As a former student who used this library on a daily basis, I feel that I am well qualified to…read morecomment on the quality of this library, which is fantastic. I know that Jordanstown students regularly used this library in exam times which shows the superior quality of this library! The facilities here are top notch. The book collection is extensive for every subject, with friendly and helpful staff being able to assist you in ordering any journals or documents you need. Set over four floors, there are ample computers and seating facilities for students and associate members. People see this as a place only for students, but that i not the case, and a membership here for older members would be very worthwhile. The library is totally clean and with a lot of open spaces it is a very inspiring place to learn. Unfortunately the open spaces are a hindrance when it comes to exam time as things can get very noisy when the library is brimming with people, so I advice getting in early to get a good place and brining earphones to help drown out any noise! The library has a cafe and eating area attached so there is ample opportunity for getting your food fix here! The library is fantastic, so don't listen to anyone who tells you that the facilities here are nothing less than the best around. I feel I should sign off with some useful information. To use the wifi here you need to download a program to your library off the QUB site, ask assistants if you can't find it! Also if you want phone reception head to the third floor, as the rest is a no go zone for phone signal!

Astonished that as an English student I never quite managed to write a review on this place…read more Though my love-affair with one of the most stunning libraries in this country has been as temperamental as a hormonal teenage girl who has just been told she has to go visit her Great-Aunt while all of her friends go to a VIP gig with Tine Tempah. It started off with a WOW! LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THIS BUILDING! THERE'S BOOKS AND TOILETS AND LIFTS AND EVERYTHING! It then fell apart slightly when I actually tried to do some work. There seemed to be a herd of cattle that ran through the library whenever you wanted some peace and quiet, thus my love affair began to wane. I couldn't seem to get some quiet time that wasn't at half 8 in the morning or 9 o'clock at night. But then I discovered the Narnia room which changed everything because it was so quiet! But then so did everyone else, so Brian became so angry he wrote in the third person, so he did. There are quite a lot of things going for this library, but unlike the Old Library Tower which I used to frequent, you never have enough time to sit and do some work. You could be typing away in peace and quiet and then in the space of two minutes, some hammered wee tramp from Antrim comes in with her American friend and have the loudest chat that even Chaka Kahn turned up to the maximum on my generic MP3 player couldn't drown out. I then discovered another part of Queen's which doesn't have too many tramps or loud people for which this review will not mention, just for my own sanity. Like I said, it is a stunning building and as far as something to look at goes, it sure is impressive. But as far as somewhere that is supposed to operate as a library, it doesn't quite fulfil all of its requirements.

Giant provides training in a range of software products-everything from graphics and design…read moreproducts such as Adobe Photoshop to office applications like Microsoft Word. There is a huge need in the creative industry for entrepreneurs like Ian Sayers (the owner of Giant) as software packages like Final Cut Pro are extremely difficult to use. Ian is a real gent and great craic. Highly recommended.

From the owner: Providing Training Courses in Adobe Products, Wacom Technologies, Apple and Extensis Products.read more

There is nothing worse than going to University and worrying about money, every student knows how…read moreto live on a shoestring budget that includes Tesco's blue and white stripy beans and paint stripper Vodka. But you firstly you need some money to budget and ration. That is where these guys come in. Unlike England Northern Ireland does not have an independent student finance company so each potential student will have to apply for student loans through their local library boards. In my case it was the South-Eastern Education and Library Board and I had face to face dealings with them when I was going into my second year of university. Basically I had messed up massively and was too busy downing trebles in Newcastle over the summer to remember to reapply for a student loan, my friends in England said I would be fed to the lions and that I wouldn't get any money. I began to prepare myself to search in the local bins and beg at local Italian restaurants Lady and the Tramp style without the lady. But to my shock on contacting the South-Eastern Education and Library Board and speaking to them in their offices in Dundonald I was assured I would have my first instalment of my student loan before the start of term. After this I couldn't wait to blow it! South-Eastern Education and Library Board were my saviours and they explained the process perfectly. My advice to anyone unsure about student loans or who just want to know a bit more about the process to contact them directly because they were open and understanding. They get a First Class Honours in customer service from me.

There's nothing worse than long, dark, winter nights when all you do is sit at home in front of the…read moreTV. That's why evening classes are such a great idea, they are a perfect way to liven up your mid-week, learn something new, have fun and meet people. I've been attending art classes through Open Learning for the last few years which have included acrylic, watercolour and oil painting and I've loved every minute. A great way to relax, de-stress and pick up new skills. Open Learning which is based within Queen's University Belfast have been running adult day and evening classes for decades. The range of courses offered is extensive and includes art, complementary therapies, languages, computing, photography, creative writing, first aid, history, politics, music, wine tasting and philosophy plus many more options. Full course details can be found online at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofEducation/StudyattheSchool/OpenLearning/ Classes are taught in 10 weekly sessions starting each year in autumn, new year and spring. You need absolutely no prior qualifications or experience. It's just a case of enrol, pay a reasonable fee and turn up for class. Enrolment takes place online, by telephone, post or in person by dropping into the Open Learning Office located in 20 College Green, Belfast. There is an option to build up CAT (Credit Accumulation and Transfer) points and gain a Certificate if you wish. Or you can just do the classes for fun, as I do. I promise you will not be disappointed with these brilliant, interesting, leisure classes.