Spring is coming and for many international students, this means having a lot of free time not knowing how to occupy our minds and time. Many already have trips planned, visits to their relatives, or even already have some vacation work; however, many of us don't have plans yet and want to make the best use of the time in Belfast to rest and advance in our assignments.

Nevertheless, ideas about the activities we can do in the city are running out of us and we don't want to mismatch our student budget during these weeks. That's why, with other friends, we brainstormed the things we could do during these weeks of vacation to rest, have fun, advance our uni obligation, and not spend a lot of money.

^{Check out our student's guide to the city!}

On the First Sunday of the holidays, we celebrate St. Patrick's Day

You've come to the right place to celebrate the world's most recognisable Irish holiday! St. Patrick's Day in Belfast offers a vibrant and festive experience for students and visitors. You can join the lively celebration that includes colourful parades, live music, traditional Irish dancing, and a host of pubs and bars offering a festive atmosphere and Irish beer.

In addition, you can explore the special cultural and artistic events throughout the city and at your accommodation. There's no better way to start spring than with this celebration.

^{St. Patrick's 2024 Celebrations}

It's Never Too Late to Start Healthy Habits

Normally, when we are not involved in academic chaos, we have more time to think about the habits we want to adopt in our lives and above all try to establish healthier practices.

Thanks to living in such a wonderful and pedestrian-friendly city as Belfast, I was able to start the adventure I always dreamed of: being a runner. Belfast taught me how to run and made it easy for me to adopt the habit with Parkruns.

^{Enjoying a run near Titanic Quarter}

Parkruns are free running events that take place in various parts of the UK, Every Saturday morning, people of all ages and abilities come together to run, walk, or jog a 5K course in an inclusive and friendly environment. You can try this activity during the spring break.

Wake up early to see the sunrise and then return home to continue sleeping (Cavehill and Holywood Beach)

I understand that it's a holiday and the last thing we want is to wake up early. But it's not about waking up to go to a class to listen to a lecturer but to see the majesty of the sunrise, and best of all, after watching it, you can go back to your bed to continue sleeping.

Cavehill is one of the best spots to watch the sunrise in Belfast. From the top of this hill, you can see stunning panoramic views stretching over Belfast Lough and beyond. As the sun slowly rises above the horizon, it illuminates the landscape with warm, golden hues, creating an unforgettable visual spectacle.

^{Amazing views from the top of Cavehill}

At the same time, Holywood is a town very close to Belfast, less than 5 minutes by car from the city centre. The most wonderful thing about this town is its beach where you can watch the sunrise. It's just a matter of heading towards the coast and finding a quiet spot near the water to enjoy the show.

Spring Picnic

Hosting a spring picnic is a lovely way to enjoy the warm weather and blooming flowers while sharing special moments with friends. The best thing about this activity is that Belfast has many parks to do it, such as Ormeau Park, Botanic Gardens and other parks to the south or north of the city.

You can bring drinks and snacks, include fruits and desserts, and have fun with your friends while having a nice conversation or playing something entertaining. Don't waste the sunlight and get outside while you can!

^{Enjoy the warm(ish) spring weather during a park walk!}

In short, Belfast offers a wide range of exciting and diverse activities during Spring Break. Exploring the city's parks and gardens is something very amazing that can be adjusted to every taste and budget. Whether you prefer to immerse yourself in the city's rich history or relax in nature, Belfast has something special to offer.

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Blogs: Student Life in Belfast

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Information for students from Colombia

Isabella Barros De La Rosa Violence, Terrorism and Security | Postgraduate Student | Colombia Hello, my name is Isabella Barros, I am 24 years old and I am from a beautiful city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia called Barranquilla. I am currently pursuing my master's in Violence, Terrorism and Security at Queen’s. I am very into running and outdoor activities. That's why Belfast is so amazing to live in, because of the landscapes, and the spaces for this kind of hobby. Besides running and studying, you can find me in any bookstore, wandering around the city, or enjoying a pleasant coffee in a cute cafe!