The lowest in the UK
Cost of living
Belfast is superb value for money, delivering a youthful, cosmopolitan atmosphere in a compact, friendly city. In fact, it’s the best value UK city for students full-stop.(Mercer, 2016)
Belfast is superb value for money, delivering a youthful, cosmopolitan atmosphere in a compact, friendly city. In fact, it’s the best value UK city for students full-stop.(Mercer, 2016)
Northern Ireland has the lowest student cost of living in the UK (Which? University, 2018)
That makes it cheaper than Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds and Newcastle, while the cost of living is 28% lower than in London (Numbeo 2015).
Your lifestyle budget will stretch a lot further in Belfast, too:
A standard cinema ticket will cost you £1.55 less than in England and Scotland, and an incredible £3.80 less than in London (Source: Odeon), while university gym membership is 20% cheaper than in England and more than 40% cheaper than in London (Source: University websites).
If you choose to live in Queen's Accommodation you will also avail of free off-peak gym.
If you are a full-time undergraduate student living in self-catering halls during term-time you are likely to face costs that will look something like:
Item |
Typical cost * |
| Accommodation | £110 |
| Food | £50 |
| Gas, electricity and water | Included in student accommodation |
| Council tax | Northern Ireland students are exempt |
| General living costs | £30 |
| Travel | £10 |
| Total Cost | £210 |
* Costs shown are per week.
Where is the cheapest University town in the UK 2016?
See how Queen's compares with other Universities in key costs, including accommodation, weekly household bills, travel expenses and tuition fees.
|
Area of Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
English University |
Scottish University |
London University |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly cost of University Accommodation* Source: University websites |
£115 | £126 | £141 | £210 |
| Average Weekly Rent Source: Student Living Index 2016 |
£113 | £117.93 | £131.36 | £210.98 |
| Tuition Fees for 2017/18 Source: University websites |
£4,030 |
£9,250 | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Maximum Student Maintenance Loan Available Source: Student Finance NI |
£3750 if living at home |
£4,840 | £4,840 | £6,780 |
| Average Weekly Household Bills Source: Student Living Index 2016 |
£10.77 | £9.05 | £9.98 | £10.73 |
| Additional Travel Costs (Flights)** Source: Sky Scanner (EasyJet) |
Nil | £141 | £153 | £138 |
| Additional Travel Costs (Baggage)*** Source: unibaggage.com |
Nil | £38 | £38 | £38 |
| Scholarships Source: University websites |
11 x £200 - £1000 scholarships for AAA students. 14 x Elite Athlete Scholarships£3,000 towards fees, £2,000 towards accommodation plus additional benefits |
Up to £2000 available but only for those with household income less than £35,000 |
AAA NI students £1000 cash award. NI students pay £9000 per year but will receive one year free for 4 or 5 year courses Up to £2000 available for those with household income less than £42,600. |
Up to £2000 available for those with household income less than £42,875 |
| Queen's University Belfast | English University | Scottish University | London University | |
| Total Cost (NI students) **** |
£8,515 | £14,164 | 14,749 | £17,440 |
| Total Cost (GB Students) ****** |
£11,235 | £14,164 | 14,749 | £17,440 |
As a guide we estimate you should allow a sum in the region of £5,500-£7,500 to cover your expenses for one academic year. Wherever your money comes from while at university, learning to prioritise your spending will help reduce your cost of living.
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 details
Queen's University Belfast is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
For more information please read our Equality and Diversity Policy.
Queen's University Belfast is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101788
VAT registration number: GB 254 7995 11