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All students are responsible for keeping all areas clean and tidy and taking their recyclable materials to recycling points at each location/site of accommodation. 

Waste should be sorted into the appropriate kitchen bins on a regular basis to ensure that as much as possible is recycled; please note that housekeeping staff will not empty the bins. Please do not leave rubbish outside your bedroom door or allow it to accumulate in kitchens. The waste left around the residence looks unsightly, encourages pests and can pose a risk of fire.

Most items can be recycled if they are a single material. Please remember to rinse items before placing them in the bin; this will ensure that the recycling is better quality and reduce smells in the kitchen. You don't have to wash the items thoroughly; just rinse them so they're not coated with food.

Put these items in general waste because paper or cards coated with food (such as pizza boxes) cannot be recycled.

Remember to Reduce, reuse, recycle

• Reduce the amount of rubbish you generate; for example, buy loose foods rather than pre-packaged produce, only print documents when necessary and be sure to print double-sided.
• Reuse items whenever you can; for example, reuse carrier bags, use rechargeable batteries, buy washing powder in refillable containers (this will also save you money).
• Recycle as much waste as possible! Sort your waste into the recycling bins provided; you will find these in accommodation and throughout the University.  

You can help reduce your impact on the climate crisis by taking personal action whilst living in Queen’s Accommodation.  We encourage everyone to participate in our initiatives.

Switch Off Campaign

Small changes in our own lives such as not leaving devices on standby help us all collectively tackle the climate emergency.  Our Environmental Mascot, Eco, will get students involved and switch off together, with a monthly competition across our accommodation for the building/apartment that uses the least energy.

Elms BT9 Community Garden and Allotment 

Learn new skills and grow your own fruit and veg at the student allotment.

We have a dedicated Environmental Assistant who runs sustainability events with students. We empower students to learn about how to grow their own food with our student allotment project.

The allotment current consists of 7 raised beds for vegetables and herbs, an orchard of 13 apple trees, and 14 berry bushes. The orchard contains 3-4 different apple varieties, and berry bushes grow redcurrants, gooseberries and blackcurrants.

Students have grown peas, carrots, beetroot, chard, potatoes, kale, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, spring onion, garlic and chillies – all of which is harvested for them to eat and enjoy and share with other students. We plan to expand the allotment with more trees and raised beds to increase the capacity and biodiversity of growth. 

Swap and Drop Clothes Rails at Accommodation 

Forget fast fashion and refresh your wardrobe without spending a fortune.

Swap your unloved items for something else at our swap and drop clothes rails in Queen’s accommodation. In BT1 common room and a BT9 and BT2 laundry room there are drop rails where you can swap something you no longer wear with something else. The Res Life team with also be running sustainable clothing events throughout the academic year. It is an excellent way to update your wardrobe while saving the planet as well! 

The British Heart Foundation Big Give Campaign 

Throughout the year we also have a BHF box in the laundry room of BT9 for students to donate any unwanted items they don’t want to leave on the rail.

Bring your own mug/cup to the Coffee Bar

At Â鶹Íø Accommodation we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and therefore, our coffee bars are free from disposable cups and students are encouraged to bring their own mug/cup.

Community Fridges & Pantry

At Queen’s Accommodation we want to support students during the cost-of-living crisis. We have three community fridges for students to take what they need and donate what they can (i.e. any unused food or food about to go out of date). We hope this both supports students who are struggling financially and reduces food waste.

Thank you to the for their donations so far. Our community refrigerators are located in the following locations: BT1: near the quiet rooms BT2: laundry room BT9: at the back of the Treehouse.

Biodiversity

• Wildlife cameras have been installed on campus to capture biodiversity in the Area.
• Bird Nest boxes have been built on campus to provide a safe and warm place for species to raise their young. We have a a range of bird feeders which are regularly filled and cleaned for small bird species.
• Elms Village has been adopted as a wildlife site with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful in their adopt-a-spot initiative, to create a welcoming environment for wildlife in the area.
• There are several ‘No Mow’ areas around Elms BT9.
• With the help of staff and students across campus, at Queens University we are continually aiming to increase the number and range of wildlife surveys we undertake.

At Queen’s University, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact. In support of this commitment, a Â鶹Íø Travel Survey is undertaken every two years. This survey allows us to understand how we could encourage more students (and staff) to travel to and from campus more sustainably.

Read more about Sustainable Travel at Â鶹Íø.

Bus

The university is well served by public transport, particularly Metro bus services.

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ECIT/RVH Shuttle Bus

A shuttle bus, provided by the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, operates between Belfast City Hospital (bus stop at the side of the Tower Block) and Royal Victoria Hospital (bus stop at Royal Maternity). This service is free to staff and students on presentation of a staff/student card. Click here to find the schedule details.

Translink provide a scheduled service between Elmwood Avenue (adjacent to the Students’ Union) and the Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT), located in the Northern Ireland Science Park. 

Train

The University is well served by public and train transport, with City Hospital and Botanic Avenue train stations within walking distance of the campus.

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Travel Cards

Students qualify for discounts on public transport (typically up to 33% off bus and rail journeys), students should purchase a . 

Car

Queen’s University aims to be a world leader in environmental and sustainable activities by encouraging and supporting environmental behaviour change amongst staff and students. Queen’s Sustainable Travel Plan encourages staff and students to consider alternative travel options, including using the train, bus, walking and cycling.

Bicycles

Bike stands are across the University, and secure bike shelters are across the accommodation. 

There are a few simple actions you can take to secure your bike. Always budget for a good quality lock – students can purchase a high quality 'D' lock, at a significantly reduced price (£10) from the Security Control Room (Level 1, Administration Building).

If your bike is stolen on campus, please contact both the PSNI and the University's Security team.

The University and PSNI are working together to promote bike security. Free security marking is available from the University Security (Level 1, Administration Building) or at regular promotional events throughout the school year.

Get around with Belfast Bikes

Take advantage of more than 400 bikes that you can rent 365 days a year from bike stations dotted around the city, one of which is located at Elms BT9. Be instantly flexible and move around the city quickly, for more information please click .

Watch our how to video below.

Belfast by Bike

The Belfast by Bike guide provides useful information for safe and enjoyable urban cycling. It offers tips on safe cycling and the Highway Code and includes a map showing cycle routes in Belfast.

Freedom Cycles Bike Hub

is the Bike Shop at Â鶹Íø. They offer new and refurbished bike sales, student bike hire, servicing or repairs, and community events. You can call them on 07453390467.