Useful Information

Your time at University will probably be one of the most exciting and memorable of your life. The fact that you have decided to study in another country will make the experience even more special. We hope that the time you spend with us will be both rewarding and enjoyable and we will certainly do all we can to make it so.

An important step in settling down in your new home will be to acknowledge that, at first, things might not be easy. Whatever your background and experience, there will be things that you will find different and challenging.

There are obvious differences such as language (even if English is your first language you may be surprised by the many regional accents and dialects in Britain) as well as more subtle differences in customs and behaviour. The term ‘culture shock’ is often used to describe feelings of surprise and unfamiliarity that can occur when you arrive in a new country. It can affect anyone who finds themselves in a different environment and culture from the one they are used to. You may miss people who are closest to you, and your new surroundings may feel strange.

It is important to remember that you will not be alone if you do experience some anxiety. There will be many other international students sharing your experience, and some of the British students too will be living away from home for the very first time. Making friends and talking to other students will usually be enough to start making you feel at home. Your personal tutor and the other student support services at Queen Mary will all be happy to help you with any difficulties you might experience.

Generally, British society is well-ordered and tolerant. People enjoy a high degree of personal freedom and are expected to respect the freedom of others. Britain, especially London, is a multi-cultural society. This means that differences in religion, diet, dress and behaviour are a normal part of everyday life. In such a varied and exciting environment, it’s unlikely to be long before you feel at home.

Don’t forget to attend the International Student Welcome Programme for further advice and information about settling into your new environment.

If you are particularly struggling you can also receive further, personal advice and support from the College Advice and Counselling Service.

Finally, you might also like to look at the following website, which deals with all the issues involved with moving to the UK to study.

As a student at Queen Mary you’re automatically a member of the Students’ Union. Your membership to the Union is free and it brings with it lots of opportunities for you to get the most out of your time at Queen Mary.

The Students’ Union is here to make your life at Queen Mary the best it can possibly be. We do this by making sure your voice is heard and giving you the opportunity to make the most of your time inside and outside your studies. We run the Drapers & Griffinn Bars, evening entertainments, the gym (Qmotion) and a host of other commercial activities.  We also run all the sports club, societies, volunteering, student representatives programme, campaigning and an academic advice service on campus.

To make sure we stay true to needs of the students we’re run by a team of student officers, who you get to elect each year. Five of these students work full-time (they are known as Sabbatical Officers) and others are still studying.

The Students’ Union, as mentioned, does run bars, shops, the gym, coffee houses and evening entertainment. All the money that is made goes straight back into services and facilities for students.

If you can see ways that we can grow or do things better then all you need to do is tell us, either in person or through the website. That way we can make sure that the Union continues to reflect what you want it to be.

For more information please click here.

The Students' Union have set up their own Facebook group to give you all the information you need about Union organised activities. This is the official QMSU Facebook Group so if you want to ask anything from your Students’ Union Officers just ask on the wall.  Please click here to view the QMSU Facebook page.

Careers supports students in every aspect of their career preparation, from finding part-time work during their studies, to highlighting the options available on graduation. The team also delivers over 100 careers events and workshops – many involving graduate employers – including tailored events for each department.

For contact details and opening times visit the Careers website. 

The Disability and Dyslexia Service provides advice, guidance and support for students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia and dyspraxia. Services provided include assistance with applying for the Disabled Students’ Allowance; Study Skill tuition; mentoring, special exam arrangements; training with assistive technology and equipment loans. Staff can approach the Service for guidance on how to adapt lecture style and materials to increase accessibility.

For contact details and opening times visit the Disability and Dyslexia Service website.

The Advice and Counselling Service offers confidential professional advice and support on a range of financial, practicxal, legal, emotional and psychological concerns to students. Welfare Advisers provide advice on a number of issues including rights and entitlements, loans and grants, tuition fee problems and immigration law. The Service also works with staff who provide pastoral support for students.

For contact details and opening times visit the Advice and Counselling Service website. 

One of the most striking things about Queen Mary is our campus. It’s the largest self-contained student campus in central London, and only 15 minutes by tube from the Oxford Street, Covent Garden and the rest of the West End. It’s very unusual for a London University – in fact we’re the only college in the University of London who can offer students a central site containing cafes, a bar, restaurants, accommodation, a gym, a student shop, a bookshop, cashpoint and laundrette. 

You have all the advantages of living in the capital city as well as being part of a sociable and safe student village. There’s 24 hour security on campus and all student flats have entryphones.

