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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 £50-£60 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

Northern Ireland has the lowest student cost of living in the UK. (Which? University, 2018)

Save without compromise

Over £5000 per year cheaper for students to live in Northern Ireland compared to London. (Which? University 2018)

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 £5,500-£7,500 to cover your expenses for one academic year.

Overall cost comparisons
Queen's University Belfast English University Scottish University London University
Weekly cost of University Accommodation [1] £124 £137 £150 £222
Average Monthly Rent £339 £428 £373 £668
Tuition Fees £4,160 (NI Students)
£9,250 (GB Students)		 £9,250 £9,250 £9,250
Maximum Student Maintenance Loan Available £4,840 (NI Students)
£9,250 (GB Students)		 £4,840 (NI Students)
£9,250 (GB Students)		 £4,840 (NI Students)
£9,250 (GB Students)		 £6,780 (NI Students)
£9,250 (GB Students)
Scholarships View Details
Travel Costs (Flights) [2] N/A (NI Students)
Newcastle - Belfast flight £49 return (GB Students)		 £144 (NI Students)
London-Newcastle train £142 (GB Students)		 £147 (NI Students)
London-Glasgow train £147 (GB Students)		 £120 (NI Students)
Manchester-London train £90 (GB Students)
Total Cost [4] £9,111 (NI Students)
£11,586 (GB Students)		 £14,593 £15,100 £17,908
Notes
  • Student maintenance grants and loans are available for NI students, both vary according to household income.
  • Based on comparable RG Universities (Newcastle, Glasgow and UCL).
  • [1] Based on Single Ensuite accommodation. London (UCL) only cost available Single Ensuite Studio.
  • [2] Based on 3 return flights p/year to Belfast.
  • [4] Based on University Accommodation, Tuition Fees and Weekly household bills (39 weeks).
Affordable Food and Drink

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: The Affordable Student Experience: Belfast vs London vs Manchester

Queen's Film Theatre

Typical living expenses

A standard cinema ticket will cost you £2 less than in England and Scotland, and an incredible £4 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: See how Belfast's prices compare to other university towns: Where is the Cheapest University Town? (Marbles)

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 details