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.
Northern Ireland has the lowest student cost of living in the UK. (Which? University, 2018)
Over £5000 per year cheaper for students to live in Northern Ireland compared to London. (Which? University 2018)
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 (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 £65 return (GB Students) |
£144 (NI Students) London-Newcastle train £106 (GB Students) |
£147 (NI Students) London-Glasgow train £151 (GB Students) |
£120 (NI Students) Manchester-London train £92 (GB Students) |
| Total Cost [4] | £9,231 (NI Students) £11,586 (GB Students) |
£14,593 | £15,100 | £17,908 |
"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
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: See how Belfast's prices compare to other university towns: Where is the Cheapest University Town? (Marbles)
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
