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Life in Belfast

City Hall and skyline
You’re going to like it here
Welcome to Belfast

Belfast is a UK capital city, welcoming, easy to get around and an affordable place in which to live and study.

The city is in the safest region in the UK (UK Crime Surveys 2021/22).

As Belfast flourishes as a global food, culture, arts and shopping destination, Queen’s is at the social and cultural heart of the city.

Student Experience
Francesca D'Souza, yeo sign, graffitti
More money for the things that matter

Belfast has the lowest cost of living in the UK (Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking 2023).

Belfast has the lowest student rent in the UK (NatWest Student Living Index 2020).

The average student here also only spends £16 a week on food shopping, well below the national average of £24.

Cost of living comparison
Getting around

Belfast is best explored on foot or by bike, and our central campus means that most places are within a short walking distance

The city is well connected by frequent bus and train services, with student travel discounts widely available.

The Belfast Bikes public bicycle rental scheme provides a flexible way to get around Belfast.

Explore the city
Enjoy a buzzing social and cultural scene
QFT door, qft sign
World class arts, culture and music

From intimate galleries to international artists, Belfast has it all, including our very own Naughton Gallery and Queen's Film Theatre.

The Ulster Museum is close to the campus and hosts a number of significant art collections as well as contemporary exhibitions.

We’re at the heart of a city of artists, poets, authors and musicians and their influence is felt everywhere.

Art and culture
Student walking in to the Dirty Onion bar
Live music and friendly locals

The cobblestoned streets of the Cathedral Quarter are home to bustling restaurants, pubs and arts venues, where modern street art and live music create the legendary Belfast buzz.

A wide range of arenas, concert halls, theatres and clubs, play host to stand-up comedy, theatrical performances and international artists. Our own Students' Union regularly hosts DJs, bands and comedy gigs.

Nightlife and Music
3 female students shopping in Victoria Square
Shopping

Belfast offers shoppers a mix of established worldwide brands, independent boutiques and artisan markets.

City centre shopping centres such as Victoria Square and Castle Court offer the best of High Street shops to suit all tastes.

Take the climb to the top of Victoria Square, to the glass dome which offers panoramic views of the whole of Belfast city centre.

Shopping
Food and drink

Queen’s Quarter is always buzzing with life, with lots of opportunities to catch up with friends over coffee or grab lunch between lectures

With authentic Irish bars to independent coffee houses, hidden speakeasys to artisan delis, and market fresh street food to Asian supermarkets.

You’ll find sumptuous cuisine from practically every nation and to suit any budget across the city and campus.

Food in Belfast
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
In Belfast we always find an occasion to party.

Our vibrant, cosmopolitan buzz can be experienced through the city’s jam-packed programme of annual events and festivals. Whether it’s culture, cuisine, comedy or music, we've plenty to celebrate.

Events and Festivals >

Surfing at Whiterocks Beach
Sport and Outdoors
Northern Ireland’s spectacular scenery is an outdoor pursuits paradise

Mountains, forests and stunning coastline make up the rich landscape of the region, and activities are popular like mountain biking, surfing and golf. Experience more adventure, with high ropes courses, archery or even dolphin watching.

Regular big sporting events include Elite Ice Hockey league with the Belfast Giants, Ulster Rugby and National Football or Gaelic sports.

Find out more >

"I love the atmosphere and the beautiful architecture found in Belfast. It is a great city for students!”

Kyla Holland,
LLB Common and Civil
Law with Hispanic Studies

Meet your new bestie in the social area.
BELFAST CITY CENTRE ACCOMMODATION
LIVE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

Our student accommodation in the heart of Belfast city centre is very affordable compared to private renting.

Conveniently located in the centre of Belfast and just 15 minutes from Queen’s main campus, you can be neighbours with the famous Crown bar and the majestic Grand Opera House.

All our new apartments include bathrooms, a desk with lamp, use of a full kitchen, dining table and chairs, television and high-speed internet, as well as including all bills. You will also have free off-peak membership of Queen's Sport.

Student Accommodation

TAKE A TOUR

Student Tour of Belfast City centre

Student Tour of Botanic

Enjoy some fresh air
Outdoors and Sports
Learn more of Belfast's past
The history of the city
800-giants causeway-night
Adventure beyond the city...

Northern Ireland is renowned for its epic landscapes and coastal scenery, as well as fascinating history and cultural heritage, all a short distance to explore from Belfast.

Travel along the Antrim Coast Road to the legendary Giant’s Causeway, or climb to the top of Slieve Donard, our most famous peak.

Beyond Belfast
800-GOT-dark hedges
...to Westeros

The HBO television show, Game of Thrones was filmed throughout spectacular various locations around Northern Ireland.

Tour the mountains, forests, castles and coastline featured on-screen to see for yourself why Northern Ireland was chosen as the perfect backdrop.

Game of Thrones filming locations
Map 800x533
Explore further
A stepping stone to Europe

Belfast is the perfect UK study destination for students who want to easily explore Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe.

Belfast is a short flight from all other major UK cities, including London, Edinburgh and Manchester.

VLOG: Travel around Europe while you study at Queen’s

Getting here
H&W 2H
A city with a passion for progress
The world's most famous ship, Titanic was built in Belfast

Today Belfast is one of Europe's most connected cities, and one of the UK's fastest growing economies, leading advances in technology and innovation.

Entrepreneurs and multinationals thrive together, with expertise in aerospace, wave power and more; it's the perfect hub to connect with potential employers.

Belfast: Smart City
Come and See Queen's
Visit Us
Visit belfast Website
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