Student Accommodation Belfast

Belfast is one of the top choices for international students to pursue higher education, and therefore, every year, thousands of students come to the city to study at some of the top universities in the UK. However, one of the main problems that students face is finding the right student accommodation in Belfast.

Since the number of students coming to the city is rising, the availability of student rooms is decreasing. Therefore, it is in such situations that University Living comes into the picture. With over a decade of rich experience, we have helped millions of students find their home away from home. If you are a student who wishes to pursue higher education in Belfast, you are at the right place. Reach out to our property experts to grab your best accommodation in Belfast.

Belfast is home to some of the top universities in the UK, and therefore, several thousand students come to the city every year to become a part of the vibrant student community of Belfast. These students fly in from all across the world, and therefore, one of the major problems they face even before coming to the city is finding the right student accommodation in Belfast. Student properties in Belfast are divided into 2 major types, namely, Student Housing and Private Apartments. These have been explained briefly below:

1. Student Housing: Also referred to as Purpose-Built Student Accommodations (PBSA), these are special properties that are built specifically for students. The best part about these properties is that most of them include utility bills like electricity, water, and gas in their rent. Plus, several other amenities are provided that a student might require while pursuing their education in the city. These properties are further divided into 4 types which have been explained below:

• Shared Apartments: These are the most affordable student rooms in Belfast and are mostly preferred by first-year students who are new to the country. This not only helps them socialise but also makes sure that students always have someone to rely upon while coming to a new country. In a shared apartment, students get to share a room with 2/3 other occupants along with a shared washroom, living room, and kitchen.

• En-Suite Accommodations: These are the most preferred type of student accommodation in Belfast, as students get to have an entire room for themselves along with an attached washroom, a shared living room, and a shared kitchen. These cost a bit more than a shared apartment but offer better privacy and comfort.

• Non-En-Suite Accommodations: These properties are very similar to an En-Suite Accommodation. The only visible difference between the two is that in a Non-Ensuite Accommodation, students do not get a washroom attached to a room. They only get a personal room, and the washroom is shared among other occupants of the property.

• Studio Apartments: These apartments are the best properties for students who wish to have a high level of privacy and comfort. A studio apartment is an independent unit in which students get to have an entire room for themselves along with an attached washroom and an attached kitchen. These are also one of the most expensive options for student accommodation in Belfast. However, every single penny spent is worth it!

2. Private Apartments: A private apartment is one of the best properties that you can get as a student in Belfast. Students get to have an entire apartment with 2/3 rooms for themselves, along with attached washrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. All of this is for just one person.

However, these properties are best suited for working professionals and 3rd or 4th year students who know about the city and can manage their expenses properly. This is because, unlike PBSAs, the rent in Private Apartments does not include utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi bills. Every expense that you make is an extra on top of the rent. Also, these properties might come with some or no furnishing at all!

Belfast is the capital and one of the biggest cities in Northern Ireland. It sits right by the sea and is surrounded by beautiful green hills. In the past, Belfast was famous for building the Titanic and making linen cloth. Today, it is a modern city known for its friendly people, great music, and filming famous shows like Game of Thrones. Around 350,000 people live here, and it is a very young city because more than 70,000 students go to university in the city centre. Whether you are walking past the grand City Hall or visiting the busy Titanic Quarter, there is always something interesting to see.

Belfast is home to more than 300,000 residents, and these people stay in some of the most aesthetically pleasing cities in the country. It is a very safe city, and therefore, students can literally stay in any neighbourhood. However, since birds of the same feather flock together, students are recommended to stay in areas that already have an established student community so that they can reach out to their peers in case of any emergencies and concerns. Some of the best areas to live in Belfast have been explained briefly below:

• The Queen's Quarter: Housing the Queen’s University, The Queen’s Quarter is one of the best, most vibrant, and culturally rich neighbourhoods in the city. Located just south of the city centre, this neighbourhood is packed with students, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. This neighbourhood is also home to the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum, which not only has a free entry but is also one of the best spots to visit in the city. This neighbourhood is filled with some of the finest eateries, restaurants, cafes, and bookshops in Belfast. The Queen’s Quarter also has great transport links to the city.
• The Holylands: The next best neighbourhood for student accommodation in Belfast is The Holylands. Located just next to the Queens Quarter, this neighbourhood has streets with biblical names and is the epicenter of student living. The Queen’s University is located just a 5-10 minute walk from the neighbourhood, thus making it highly convenient for students. The atmosphere is elegant and vibrant. Students love staying in the Holylands.
• Cathedral Quarter: One of the most artistic and culturally rich neighbourhoods of the city is the Cathedral Quarter. It is home to the world-famous Ulster University’s Belfast Campus. This neighbourhood is known for its creative street art and cobbled streets, excellent entertainment spots, and is the place where tradition meets innovation. The Cathedral Quarter is packed with stylish cafes, rooftop bars, and live music pubs, and is also a top spot for food and nightlife. This neighbourhood is also home to cultural venues like St. Anne's Cathedral and The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre).
• Stranmillis: Another great neighbourhood for student accommodation in Belfast is Stranmillis. This is a quiet residential area that offers a calm and safe living environment while still being close to the action. This neighbourhood has a very academic atmosphere. Students can be found studying in various open green spaces in the neighbourhood. Stranmillis offers a good balance of local shops and is located just adjacent to the Botanic Gardens. Overall, this is one of the most preferred neighbourhoods for students to live in the city.

