The UK’s best value student city
Belfast has won awards for its affordable living, and rent in the popular Queen’s Quarter is rarely more than £150 a week.
In this exciting hub of music, food, shopping and culture, you’ll also pay less for things like travel, cinema tickets and going out.
Best value for money
Belfast has the lowest cost of living in the UK (Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking 2023)
Save without compromise
Lowest student rent in the UK (NatWest Student Living Index, 2020)
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
Queen’s University has announced a multi-million support package of £7.69 million for students and staff facing the current cost of living crisis.
As students and staff face into a winter of financial uncertainty, it has been our priority to develop a series of measures to support the Queen’s community including;
- A total of 3600 students who come from families earning under £25,000 per year will receive a one-off payment of £400 each with all other students receiving £150.
- We will allocate £600,000 into a student support fund focused on international students.
Cost of living comparison
See how Queen’s compares with other Universities in key costs, including accommodation, weekly household bills, travel expenses and tuition fees.
As a guide we estimate you should allow a sum in the region of £6,500-£8,500 to cover your expenses for one academic year (9 months)
Item |
 |
English University | Scottish University | London University |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly cost of University Accommodation [1] | £124 | £164 | £157 | £231 |
| Average Monthly Rent | £252 | £424 | £373 | £717 |
| Tuition Fees for 2022/23 | £4,630 (NI Students) £9,250 (GB Students) £18,200 (International Students) |
£9,250 | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Maximum Student Maintenance Loan Available | £4,840 (NI Students) £9,488 (GB Students) Varies by nation (International) |
£4,840 (NI Students) £9,488(GB Students) |
£4,840 (NI Students) £9,488 (GB Students) |
£6,780 (NI Students) £12,382 (GB Students) |
| Scholarships | UG Scholarships GB Scholarships International Scholarships |
|||
| Travel Costs (Flights/Trains) [2] | N/A (NI Students) Manchester - Belfast flight £41 return (GB Students) |
£55 (NI Students) London-Newcastle train £84 (GB Students) |
£43 (NI Students) London-Glasgow train £114 (GB Students) |
£30 (NI Students) Manchester-London train £71 (GB Students) |
| Total Cost [4] | £9,342 (NI Students) £13,962 (GB Students) £20,950 (International Students) |
£16,138 | £15,390 | £18,243 |
Notes
- Student maintenance grants and loans are available for NI students, both vary according to household income.
- Based on comparable RG Universities (Manchester, Glasgow and UCL).
- [1] Based on Single Ensuite accommodation, similar distance to Elms BT9 to campus
- [2] Flights based on return tickets cheapest available in September 2023
- [4] Based on University Accommodation (Min. contract) and Tuition Fees
Hear from our Students
What I Eat in a Week as a Student
Kathryn Allen, Northern Ireland
Spend a Cheap Weekend with me in Belfast!
Beth Molloy, Dublin, Ireland
Free Things to do in Belfast
Affordable Social Life
"I was pleasantly surprised by the cost of living in Belfast. The student halls are very cheap in comparison to other UK universities accommodation. You can feed yourself for very little which means you’ve more money to do other things in Belfast."
Jacob Robinson, Newcastle
Read more: Day out in Belfast spending only £10
Read more: The Affordable Student Experience: Belfast vs London vs Manchester
Read more: Three Cheap day trips from Belfast
Read more: Make the Most of Student Discounts
Read more: Money Saving Tips!
Read more: Surviving January: Student Budgeting Tips
Typical living expenses
A standard cinema ticket will cost you £3 less than in England and Scotland, and an incredible £5 less than London.
Gym membership is also significantly cheaper than England and if you choose to live in Queen’s Accommodation you will benefit from free off-peak gym membership.
Read more: Grocery Shopping on a Budget
Travel and Transport
Translink operates Metro bus services in Belfast and train services. Student Discount card is available for all 16-23 year olds and costs only £8.
It gives up to 1/3 off Translink bus and rail services within Northern Ireland, plus up to 50 per cent off Enterprise train service between Dublin and Belfast.
More detailsComing from Republic of Ireland?
Specific cost comparisons