Life at Queen's

Students at Queen’s get the best of both worlds - a safe and easy to navigate campus with the wider city of Belfast nearby.

Known as the “Queen’s Quarter”, the area surrounding our campus is the most vibrant district of Belfast. Here, you’ll find everything from museums and art galleries to world cuisine, as well as your classes of course, all within easy walking distance.

The beauty of Belfast is that you’re never far from beaches, forests and mountains if you need some headspace. If the landscapes and landmarks look familiar, it’s because many of them have featured in Game of Thrones. Top day-tripping spots include the Giant’s Causeway, the Mourne Mountains and, of course, Derry/Londonderry for the ‘Derry Girls’ experience including a visit to the iconic mural of the Channel 4 show.

“Lovely green spaces are easily accessible from Queen’s; countryside and beaches can be reached within an hour on public transport.” Catherine
BA Philosophy, Cambridgeshire

Discover your home from home

We’re famed for our warm welcome and there’s a strong support network and sense of community on campus.

It won’t be long until you feel at home here. There’s plenty of ways to meet new friends, develop life skills and find support when you need it:

Think of our Residential Life Team as your personal social secretaries; on-hand to introduce you to a heap of new friends through a programme of themed nights, quizzes, trips and more. They are also available with a cuppa and a listening ear as you adjust to student life.
Why not check out the regular Student’s Union events or join one of 200+ Student societies and meet new people with similar interests?
Or perhaps you need someone to talk to. Our Student Centre has a range of professional support available, from counselling to budgeting help.
Plus, our accommodation is built around our campus communities which are designed to make you feel right at home and help you make friends too.

"I was nervous about making the move from England, however Elms BT9 was like a home from home and the perfect place to meet new friends.”
Gregory
Bsc Business Management, Shropshire

Student Life

The lowest cost of student living in the UK

Northern Ireland’s hidden secret is that it has the lowest student cost of living in the UK (Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking 2023), making Belfast a great city to live in when you’re a student.

It's over £300 per month cheaper for students to live in Belfast compared to London (Which? Student Budget Calculator, 2022).

You’ll save on more than your accommodation too with the average monthly food shop at £65 (Which?) and a cinema ticket at Queen's Film Theatre only £4.50.

“When I first visited Belfast, I was immediately taken by the city’s culture and beauty. I’ve always felt like part of the community here in Belfast. The people here are the friendliest I’ve ever met."Alisha Ratcliffe
Manchester, England

Find out more about the Cost of Living in Belfast

Craic: It's not just a word, it's a way of life

If there was a phrase to sum up Belfast it would be “Great Craic”.

Whether you’re visiting one of many festivals and cultural events, exploring the hills and countryside that surround the city, or heading for a buzzing night out head to one of the many bars, clubs and music venues throughout the city.

"Belfast is one of the UK and Ireland’s most vibrant and affordable cities, packed with energy, culture and history. Queen's majestic campus is in Queen's Quarter, with cafés, bars, restaurants, plenty of shopping and entertainment venues." (Complete University Guide 2024)

"One of the things I love about Belfast is that it's a big enough city that there's always something going on but it's also small enough that you still get the community feeling. There's always someone there to help if you feel lost or lonely at any time and I don't think you get that anywhere else." Will Hancock
Carmarthen, Wales

Your Student Guide