First weeks in Northern Ireland

by Bleen Sharma

Bound for Belfast

My journey to the United Kingdom didn’t start
off as smoothly as I had imagined. Before I had booked my flight, I experienced
some technical difficulties with my visa application, causing me to miss my
orientation week, and as a result miss out on some vital information, which I
will discuss later. However, for some reason I was not stressed. Maybe it was
due to the excitement of living in the UK, or maybe that fact I was finally
able to start law school, I was not worried. It was also reassuring to know,
that if I had any questions, I could turn to my advisor at Across the Pond, and
she would be able to assist my or direct me to someone who could.

Once my visa had arrived, I booked my flight
right away. Before I knew it I was on a plane, and had embarked on my journey
to the UK, specifically Belfast. After one connecting flight and waiting in
several lines, or queues as they are referred to in the UK, I had arrived in
Belfast. The border officer was nothing but kind and extremely helpful. She
thoroughly went over the aspects of my student visa, which I had already known
but appreciated nonetheless, and informed me what would happen if I did not
pick up my biometric residence permit (BRP); a very important piece of
identification in the UK. Once I had promised her I would pick it up within the
time period, she gave me the stamp of approval, literally, and I was on my way
to start this new chapter of my life.

Where do I go?

As I mentioned earlier, I had missed the
international orientation at Queen’s University in Belfast; but since I had
emailed international admissions before my arrival, they were able to guide me
through what I needed to complete.

After I had recovered from jet lag, which took
me an entire day and night, I set out to explore my new home, but most
importantly complete the immigration check for the school. The first step was
finding the building. I decided to stop by the international students office to
ask for help, and see if there was anything else I needed to complete. They two
individuals at the reception were very helpful and informative. The most
important piece of information I took away was the Queen’s University App that
showed me all the events that Queen’s was hosting, as well as a map of where
all the buildings were. An extra benefit; I got a free tote bag!

Once I casually made my way to the building
where the immigration check was happening, I found signs everywhere directing
me where to go. The process was simple and efficient. At each step, student volunteers
were eager to help and guide me through the process to ensure everything was
completed correctly. Further, I was able to pick up my BRP here, and receive my
student card for which my picture was taken right then and there. All in all, I
was very impressed with the system that the University had in place to complete
the immigration check, and on top of that, the patience that the staff members
and student volunteers had to help international students.

Endless Possibilities

Overall my first few days were quite eventful. I was able to complete the important and required immigration paperwork, but also walk around the campus and familiarise myself with all the different areas of it. I must say I am quite comfortable exploring and wandering on my own, which allowed the first few days to be enjoyable, even though I was alone. If you are not comfortable being alone, I would highly recommend the orientation weeks, in order for you to meet new people, and have someone to explore with. One of my favourite things is discovering something new a daily basis. Whether it is a new fun bar, or a new quaint street, the discoveries are endless. You too, could be on this journey. The first step is to reach out to Across the Pond, and contact an advisor today.