Student Accommodation near Ulster University Belfast

Ulster University is one of the best universities in the UK and welcomes thousands of students every year to become part of its vibrant and diverse student community. One of the main challenges students face even before arriving in the country is finding the right student accommodation in Belfast. Although there are several excellent options to choose from, like The Edge, Great Patrick Street Belfast, and LIV Student Belfast, finding the best property based on your individual needs can be quite a hassle.

This is where University Living comes into the picture. With over a decade of experience in the international student accommodation industry, we have helped over 12 million students to date find the right student property in more than 640 cities worldwide. ULInfinity also helps students transition into a new phase of their life by providing critical services like international SIM cards, airport transfers, flight tickets, and forex. Some of the top neighbourhoods for student housing near Ulster University are Nelson Place, Cathedral Quarter, South Belfast, and Jordanstown, and the starting rent for student properties is just £90 per week.

Student accommodation near Ulster University comes in various types, namely: University Student Halls, Student Housing (PBSAs), and Private Apartments. These property types are standard across all student accommodation in UK. Ulster University student halls are accommodations provided directly by the university, but they are quite limited in number and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For off-campus accommodation, students can choose from a range of room types, including En-Suite / Non En-Suite, Student Studio Belfast, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and shared apartments.

Founded in 1968 as the New University of Ulster and formally established as Ulster University in 1984, Ulster University is a public research university with multiple campuses across Northern Ireland. The university has a strong reputation for academic excellence, research, and student employability. The institution is a proud member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and holds a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). In terms of global rankings, Ulster University is consistently placed among the top 500 universities worldwide and ranks within the top 50 universities in the UK.

The university hosts a diverse student body of approximately 27,000 to 30,000 students, with a growing international population. Students from over 100 countries from all across the world are a part of the university. The university has several campuses across Northern Ireland, including:

• Belfast Campus

• Coleraine Campus

• Jordanstown Campus

• Magee Campus (Londonderry)

The university is particularly famous for its Ulster University Business School, which holds prestigious accreditations including AACSB. The university is also recognized for its School of Law, School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Engineering, School of Computing, School of Art and Design (renowned for animation and creative industries), and the School of Nursing and Midwifery, which ranks among the best in the UK. Ulster University is also home to the Transitional Justice Institute, an internationally recognized research centre for human rights and peace studies.

There are several top student housing near Ulster University, including The Edge, Great Patrick Street, Belfast, and LIV Student Belfast. Although there are many other housing options for students to choose from, not every accommodation is the best fit for students of Ulster University. A good student property should tick several important boxes, including closeness to the university, affordable rent, and the inclusion of utility bills in the rent. Therefore, the table below highlights the top 5 student rooms near Ulster University that meet all of these criteria and are truly loved by students.

Great Patrick Street, Belfast

• Address: 28-30 Great Patrick St, Belfast BT1 2LT, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 5-minute walk from Ulster University

• Property highlights: Students enjoy an elevator, a Communal Area Cleaning, and a fully equipped gym.

• Best for: Students looking for one of the best student property near the university with great amenities.

• Nearby attractions: Ulster University Lakes & Wivenhoe Park, Belfast Castle, and The Minories Art Gallery.

LIV Student Belfast

• Address: 81-107 York St, Belfast BT15 1AT, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around a 4-minute walk from Ulster University

• Property highlights: Students get a Health & Wellbeing room, a fitness room, a games room, and a media room.

• Best for: Students looking for one of the best student property near the university with great amenities.

• Nearby attractions: Belfast Castle & Castle Park, Hollytrees Museum, and Belfast Zoo.

The Edge, Belfast

• Address: 1 Frederick St, Belfast BT1 2LW, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 4-minute walk from Ulster University

• Property highlights: Students get access to Private Dining area, a garden, a cinema room, and a yoga room.

• Best for: Students looking for some of the best studio apartments Belfast with great amenities.

• Nearby attractions: The Wivenhoe Trail, Firstsite, and Belfast Zoo.

Alma Place, Belfast

• Address: Alma Place 16 Library Street, Belfast BT1 2JD, UK

• Distance from University: Around 3-minute walk from Ulster University

• Property highlights: Students get access to free tea and coffee, a breakfast bar, a games room, and a lounge area.

• Best for: Students looking for some really affordable student rooms.

• Nearby attractions: Firstsite, Hollytrees Museum, Mercury Theatre, and Dutch Quarter.

Biscuit Factory, Belfast

• Address: 14 Donegall Ln, Belfast BT1 2LZ, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 4-minute walk from Ulster University

• Property highlights: Students enjoy regular resident events, an outdoor courtyard, a cinema room, and a study area.

• Best for: Students looking for one of the best student flats near the university with great amenities.

• Nearby attractions: Ulster University Lakes & Wivenhoe Park, The Wivenhoe Trail, and Hythe Railway.

