INTO Queen’s University Belfast pre-arrival guide
Passport packed? Suitcase sorted? It’s nearly time for your unforgettable adventure at INTO Queen’s University Belfast.
Get organized before you start your studies with us. Here, you’ll find out what you can do to prepare before you travel. Then once you arrive, our friendly team will do everything they can to support you.
What do I need to do before starting at INTO Queen’s?
The easiest way to pay your fees is using INTOPay – our secure online payment system.
You can use this system to pay by credit card or debit card, or you can find our details for a bank transfer there.
You’ll receive a link to INTOPay and instructions on how to use the system in your offer letter.
Remember to reference your application ID when you pay via INTOPay.
All INTO students must have full travel, medical and health insurance. Unless proof of suitable insurance is provided during the application process, Uniplan Insurance will automatically be added to your course fees.
To receive your timetable and start classes, please ensure that your fees have been paid and that you're officially enrolled.
You may have applied for accommodation when you applied for your course. But if you didn’t, it’s not a problem. Please contact your education counselor to arrange your accommodation.
Spaces fill up quickly, so we advise that you book and pay to confirm your place in a student residence available for INTO students as soon as possible. Students under 18 must book accommodation with us.
Find out more about your accommodation options at INTO Queen’s.
Most international students on an academic course with INTO will need to apply for a Student Route visa to study in the UK. As the UK is no longer part of the EU, most EU citizens planning to study in the UK will now need a visa too.
You’ll be provided with the documents you need to apply for a visa once you’ve accepted your unconditional offer and paid your deposit.
As part of your visa application, you may need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge – this gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service. You can check how much you’ll need to pay by using the UKVI calculator tool. Follow the Government’s Student Route visa guidance for the most up-to-date visa information.
You should arrange your flight(s) to ensure that you arrive on your INTO accommodation start date.
Please submit your arrival details as soon as possible. Your flight details, including arrival date and flight number(s), should be shared in our arrival details form. Providing your arrival details before you travel will ensure:
we'll be able to meet you as soon as you land, if you opt for an airport transfer
staff will be on-hand remotely to help you if any issues occur during your travels
your room is ready for you to move in as soon as you get to your accommodation.
There are two airports in Belfast you can fly into: Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport. To make your journey seamless, we can arrange a transfer to your university accommodation. This is compulsory for students under 18.
Airport transfer fees vary depending on the airport you are traveling from. It costs around £42 if you’re traveling from Belfast City Airport or £60 from Belfast International Airport.
Simply complete the arrival details form, selecting an airport pickup, at least 7 days before your arrival.
If you haven't opted for an airport pickup service, you should make your own travel arrangements. Please plan the journey to INTO Queen's before you arrive in the UK.
Helping you every step of the way
Start your UK studies with confidence – free program
INTO’s Get Ready to Study online pre-arrival program will help prepare you for UK student life, study and employability.
Confirm early to access this free program. Available to students starting their studies with INTO in September or January.
Your pre-arrival questions answered
Pack your clothes according to the seasons. In Belfast, the summers are mild and the winters can be cold and rainy. Don’t worry if you forget or don’t own something – Belfast has a range of shops where you can purchase what you need.
Watch our how to pack video to check that you’ve remembered all your study abroad essentials.
Make sure that you only pack items that you’re allowed to bring into the UK. You can find the list of banned items on the UK Government website along with guidance on bringing food into Northern Ireland.
We advise arriving in Belfast during the weekend before your course starts. You may be able to arrive earlier if your accommodation contract allows. Don’t forget to provide us with your arrival details beforehand.
You’ll receive your academic timetable via email, at the end of your first week. You will need to have paid your fees and enrolled before starting class.
It’s perfectly normal to miss the familiarity of your home life when you move abroad to study. Our dedicated Student Services team really care about your wellbeing and are there to provide all the support and help you need. You can also talk to your Personal Tutor about any additional academic or welfare support you may need.
Read our tips to deal with homesickness while studying abroad.
Your first week at INTO Queen’s
We look forward to meeting you at our in-person induction. Induction will take place throughout the first week of the semester and may include the following:
meeting student services and support staff
getting to know your classmates and your teachers
program-specific tips from INTO students
progression and university placement introduction
study skills
Students’ Union clubs and societies
a look at what PEC Sports and the McClay Library offer.
Got a question?
We’re here to help. Email into@qub.co.uk or message directly.