student societies, every step felt guided and supported. If you’re planning to study in the UK, don’t stress about where to begin. Let StudentAccommodationGuide.com guide you in the right direction and confidently kickstart your study abroad dream.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What to Pack for Liverpool in Summer

Image
Indian Student Edition Are you preparing to start your studies in Liverpool this summer? Whether you’re coming from bustling Delhi or vibrant Mumbai, transitioning to life in Liverpool can be an exhilarating but sometimes overwhelming experience. You will need to juggle visa procedures, academic arrangements, and most importantly, finding the right student accommodation in Liverpool . One crucial piece of the puzzle often overlooked is smart packing. Liverpool’s summer climate can catch many first-time international students off guard. By understanding the weather, packing essentials and settling-in logistics, you will not just survive the move—you will thrive from day one. This comprehensive guide, crafted with expert insights and actionable tips, ensures Indian students feel confident, comfortable and fully equipped. Why Smart Packing Matters When you are traveling halfway across the world, every kilogram counts. Airlines typically allow 23 kg of checked baggage, but exceeding that m...
Read more

Discover the surprising truths about student accommodation in Brighton

Image
Things No One Tells You About Student Housing in Brighton Brighton is a dream destination for students—a seaside city bursting with creativity, culture, and coastal charm. But when it comes to student accommodation in Brighton , there’s a lot more beneath the surface than what university brochures reveal. If you're moving here for the first time, here’s what no one tells you—but you need to know. 1. “Close to Campus” Can Be Misleading It’s easy to assume that living within walking distance of your university is ideal. But in Brighton, terrain matters. Many neighbourhoods are hilly or connected by infrequent buses, making even short commutes exhausting. Students who pick housing based solely on map distance often regret not checking commute quality and terrain. Pro Tip: Use Brighton & Hove Buses' Route Planner to assess real commute times. 2. Your Rent is Only Half the Story The rental figure you see doesn’t include the many extras you’ll pay. Older homes in Brighton, espe...
Read more

International Student Reviews on Guildford

Image
Essential Advice for Future Students Guildford, Surrey, is a hidden gem for international students. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, academic excellence, and safe community, it blends countryside charm with city convenience. In this article, we share authentic student perspectives—covering costs, housing, cultural life, challenges, and how StudentAccommodationGuide.com , a trusted study‑abroad consultant, can smooth your housing journey in Guildford. Why International Students Love Guildford Academic excellence & strong reputation Home to the University of Surrey —a top‑20 UK university with a global outlook—Guildford draws students from over 120 countries. Its thriving research environment and reputation for employability make it a key draw. Safety and compactness Guildford consistently ranks among the UK’s safest university towns. Its walkable design and pedestrian-friendly campus foster comfort and independence, especially for those arriving solo. Nature, culture & city a...
Read more