There are two new accommodations in Belfast for students opening for September 2022 – Alma Place, just around the corner from the University of Ulster, and Aster House, which is right by Queen’s University Belfast. Both have a range of rooms with a shared kitchen and living spaces, as well as private studios. They come with lots of added extras such as smart TVs in the studios and shared Belfast student flats, an on-site gym with access to a personal trainer and free weekday grab-and-go breakfast with 24/7 coffee. Plus you’ve also got access to a karaoke room, games area, lounge, study rooms and a courtyard with outside dining. Location-wise for Aster House, you’re only a six-minute walk to Queen’s University Belfast, a 24-minute walk to the University of Ulster, and a short walk away from the city centre. Alma Place is a perfect location for University of Ulster students, being only a three-minute walk from campus, or a 29-minute walk to Queen’s University Belfast.
Arguably one of the most impressive private student accommodations in Belfast, John Bell House is an absolute must-see. A stunning renovation of a city landmark, John Bell House combines original features with stylish interior design and offers ensuite and studio living, as well as beautiful communal areas, games rooms, and study spaces. Right in the centre of the city, this accommodation is only a 19-minute walk to Queen’s University Belfast or a 12-minute walk to the University of Ulster.
If you’re looking for luxury Belfast halls, have a look at Little Patrick Street. This contemporary student accommodation in Belfast offers a range of private studios, as well as spacious communal areas, an on-site gym, cinema room, mindfulness zone, and kitchen that’s ideal for entertaining. Location-wise, UofU students couldn’t be closer to campus, with the University of Ulster being only a four-minute walk away, and Queen’s University Belfast being a 35-minute walk away. Making your room your own when you go away to university is important; check out our guide to cheap and easy ways to brighten up your Belfast halls.
Being a large city, there are a number of ways to get from A to B. If you’re moving within the city centre, one of the best ways to get around is by foot or bike, but if you’re going further afield, whether it be to campus or out of the city, the bus or train options are probably your best mode of transport. Belfast is good for students and offers a yLink Travel Card, a free card for 16 to 23-year-olds that gets you a ⅓ off travel, as well as a 24+ Student Railcard.
By Bus
Getting around by bus is a great option for students. Translink is the main provider in Northern Ireland and it’s the best place to find ticket and timetable information. Metro and Glider services also operate in the Belfast area, and Ulsterbus and Goldline bus services connect the rest of Northern Ireland. There are also bus stops right by most campuses, so getting from your student flats in Belfast to lectures is easy.
By Train
Within Belfast, the main train stations are Great Victoria Street Station and Lanyon Station. There are also a number of stations close to university campuses, like Botanic Train Station on the Bangor, Larne, Newry, and Derry~Londonderry lines if you’re attending Queen’s University Belfast. Trains are also a great way to get to other parts of Northern Ireland; check out the Translink website for details.
By Bike
For students, cycling can be a great way to get around the city at a low cost. They’re also great for the environment and provide you with regular exercise. For those of you who own your own bike, most student accommodation in Belfast has bike storage facilities so it’s easy to keep your bike safe when you’re not using it. If you don’t own your own, don’t worry! You can hire one from Belfast Bikes, a government cycle scheme that has 30 docking stations across Belfast City Centre, and starts at £5 a session. Cycling is also a great way to maintain your mental well-being while being away at university.
City Centre
You’ll need your spoilt for choice when it comes to student flats in Belfast city centre, due to its lively and vibrant community. It’s also only a short walk or bus ride from most campuses, and with there being multiple stops and routes within the city, it’s easy to get to where you need to be. The other benefit of being a student living in the city centre is, of course, the never-ending social scene and nightlife. Whatever the day of the week, you’ll be able to find a live music gig, a secluded cocktail bar, or visit one of its many museums, such as the Ulster Museum, the National Museum NI, or the MAC.
Holyland
Right by Queen’s University is Holyland, a popular student area because of how close it is to campus. This leafy and fun community has a mix of students and is considered one of the most affordable areas to find private student accommodation in Belfast. There’s lots to do in the area with local cafes and restaurants lining the streets, as well as the McClay Library, the Botanic Gardens, and the Queen’s PEC on your doorstep.
Ormeau Road
South of Holylands is Ormeau Road, a popular student area with a variety of independent cafes, boutiques, and bars. Check out Bread and Banjo Bakery and Bakesncakesbylu for a delicious treat. Favoured by students due to its buzzing community, Ormeau Road is a 20-minute walk to campus or a short bus ride into the city. It has a Tesco Express for those much-needed student essentials, as well as being right near Ormeau Park, a beautiful green space to stretch your legs or relax in the sunshine.
Belfast is a very popular place for students due to its lively and thriving social scene. Any night of the week you can see live music at venues such as The Belfast Empire Music Hall, or Limelight. It also has a great variety of festivals and events, with lots of films and television shows being filmed around the city.
Even though Belfast is a big city, it’s known for being affordable for students. There are many different areas popular with students, including areas like the ‘Queen’s Quarter’, Holyland, Ormeau Road, and Lisburn Road. Private student accommodation in Belfast starts from around £129.00 per week ranging to £168.00 per week. Check out our guide to how students pay for accommodation for more information.
Due to its affordability and vibrant atmosphere, Belfast is a popular choice for international students. There are lots of different options for student accommodation in Belfast catering to many needs, as well as Queen’s University's reputation for being a friendly and inviting university.
Every university and provider of student accommodation in Belfast will have different processes and timelines. Typically, first year students will start looking from January and second years and beyond will start looking towards the end of the academic year. Check out our student accommodation guide for more information.
At Mystudenthalls.com, we make searching for your ideal student digs easy. Search by budget or university, add your favourites to a shortlist and, when you’re ready, contact them all with just one click. There’s even a space for any questions you might have for the provider!
Yes, you absolutely can – if you would like to view Belfast student halls, there are three ways you might do that. Firstly, look for the eye icon next to our listings, as this means that that accommodation offers virtual viewings, typically over Skype or a similar platform.
If you would like to view the accommodation in person, you can either contact providers directly using our contact form or visit a university open day, as many accommodations open their doors to visits.
Some student halls in Belfast will ask for a deposit, some will ask for a holding or reservation fee and some won’t ask for anything. The easiest way to find out whether your preferred accommodation requires a deposit is to ask!
If you’re worried about getting your deposit back when you leave, check out our blog.
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