Student accommodation in Belfast at a glance

There are two new accommodations in Belfast for students opening for September 2022 – Alma Place, just around the corner from the University of Ulster, and Aster House, which is right by Queen’s University Belfast. Both have a range of rooms with a shared kitchen and living spaces, as well as private studios. They come with lots of added extras such as smart TVs in the studios and shared Belfast student flats, an on-site gym with access to a personal trainer and free weekday grab-and-go breakfast with 24/7 coffee. Plus you’ve also got access to a karaoke room, games area, lounge, study rooms and a courtyard with outside dining. Location-wise for Aster House, you’re only a six-minute walk to Queen’s University Belfast, a 24-minute walk to the University of Ulster, and a short walk away from the city centre. Alma Place is a perfect location for University of Ulster students, being only a three-minute walk from campus, or a 29-minute walk to Queen’s University Belfast.

Arguably one of the most impressive private student accommodations in Belfast, John Bell House is an absolute must-see. A stunning renovation of a city landmark, John Bell House combines original features with stylish interior design and offers ensuite and studio living, as well as beautiful communal areas, games rooms, and study spaces. Right in the centre of the city, this accommodation is only a 19-minute walk to Queen’s University Belfast or a 12-minute walk to the University of Ulster.

If you’re looking for luxury Belfast halls, have a look at Little Patrick Street. This contemporary student accommodation in Belfast offers a range of private studios, as well as spacious communal areas, an on-site gym, cinema room, mindfulness zone, and kitchen that’s ideal for entertaining. Location-wise, UofU students couldn’t be closer to campus, with the University of Ulster being only a four-minute walk away, and Queen’s University Belfast being a 35-minute walk away. Making your room your own when you go away to university is important; check out our guide to cheap and easy ways to brighten up your Belfast halls.

Belfast at a glance

• Home to higher educational establishments such as Queen’s University Belfast, the University of Ulster, Belfast Metropolitan College, and Stranmillis University College. Due to its popularity with students, there are lots of great student accommodations in Belfast to suit a variety of needs.
• Belfast is where the famous RMS Titanic was made before it started its tragic journey from Southampton. In memory, the shipyard was renovated to be the Titanic Quarter, which includes the Titanic Belfast, an aluminium-clad museum reminiscent of a ship’s hull, as well as shipbuilder Harland & Wolff’s Drawing Offices and the Titanic Slipways, which now host open-air concerts.
• Take a tour around the 25 different locations across Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland that featured in the popular TV series Game of Thrones. These areas include Titanic Studios in Belfast, Cushendun Caves, Murlough Bay, Ballintoy Harbour, Larrybane, Antrim plateau, Castle Ward, Inch Abbey, and Downhill Strand.
• The nightlife in Belfast is electric with live music, pubs, and clubs going off every day of the week. Check out The Duke of York, The National, Voodoo, Pug Uglys, and The Jailhouse for a guaranteed good night out.
• Belfast has a packed calendar of events and festivals all year long such as St Patrick’s Day events, Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas and Politics, and many others. Follow Visit Belfast to see what’s on.
• Fancy getting away from your student halls in Belfast for a fun day out? Head to Colin Glen Forest Park. Here you’ll find loads of fun activities, including SKYTrek high ropes courses, kayaking, laser tag, mountain biking, team building, raft building, archery, and orienteering.
• Visit the beautiful Botanic Gardens and wander around the Tropical Ravine. This two-storey labyrinth of tropical plants, flowers, and trees is a great way to spend some time relaxing between study sessions.
• Visit Belfast Castle Estate and Cave Hill visitor centre and explore one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Student travel around Belfast

Being a large city, there are a number of ways to get from A to B. If you’re moving within the city centre, one of the best ways to get around is by foot or bike, but if you’re going further afield, whether it be to campus or out of the city, the bus or train options are probably your best mode of transport. Belfast is good for students and offers a yLink Travel Card, a free card for 16 to 23-year-olds that gets you a ⅓ off travel, as well as a 24+ Student Railcard.

By Bus

Getting around by bus is a great option for students. Translink is the main provider in Northern Ireland and it’s the best place to find ticket and timetable information. Metro and Glider services also operate in the Belfast area, and Ulsterbus and Goldline bus services connect the rest of Northern Ireland. There are also bus stops right by most campuses, so getting from your student flats in Belfast to lectures is easy.

By Train

Within Belfast, the main train stations are Great Victoria Street Station and Lanyon Station. There are also a number of stations close to university campuses, like Botanic Train Station on the Bangor, Larne, Newry, and Derry~Londonderry lines if you’re attending Queen’s University Belfast. Trains are also a great way to get to other parts of Northern Ireland; check out the Translink website for details.

By Bike

For students, cycling can be a great way to get around the city at a low cost. They’re also great for the environment and provide you with regular exercise. For those of you who own your own bike, most student accommodation in Belfast has bike storage facilities so it’s easy to keep your bike safe when you’re not using it. If you don’t own your own, don’t worry! You can hire one from Belfast Bikes, a government cycle scheme that has 30 docking stations across Belfast City Centre, and starts at £5 a session. Cycling is also a great way to maintain your mental well-being while being away at university.

Featured neighbourhoods around student accommodation in Belfast

City Centre

You’ll need your spoilt for choice when it comes to student flats in Belfast city centre, due to its lively and vibrant community. It’s also only a short walk or bus ride from most campuses, and with there being multiple stops and routes within the city, it’s easy to get to where you need to be. The other benefit of being a student living in the city centre is, of course, the never-ending social scene and nightlife. Whatever the day of the week, you’ll be able to find a live music gig, a secluded cocktail bar, or visit one of its many museums, such as the Ulster Museum, the National Museum NI, or the MAC.

Holyland

Right by Queen’s University is Holyland, a popular student area because of how close it is to campus. This leafy and fun community has a mix of students and is considered one of the most affordable areas to find private student accommodation in Belfast. There’s lots to do in the area with local cafes and restaurants lining the streets, as well as the McClay Library, the Botanic Gardens, and the Queen’s PEC on your doorstep.

Ormeau Road

South of Holylands is Ormeau Road, a popular student area with a variety of independent cafes, boutiques, and bars. Check out Bread and Banjo Bakery and Bakesncakesbylu for a delicious treat. Favoured by students due to its buzzing community, Ormeau Road is a 20-minute walk to campus or a short bus ride into the city. It has a Tesco Express for those much-needed student essentials, as well as being right near Ormeau Park, a beautiful green space to stretch your legs or relax in the sunshine.

Belfast Student Halls FAQs