Belfast - Location Reviews - StudentCrowd

Study in Belfast

Queen’s University and the Belfast Campus of Ulster University, have great locations. They are close to the waterfront and right on top of all the main attractions that Northern Ireland’s Capital has on offer.

Queen's University Belfast (QUB)

Queen’s University is the ninth oldest UK university, founded in 1845 and is a prestigious Russell Group university. They offer approximately 300 degree programmes spread across three faculty groupings which are Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Engineering and Physical Sciences and Medicine, Health and Life Sciences.

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Ulster University

Ulster University has four campuses spread across Northern Ireland, the Belfast Campus is situated in the cultural and artistic centre of the city known as the Cathedral Quarter. Traditionally associated with arts nowadays the campus spans a range of subjects such as architecture, hospitality, event management, photography and digital animation.

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St Mary's University College

St Mary's University College, is a college of Queen’s University which specialises in undergraduate and postgraduate teacher education courses.

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Stranmillis University College

Stranmilllis University College, is a college of Queen's University located in South Belfast on a 46 acre woodland campus. They offer undergraduate and post graduate courses in Childhood Studies, Primary Education, Post-Primary Education and Pastoral Care.

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Study in Belfast? Review your location

Belfast Student Life

It’s good craic! If there’s something you’ll have to get used to is the Northern Irish lingo. Belfast is a welcoming capital city, that is easy to get around and so much to offer students. You’ll have no problem settling in and making it feel like home.

Cost of Living

Accommodation

Student accommodation costs range from £75 - £235 per week; the average is £136 per week.

Compare the average elsewhere: Liverpool: £150/week, Lancaster: £158/week, London: £287/week.

(prices are for all purpose-built student accommodation (both private and university-owned) over the last 12 months, as listed on StudentCrowd)

The average price for:

A cheap meal at a restaurant: £12
A pint of beer: £4.50
A regular takeout coffee: £2.68
1L of milk: £0.84
A loaf of white bread: £1

Prices (for cost of living only) are about 7% lower than equivalent costs in Liverpool, about 8% lower than Lancaster and 32% lower than London!

(Source: Numbeo)

Nights Out

Public Transport

You’ll find it easy and simple to get everywhere by foot, with the central campus being no more than a 15-min walk to most places you need to go. It’s also easy to get around by bike thanks to the Belfast Bike public bike rental scheme. You can pick up a bike at one docking station and leave it at another. Belfast is well connected by rail, road, air and ferry to give plenty of options to get in and out of the city.

Shopping

Two key places to know about are the Victoria Square Shopping Centre, which includes over 50 shops, restaurants and a cinema, and St George’s Market. This historic market is over 150 years old but is still a major part of city life and a great place to track down some bargains.

Top 5 Pubs

The Botanic Inn

Affectionately known as ‘The Bot’ they are famous for their ‘Bot Wednesdays’ which is known as one of the best student nights out in the week. It’s one of the city’s top spots for great food, quality drinks, live music and a lively atmosphere!

The Crown Bar

The Crown is an iconic 200-year-old pub and the most famous in Belfast. Imagine carved mahogany booths, etched-glass, Victorian tiles and a fantastic selection of everything from cask ales to premium gins.

Duke of York

Down a cobbled alleyway, in the historic Half Bap area is the Duke of York. It’s a traditional pub that’s full of character with a great atmosphere. The walls are covered in Belfast memorabilia including hundreds of old photos.

The Dirty Onion

Housed in an old Whisky warehouse, they describe themselves as an authentic Irish pub with a modern twist. They boast a large beer garden, a cosy fire inside and entertainment 7 nights a week… oh and make sure you try their chicken.

The Parlour

If you like pizza and alcohol then you’ll love the Parlour. Based in the Student Quarter, they put on different themed nights for students such as quiz nights and live music nights, it will be sure to become a firm favourite!

Top 10 Belfast Accommodation

4.85 /5

(10 reviews)

Vita Student Belfast - Bruce Street 4.85 /5

Great Student Accommodation! Vita has been a wonderful place to live during my studies. The staff are friendly and helpful, the rooms are modern and ...

4.68 /5

(30 reviews)

The Edge 4.68 /5

Was living at home with parents, began my degree apprenticeship in the City Centre and thus needed somewhere in the Town asap - contacted the team her...

4.65 /5

(468 reviews)

LIV Student Belfast 4.65 /5

Staff are top tier, rooms are real good and the 24/7 security makes you feel safe, there’s plenty to do with loads of facilities, gym is good and load...

4.58 /5

(162 reviews)

Swanston House 4.58 /5

It’s been nothing but good things since moving to Swanston House. MK has been especially helpful from day one, giving me a tour around the place, and ...

4.34 /5

(118 reviews)

John Bell House 4.34 /5

I had an incredible time staying at John Bell House in Belfast, with the location being so convenient in the city centre and giving a change from the ...

4.24 /5

(27 reviews)

Botanic Studios 4.24 /5

Botanic Studios,Located just a five-minute walk from Queen’s University Belfast, Botanic Studios offers modern, fully furnished studios with amenities...

4.09 /5

(10 reviews)

Bradbury Place 4.09 /5

Bradbury place is an extremely modern building in a perfect location. It’s only a five minute walk to Queen’s University and around ten minutes to the...

4.02 /5

(130 reviews)

Great Patrick Street 4.02 /5

As an international student it is very hard to find a good student accommodation with 100% confidence as we will not be physically present while booki...

3.92 /5

(63 reviews)

Alma Place 3.92 /5

Staying at Alma Place for the last two weeks for my five week program at Ulster University has been great!! The staff are incredibly kind, the accommo...

#10

3.85 /5

(124 reviews)

123 York Street 3.85 /5

This is my 2nd year living here & I would call it my second home. Staff are so lovely & friendly. The uni is so handy aswell. I deffo recommend!...

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24th February 2025