Skip to main content

Belfast: Student City

VIDEO:

Belfast: Student City

Belfast, voted one of the world's top destinations for 2012, by National Geographic Traveler, is Northern Ireland's capital city.

Find out more about the city and what it can offer students.

 

“A City on the rise” – Lonely Planet guide

As the capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast has enjoyed over a decade of rapid economic growth. The city’s skyline has changed significantly in the last few years thanks to massive investment and regeneration. This includes the opening in 2012 of Titanic Belfast, an iconic visitor attraction, as the city which built the ship marks the centenary of its fateful maiden voyage.

Political stability has allowed the economy to flourish.  Investors recognise the appeal of the strategic location and excellent infrastructure, with major road, rail, sea and air links to the rest of the UK, the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe.

A modern European city bursting with life, Belfast is rich in history, welcoming and friendly, with a great social scene.

Compact in size, it’s easy to get around and the rest of Northern Ireland’s magnificent scenery is virtually on your doorstep.

Belfast at a glance:

  • Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland – the most successful region in the UK (on a per capita basis) at attracting foreign direct investment.
  • The city attracts the largest number of software development projects in the UK outside of London.
  • Belfast has two modern airports within 30 minutes of the city centre with links to a multitude of major cities in the UK and Europe. Belfast is only a 50-minute flight from London.
  • Belfast attracts over nine million visitors each year, continuing the Lonely Planet’s endorsement of it as being a ‘city on the rise’.
  • Safest region in the UK (British Crime Survey 2011)
  • Lowest cost of living in the UK (Mercer.com 2012)
  • With an average age of 27 Northern Ireland has one of the youngest populations in Europe.
  • Queen’s historic campus is located in the attractive, leafy suburbs of South Belfast, a lively area only 15 minutes' walk away from the city centre, and packed with student facilities.