Looking for student accommodation in Belfast? You’ve landed at the right place. With Alphaway, you can find the ideal Belfast accommodation just minutes away from top universities like Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and Ulster University. Choose from premium, fully furnished shared rooms, en-suite rooms, and luxurious studios equipped with all modern amenities to make your student life easy. All you have to do is scroll, explore, and book!
Student Accommodation in Belfast
About Belfast
Belfast is a lively, affordable, and safe place to be, so it’s no wonder that it’s a growing favorite for students from across the globe. With esteemed universities like Queen’s University Belfast, and Ulster University, Belfast is a brilliant place to study. As a student, Belfast will give you an experience like nowhere else- the city is packed with culture, history, and entertainment with excellent academic opportunities.
Best Student Accommodation in Belfast
There are tons of great options for student accommodation in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Most of these offer fully furnished rooms that are equipped with all amenities and facilities and are just minutes away from major university campuses. Here are some of the best Belfast accommodation options:
- Bruce Street, Belfast Student Accommodation, 27 Bruce Street Belfast
- The Edge, Belfast Student Accommodation, 1 Frederick Street, Belfast
Why Choose Belfast for Higher Education
As the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast has quickly become a popular option for international students because of its low-cost lifestyle and excellent higher education. Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University are two recognized universities that offer high-quality education and a student-friendly atmosphere. Belfast is a compact city that allows students to get around easily. With a rich culture, an exciting music scene, and a welcoming community, Belfast has everything for the perfect student life.
Best Areas for Belfast Accommodation
Here are some of the best areas of Belfast for students:
- Holylands: A student-centered community directly beside Queen's University Belfast. Very lively, affordable, and filled with premium yet affordable student housing in Belfast.
- Botanic Avenue: You can find the best cafes, shops, and nightlife spots in the city on Botanic Avenue. The area is very affordable and close to both Queen's and Ulster University campuses.
- Stranmillis: A greener and quieter place with good access to the QUB via bus or walking, good for students who want a more laid-back place with close amenities.
- Ormeau Road: Very popular with students for shared housing and it has a very relaxed local feel about it. It has a balance of affordability and community feel, and it has great transport links to the major university campuses.
- Lisburn Road: This is a slightly more expensive area of Belfast. You will find a huge population of students living here as it provides a laid-back, quiet, and comfortable space with good restaurants and shops.
- City Centre: This is a popular area for Ulster University students. City Centre accommodation offers the best-value luxurious option in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Different Types of Belfast Accommodation
- PBSAs or Private Student Accommodations: These are Belfast student accommodations managed by private accommodation companies. PBSAs offer different types of rooms, like shared, en-suite, and private student studios in Belfast. All rooms are fully furnished and well-equipped with modern amenities and facilities. Rent is all-inclusive, and all accommodations have modern safety systems to ensure the safety of students.
- University halls: These are university-managed student accommodation in Belfast. Rent is all-inclusive, and the rooms are furnished. University halls are generally located on the campus or a short walk away from the campus. Availability is generally low, and rooms tend to get booked fast.
- Shared flats and apartments: shared student apartments in Belfast are managed by individual homeowners and can be 1, 2, or 3 BHKs. Students rent these out with their friends, usually to split their expenses. Rent for these student accommodations in Belfast is generally not all-inclusive, and bills have to be paid by students separately.
Cost of Living in Belfast
The cost of living in Belfast for students is relatively affordable compared to many other UK cities:
- Rent: £450-£700/month, according to your neighbourhood and room type.
- Utilities: £40-£70/month (often included in PBSA rent)
- Groceries: £120-£170/month. Shop at the local market for affordable items.
- Transport: £40-£55/month. Use student cards for discounts
- Leisure & Entertainment: £130-£190/month, according to your lifestyle
Transportation in Belfast
Transportation in Belfast is convenient and affordable for students:
- Metro & Glider Buses: Metro and buses make it super easy to get around Belfast. Get a monthly travel card to save money on your daily commute.
- NI Railways: Discounts are available on student fares, which vary by distance, e.g., from Belfast to Bangor. It is around £5 return.
- Belfast Bikes: Membership costs £5 a month, and members can use bikes for up to 30 minutes free on each trip.
- Air: Budget airlines fly to cities and airports in the UK and Europe. George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) and Belfast International Airport (BFS) are just 30 minutes away from the city center.
Student Life in Belfast
Student life in Belfast is full of exciting activities and academic opportunities:
- Cafés & Eats: Study at Kaffe O or chill with friends at Boojum or Lavery’s.
- Shopping: Explore Victoria Square for brands or quirky finds on Botanic Avenue.
- Nightlife & Music: Dance at Thompson’s Garage or catch live gigs at The Limelight.
- Fitness & Sports: Train at Queen’s PEC or jog through Ormeau Park.
- Events & Culture: Join societies at Queen’s and don’t miss festivals like Belfast Mela or the Christmas Market.
Universities in Belfast
- Queen's University Belfast (QUB): Queen's University Belfast is a leading research-intensive institution in the UK and is a member of the Russell Group. Queen's consistently ranks high for teaching and innovation amongst the top UK universities. It also ranks very well for its strong schools in Medicine, Engineering, Law, Business, and the Arts, attracting over 3,000 international students from over 80 different countries.
- Ulster University - Campus in Belfast: Ulster University's campus in Belfast is in the exciting Cathedral Quarter area. The university offers some excellent new courses in the fields of design, architecture, computing, business, and arts. It has strong industry ties and global partners, giving students excellent internships and job opportunities in the UK, and is perfect for students who are looking for innovative and career-focused degrees.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- QUB and Ulster University Scholarships: Both universities provide financial scholarships for international students, ranging from £2,000 to full tuition. These scholarships include the Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship, Global Scholarships, and many more.
- Subject Based & Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are for high-achieving students who are studying any of the following subjects: Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Business.
- External Funding: Possible external funding opportunities are available through other government funding and third-party scholarship schemes for students residing in the MENA region, Africa, and Asia.
Tips for International Students
- Apply for your visa and book your Belfast accommodation early as rooms fill up fast in Belfast.
- Join international societies at Queen’s or Ulster to make friends and ease the transition.
- Set up a local bank account and UK SIM card shortly after arrival.
- Use a Translink travel card for discounts on buses and trains.
- Belfast is budget-friendly, but tracking your monthly expenses helps.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out, both universities have excellent support for international students.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-Being Resources
- Belfast is a safe city but stay alert at night or in busy areas.
- Register with a local GP to access healthcare.
- Free mental health support and counselling are available on campus.
- Save emergency contacts and university helpline numbers.
- Support services are confidential and student friendly.
Explore Student Accommodation in Nearby UK Cities
Looking beyond Belfast? Here are some popular student cities you can consider:
- Explore student accommodation in Glasgow, a vibrant student destination
- Discover student housing in Edinburgh, known for its academic excellence
- Find places to stay in Liverpool, offering strong student culture