Belfast is considered to be one of the most affordable cities in the United Kingdom, owing to the lower population and greater space. There are a variety of budget accommodation options available in the city, along with some of the best yet affordable food options as well. Although the cost of living depends upon the lifestyle that you try to lead, if you live on a strict budget, you can expect to spend a month in the city for well under $1000. The table below highlights some of the major expenses that you might undertake as a student living in Belfast.

Note: Students must note that these figures are tentative and may change depending on the type of expenditure they make. Try our Cost-of-Living Calculator to get a personalized budget!

When it comes to student apartments in Belfast, there are a plethora of options to choose from. However, not every property is best suited for you. It is important for students to understand that choosing the right property is essential. The property that you choose must be located in close proximity to the university and major points in the city so that you can save on travelling expenses.

Below are some of the top student properties in Belfast, priced between £136/wk and £225/wk.

• VITA Student Bruce Street

• Ryan Hall

• Bradbury Place

• Swaston House

• The Edge

• Aster House

• LIV Student Belfast

• John Bell House

• Nelson Place

• Biscuit Factory

Book the top properties in Belfast only at University Living now!

When it comes to affordability, Belfast does not let you down. There are several properties that provide affordable rent options to students. However, every affordable property might not be for you. It is important to note that most of the low-cost property is not necessarily the cheapest. It means that the rent of the accommodation should be fair enough in comparison to the services and facilities provided.

• Alma Pace

• Great Patric Street

• Little Patric Street

• 123 York Street

• Botanic Studios

These are the most affordable and value-for-money properties in Belfast. These are best suited for students who have a tight budget!

Book the most affordable properties in Belfast only at £136/wk with University Living!

The population of Belfast is around 350,000 and therefore, in order to make commuting easier for students and residents, Belfast has developed an extensive network of pubic transit systems that help them travel from one place to another. These services act as a lifeline for the residents and are greatly used by students for everyday university travel. The various modes of public transit include buses, train services and rapid rail systems. These have been explained briefly below:

• Bus: Belfast has an extensive network of bus routes that act as the lifeline for students and residents in the city. These services are operated by Ulsterbus and run regional services from the city centre to the towns across Northern Ireland. Students love using the buses in Belfast because of the yLink Card, which offers a 1/3rd fares to those aged between 16 and 23 and the iLink Card for unlimited travel across the city.
• Train: The Train services in Belfast connect the city with other major cities in Northern Ireland and the UK. The major stations in Belfast are Lanyon Place and Great Victoria Street. The trains are the best option for travelling along the coast with direct lines that connect major spots like Holywood, Bangor, Carrickfergus and Larne. These services are used mostly for quick intercity travel.
• Glider (Rapid Transit): The Glider Rapid Transit services are Belfast’s modern bus-based rapid transit system. This service features high-capacity, hybrid vehicles that run frequently along dedicated routes (G1 and G2), connecting East Belfast to West Belfast via the city centre. It's a fast and efficient way to cross town. Thus, making travel even more convenient and better.

Belfast is one of the best cities in Northern Ireland and has some great places where students can visit and enjoy their free time. The architecture of the city itself is mesmerizing and amazing to look at. Here are some of the top tourist attractions for students in Belfast that also attract several thousands of tourists to these historical places:

• Titanic Belfast: As the name suggests, this was the exact place where the RMS Titanic was built. It is an iconic place and a world -class visitor attraction. This building houses nine interactive galleries that are spread over 6 floors, taking visitors across the complete journey from the ship’s inception to the tragic end and the discovery of the wrecks. This is indeed one of the best places to visit in the city, and the ticket also includes access to SS Nomadic, the last remaining white star line ship!
• Belfast City Hall: Located in the heart of the city, this architectural marvel is a Baroque revival building and is considered a symbol of Belfast’s status. It was completed in 1906, and it features several statues of Queen Victoria and a striking Titanic Memorial Garden, which consists of plaques with the names of all those people who died in the tragic Titanic accident. The entrance to the Belfast City Hall is free and students can join a guided tour to see the magnificent interior, including the marble grand staircase, the rotunda, and stained glass windows that tell the city's history.
• Belfast Castle and Cave Hill Country Park: The Belfast Castle is one of the best places to visit in the city and offers some of the best views of this historic city. Also, students must not forget to visit the surrounding Hill Country Park. The castle was perched on the slopes of Cave Hill and was built in the Baronial style. It is a popular spot for visitors and has several antique shops. It is surrounded by a gorgeous park, which has several walking trails and is nothing short of a paradise for people who love nature. The estate is also home to mature woodlands, landscaped gardens, a Millennium Maze, and various wildlife

These are some of the spots where students love to visit in their free time and provides great means of recreation.