Please click on the links for more information on the following areas:

1. Sport
2. London parks
3. Places to eat
4. London culture
5. Going out
6. London market

As one of the world’s most exciting cities, London is a great place for students. There are so many things going on – many of them free it's very unlikely you will ever get bored. In fact, it's impossible for us to give you anything like a comprehensive overview. However, there are a great number of listings magazines and websites which are a good place to start for the most up-to-date information. Have a look at Time Out, Lonely Planet and Visit London.  

To get you started, we've listed a few of our favourite places and activities. Do remember though, that this is only a small selection - in no particular order. 

Please click on the links for more information on the following areas:

Museums and galleries


Nightlife


Parks


Sport


Food and drink

Whilst studying at Queen Mary you can attend free English language courses during the academic year that can be adapted to meet your individual needs.

There are courses in general areas such as improving conversational English, as well as courses designed to help you communicate in particular subject areas, such as law or economics. 

You can also develop your study skills by joining part-time courses in academic writing, presentation skills, research and note-taking, time management and revision and examination skills. You can get more information at the International Student Welcome Programme or visit the English Language and Learning section of our website.

There are a number of departments that organise events for students across Queen Mary. Predominately, social events are organised by both the Students' Union and by Residential Support (who organise events for both residents and non-residents). Residential Support also organise a number of events especially organised for international students (but open to all students), including day trip and weekend tours around the UK and beyond.

For information on all such events, visit the Student Events website regularly, and/or visit our Facebook page, and 'Like' us to stay informed.

Weekend Home Stays with HOST

Once you are in the UK, you may like to consider a homestay with a British family through the HOST scheme. This is a fantastic way of experiencing true British family life, and to visit areas that tourists don’t reach, with short stays with families from various areas all around the UK. A HOST visit is a wonderful chance for you to experience the real life of this country, to change your perceptions, and to make friends with a wide range of British people. Queen Mary, University of London are subscribed members of HOST, therefore Queen Mary students benefit from free weekend visits organised by the scheme. The College will cover all administrative costs, and the only costs for the students would be travel to and from the home visited.

For more information visit their website – www.hostuk.org

International Student House (ISH)

International Students House (ISH) is a student residence and a unique social, cultural and recreational centre.  ISH is a charity with the sole aim of improving international understanding and friendship, ISH provides a wide programme of events for students 365 days a year. Located in the safe neighbourhood of Regent's Park, ISH is a central place to meet students from Britain and around the world. ISH has become a ‘home away from home' for many students, the many facilities and our fun and friendly environment make ISH the perfect place to spend time, whether for an evening event, a weekend in London or the entire year! For more information check their website www.ish.org.uk or www.ishevents.org.uk

St Benet's is a Christian chapel and a meeting place open to all students and staff at Queen Mary regardless of their religion and beliefs.

The chapel is open throughout the day Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 17.00 for private prayer and quiet reflection.

Also in the Benet’s chaplaincy:

• Weekday Roman Catholic Mass

• Sunday Services

• Coffee lounge

• Mondo movies

• World lunch

• Games night

For further information, please visit: www.faith.qmul.ac.uk

Mile End outlets:

World Marche
Mon to Fri: 10.00 – 15.00

The Curve
Mon to Fri:
Breakfast Service:    08.00  - 10.30
Lunch Service:        11.30 – 14.30
Evening Service:     16.00 – 19.00

Curve Cafe Bar
Mon to Fri: 08.00  - 19.00

Mucci’s - Italian restaurant with style
Mon to Fri: 09.30-15.45

Student Union outlets:

Infusion
Mon-Fri: 08.00 – 18.00

Drapers Bar
Mon to Fri: 12.00 – 18.00

Ground
Mon-Fri: 08.00 – 22.00
Sat & Sun: 12.00 – 18.00

The Village shop
Mon-Fri: 08.00 – 20.00
Sat: 10:30 – 20.00
Sun: 11:30 – 20.00

Student Union outlets:

Griffin Bar:
Mon to Fri: 12.00 – 14.00 & 17.00 – 23.00
Coffee Clinic
Coffee Clinic
Mon to Fri: 08:30 - 17:30

Charterhouse Square

Student Union outlets:

The Shield (in Dawson Hall) - serves Costa coffee, iced drinks, soft drinks, sandwiches, paninis, salads and snacks.
Mon to Fri: 08.30 – 18.00