The monthly cost of living for students near Ulster University (Belfast campus) typically falls between £750 and £1,450. This range reflects the fact that the cost of living in Belfast is much more affordable than that of London or other major UK cities like Manchester and Edinburgh. Although the cost of living in Belfast varies from person to person, it's important to understand that if students create a realistic budget and stick to it, they can comfortably get through a month in Belfast for well under £750. The table below highlights some of the key expenses students might expect to incur during their time in the city.

Students must note that these figures are tentative and might change based on their actual expenses and lifestyle. To get a better idea of the cost of living near Ulster University, students can use University Living's exclusive Cost of Living Calculator.

Another significant expense for students in the city is tuition fees at Ulster University. The fees for domestic (UK and Northern Ireland) students are capped at £9,790 per annum, while the tuition fees for international students are outlined briefly below:

Some of the best areas near Ulster University for students include Nelson Place, Cathedral Quarter, South Belfast, and Jordanstown. These neighbourhoods are conveniently located and offer excellent transport links throughout the city. The best part about these areas is that they already have a thriving and well-established student community. As a result, everything a student might need is available within a short distance, and if they face any issues or concerns, they can reach out to their peers immediately. A brief overview of these neighbourhoods is provided below:

Cathedral Quarter

One of the best neighbourhoods for student housing near Ulster University is the Cathedral Quarter, where the university is based, and it is just a short 5-minute walk from anywhere in the area. The Cathedral Quarter is considered the cultural and creative hub of Belfast. The area has some of the best pubs, cafes, restaurants, and galleries. The St. Anne's Cathedral is one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the city, and this cathedral is the reason what gives the locality its name. One of the best places to visit in the Quarter is the MAC, which is a leading contemporary arts venue that hosts theatre, dance, art exhibitions, and a popular cafe. The rent for student accommodation in Cathedral Quarter ranges between £1000 and £1200 per month.

Nelson Place

Located just left of the university, another top choice for student accommodation near Ulster University is Nelson Place, which is located just a 10-minute walk from the university. This area is highly convenient for students who want to be within walking distance of lectures, the city centre, and the Cathedral Quarter's nightlife. Nelson Place offers great convenience to students and hence, is absolutely loved by them! A major advantage of living here is the Ulster University Sports Centre, which his a state-of-the-art sports facility which provides free membership to the residents of Nelson Place. The neighbourhood is also home to several top cafes and pubs in the city, and some of these are student favourites. The average rent for student homes at Nelson Place ranges between £900 and £1200 per month.

Jordanstown

Also popularly known as the wellness village, another one of the top neighbourhoods for Ulster University student accommodation is Jordanstown, which is located a short 15-minute drive from the university. It provides a village-like atmosphere and is surrounded by lush lawns and trees. Jordanstown is the best suited for students who prioritise sports, outdoor activities, and a calm study environment over city nightlife. One of the best places to visit in the neighbourhood is the Loughshore Park, which is a beautiful park offering stunning views across Belfast Lough. Jordonstown also houses the Coastal Path, which is a scenic walking and cycling route along Belfast Lough. This is just perfect for some fresh air and exercise. The average rent for student rooms in Jordanstown ranges between £750 and £1000 per month.

South Belfast

One of the top neighbourhoods for affordable student apartments near Ulster University is South Belfast, and it is just a short 20-minute bus ride to the university. South Belfast has some of the highest student populations in the city, and the glider rapid transit system provides fast and frequent connections to the university. One of the most aesthetic places to visit in the neighbourhood, the Botanic Gardens is a beautiful public park with a tropical ravine and historic Palm House. The gardens are popular among students, especially for study breaks. South Belfast is also home to the famous, The Empire, which is a legendary music venue and bar in a converted church. This place isgood for live comedy, music, and Sunday night sessions. The average rent for student accommodation in South Belfast ranges between £600 and £800 per month.

Belfast is home to more than 340,000 residents, and in order to cater to the transport needs of such a growing population, the city has developed an extensive and reliable network of public transit systems. These modes of transit include the bus services and the train services. These services ensure easy and convenient connectivity throughout the city and to the rest of Northern Ireland, hence making daily travel simple for students and locals alike. These modes of transport have been explained briefly below:

Bus

One of the most affordable and convenient modes of public transit for students near Ulster University is the bus service, which is used by thousands of students every day! The nearest bus stop to the university is Donegall Street bus stop, which is just a short 4-minute walk away from the university. The U1 and U2 bus services operate during term time, and provide quick connectivity to the university and major student neighbourhoods like Jordanstown and Nelson Place.

Train

The train services in Belfast are operated and managed by Translink and provide fast and comfortable connectivity to other major cities in Ireland, like Derry, Armagh, Lisburn, Newry, and Bangor. The city has 3 railway stations, namely the York Street Station, Lanyon Station, and Grand Central Station. These services are mostly used by students for going to a weekend getaway to these cities.