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
Belfast has the lowest cost of living in the UK. (Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking 2021)
Save without compromise
Lowest student rent in the UK (NatWest Student Living Index, 2020)
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.
 |
English University | Scottish University | London University | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly cost of University Accommodation [1] | £124 | £137 | £150 | £222 |
| Average Monthly Rent | £326 | £404 | £454 | £700 |
| Tuition Fees | £4,395 (NI Students) £9,250 (English Students) |
£9,250 | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Maximum Student Maintenance Loan Available | £4,840 (NI Students) £8,944 (English Students) |
£4,840 (NI Students) £8,944(English Students) |
£4,840 (NI Students) £8,944 (English Students) |
£6,780 (NI Students) £11,672 (English Students) |
| Scholarships | View Details | |||
| Travel Costs (Flights) [2] | N/A (NI Students) Newcastle - Belfast flight £65 return (English Students) |
£144 (NI Students) London-Newcastle train £106 (English Students) |
£147 (NI Students) London-Glasgow train £151 (English Students) |
£120 (NI Students) Manchester-London train £92 (English Students) |
| Total Cost [4] | £9,231 (NI Students) £11,586 (English 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 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
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.
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