I was always sure that I would travel when I was going to university but I just didn’t know where. I had the U.K. in mind, and then I heard Ashish, Regional Manager for Queen’s University in South Asia, talk at my school about Queen’s University in Belfast. I wanted to study film and as a massive fan of “Game of Thrones”, I knew this was a place I needed to find out more about. So, I contacted Ashish and met him to explore more about Queen’s University as my possible new study destination.
The more I found out about Queen’s, the more I veered towards the possibility of studying and living in Belfast.
Peer member
I arrived in Belfast in the summer of 2016 to pursue a B.A. in Drama. Everything was so accessible and my university accommodation was close to the main campus, which has a rich heritage, state-of-the-art facilities and is ranked in the top 10 most beautiful universities in the U.K.
During my three years at Queen’s, I was a peer mentor and ambassador for drama, leading the way for other students and often giving talks during Open Days.
I was successful in securing a placement at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast as a stage manager, and this gave me opportunities to work on an international stage with shows including “Good Vibrations” and “Huckleberry Finn”.
This role opened up the world of stage theatre and working in the real environment of putting a show on stage, from rehearsals to setting up for the main performance. This was an environment I thrived in, and it led on to me working with Queen’s Drama Society and at the All Ireland Drama Festival.
Starry-eyed
As a huge fan of Game of Thrones I was delighted to be living in the city where it was all being filmed and produced and studying in the same field. This also opened doors to meet the crew, and on a few opportunities catch a glimpse of the actors.
I have been a part of the famous “Game of Thrones” tour, and another highlight of living in Belfast was visiting the Titanic Quarter and exploring the museum where the infamous ship was built. It is a thriving and exciting city to live and study in. I have also made some life-long friendships. I will be returning to India this summer to work and I hope to fulfil my passion for travelling in the near future.
Shraddha Parchani has completed her undergraduate degree in BA Drama from Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland.
