LIVING IN BELFAST AS A STUDENT
Friendly, fun and affordable, Belfast is the ideal student city. Northern Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital may be compact, but it packs a lot in. Discover a lively mix of global cuisine, arts, culture and rich history – all within easy reach.
Queen’s University sits in the Queen’s Quarter – a vibrant cultural hub, with many of Belfast’s best experiences and attractions just a short walk away.
Why international students choose Belfast
The UK's most affordable city, with a vibrant student community
Belfast is the ideal place to start your study abroad journey, offering affordable living with plenty to see and do. Lower day-to-day costs mean you can make the most of student life – from exploring the vibrant social scene to discovering the city's fascinating history. And with Northern Ireland's stunning landscapes on your doorstep, every day is an adventure.
Average prices in Belfast vs London
Belfast | London | |
|---|---|---|
Coffee (cappuccino) | £3.60 | £4 |
Cinema ticket | £6.50 | £15 |
Meal out (inexpensive) | £18 | £20 |
Gym membership (monthly) | £0–£25 | £58.75 |
Travel (student monthly pass) | £64 | From £89.90 (Tube) |
(Sources include Numbeo.com 2026)
Budget-friendly things to do: free entry to museums, the arts centre and botanic gardens; guided tours around Belfast City Hall; walks around local markets and the Maritime Mile – Belfast's historic waterfront.
Student travel savings: 1/3 off bus and rail travel, discounted bike hire for students and city that’s easy to explore on foot.
Support and services: thousands of discounts via UniDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM, discounted IT equipment and clothes swapping, free period products, finance and wellbeing advice and financial assistance support.
Tasty meals for less: free refill station at The Pantry, food banks, sandwich/wrap and drink for £3.50 at The Union Shop, free monthly breakfasts at accommodation sites and student discounts across the city.
Where to find out more
Jesselyn
| Indonesia“Belfast is a really perfect place to live and study – people here are so friendly. If you watch Game of Thrones, there’s a lot of filming sites that you can explore. I’m really happy here.”
Pathway: International Foundation
Degree: BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science and Risk Management
Unlock your future and your sense of adventure in Belfast
Business is booming in Belfast. The city has a growing tech scene and is a leading global location for investment projects.
Take advantage of the university's links with some of Northern Ireland's key employers, including:
Almac, world leaders in pharmaceutical drug development
Citigroup Inc., experts in global investment banking and financial services
PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms in the world
Spirit Aerosystems, an international aviation engineering company.
Belfast is a hub of creativity, offering cultural events and attractions for all tastes.
Festivals – experience Chinese New Year, Belfast Pride and the iconic St Patrick’s Day parade. Plus, a huge variety of international film, music and dance festivals throughout the year.
Galleries – enjoy art exhibitions at Belfast Exposed, The Golden Thread Gallery and the MAC. And visit the university's own gallery: The Naughton Gallery.
Museums – learn about Northern Irish history at the Ulster Museum, or science at W5 – an interactive discovery center. Plus, visit Titanic Belfast, the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship.
Music – enjoy live music every night of the week. Experience world-class acts at SSE Arena, Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall. Or discover new names at Black Box and Voodoo.
Theatre – watch musicals, comedy and cabaret at the MAC, Lyric Theatre, Waterfront Hall and Grand Opera House.
For more information about everything Belfast has to offer, check the latest updates on the Visit Belfast website.
Belfast is a relatively small city, so you’ll find it easy to get around on foot. There’s a good network of buses and trains for travel in and around the city. Travel Cards are available on Metro and Glinder for your daily public transport. Bikes are also available for public hire, with over 30 docking stations located across the city centre. You can register from £5 and the first 30 minutes of each trip is free.
Belfast also has 2 airports, connecting you with the rest of the UK and beyond. London, Manchester, Glasgow and Liverpool are about an hour's flight away.
Belfast’s vibrant international community means you can find authentic global cuisine all over the city – no matter your budget.
Craving something hearty? Head to St George’s Market to try a classic Belfast bap – a large bread roll stuffed with sausages, bacon and egg.
Looking for variety? You’ll find everything from spicy curries and fresh sushi to Italian pasta and Lebanese mezze.
Explore the city's friendly cafés, casual eateries and upscale restaurants. Whether you’re on a budget or celebrating a special occasion, Belfast has something for every taste and wallet.
Northern Ireland's stunning landscapes offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re into hill walking, rock climbing, mountain biking or kayaking, there's always something to do.
Prefer to watch? There’s no shortage of exciting sports events to enjoy. Cheer on professional teams like the Northern Ireland national football team, the Belfast Giants, or Ulster Rugby – all with passionate fans and an electric atmosphere.
Looking for more thrills? From horse racing at Down Royal to the annual North West 200 motorbike races, Northern Ireland’s sporting scene is full of action.
