Student Housing in Belfast

Student Accommodation in Belfast

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland. The city is known for the tallest building in Ireland—the Obel Tower, standing at 85m with 27 floors. Beyond its historic landmark status, it is famous among students because of its affordable cost of living, highly ranked universities, and welcoming student community. These students usually choose from the top universities—Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University. According to HESA data for 2024/25, the city has 60,470 students, including 44,180 domestic and 16,290 international. 

Student accommodation in Belfast is in strong demand, particularly during the September intake. The good news is that the city's Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) market has expanded significantly in recent years and now offers students a wide range of housing options, easing past accommodation shortages. To get the perfect affordable student room, students should start searching for their accommodation at least 3-4 months before the start of term. With UniAcco, students can compare verified student accommodation in Belfast, explore different room types and budgets, and receive 24/7 support to find the right student home.

 

Belfast in 60 Seconds

 

Why Choose Student Accommodation in Belfast?

Students must know that rents in Northern Ireland are much cheaper than the UK average. Not just student accommodation in Belfast, but even travelling is super cheap and convenient. Belfast is also among the seven best UK cities for food and drink that come under a student’s budget. Belfast has good neighbourhoods like Stranmillis, Botanic Avenue, and The Holylands, to name a few, that are conveniently located just minutes away from Queen's University Belfast. Even student accommodation in Belfast listed on trusted websites like UniAcco guarantees properties come fully furnished, with bills included and no hidden surprise costs. Apart from these properties having modern amenities like courtyards or communal lounges, game rooms make their student accommodation experience unforgettable. 

 

UniAcco Insights 

• Average weekly rent: £174.
• 62% of students choose ensuite rooms, averaging £157/week.
• 37% choose studios, averaging £202/week. 

 

Accommodation Types Available in Belfast

Belfast has a wide range of student room types that cater to different student needs. Take a look at these room types, from studios to one- or two-bed apartments, and their budgets. 

 

Top 10 Affordable Student Accommodation in Belfast

Belfast is known for having lower student living costs than many other UK cities. Queen's University Belfast also notes that Northern Ireland has the lowest student living costs in the UK. With options ranging from shared rooms to en-suite rooms and studios, students can find accommodation to suit different budgets. 

• 123 York Street
• Little Patrick Street
• LIV Belfast
• The Edge, Belfast
• Great Patrick Street
• Alma Place
• 81-107 York Street
• Biscuit Factory
• Nelson Place
• John Bell House

 

Best Student Housing in Belfast

Belfast has a good mix of university halls, private student residences and shared housing across areas close to Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University. Popular student areas include Botanic Avenue, Stranmillis, The Holylands and the city centre, giving students different choices based on budget, travel time and lifestyle. With thousands of student rooms available across the city, students can choose from shared flats, en-suite rooms and studios.

• Swanston House
• Bradbury Place
• Aster House, Belfast
• Botanic Studios, Belfast
• Vita Bruce Street, Belfast
• Ryan Hall- Belfast
• York Street

 

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Belfast

• Stranmillis

Students choose Stranmillis for its quiet setting by the River Lagan and its close location to Queen's University Belfast. Queen's University is about a 24-minute walk away, while Ulster University is about a 31-minute bus ride away. It is a peaceful area, but student accommodation is in high demand and can fill up quickly.

• Ormeau

A friendly and family-focused feel makes Ormeau a popular choice for students who prefer a quieter place to live. Queen's University Belfast is around a 22-minute walk away, while Ulster University is about a 29-minute bus ride away. Students can choose from en-suite rooms and studios. Ormeau Park is also nearby, which gives students a good place for walks and time outdoors after lectures.

• Botanic Avenue

This area is famous among Queen's University students; the University is just a 7-minute walk away. Students who enjoy a lively and social area choose Botanic Avenue. Queen's University Belfast is only around a 7-minute walk away, making it easy to get to lectures. The area is also known for its cafés, including the popular Maggie Mays, which is a favourite for breakfast. The busy streets can be noisier, especially at peak times.

• East Bridge Street

East Bridge Street's central location makes it a good choice for students who want to stay close to shops, entertainment and the waterfront. Lanyon Place train station is a 4-minute walk away, which makes travel easier. Ulster University is around a 22-minute walk away, while Queen's University Belfast is about a 15-minute bus ride away. There are also plenty of student accommodation options around the area.

• The Holylands

Another perfect option for Queen’s University students is the Holylands. The university is just an 8-minute walk away and is known as an affordable, social place to live. Another major university, Ulster University, is about a 23-minute bus ride away. The area is known for its lively student life, making it easy to meet other students and enjoy the nightlife. However, the busy social scene can also make the area noisy at times.

 

Student Accommodation Near Top Universities

 

Getting Around Belfast – Student Travel Guide

Belfast is a walkable city. So students sometimes don’t even prefer to use any form of transport. Regardless, the city has a reliable and affordable transport network. Students can use it to commute from their accommodation to their university campuses and around the city. 

Transport options and costs:

 

Student Life in Belfast

• Cafes and Study Spaces

The best part about being a student in Belfast is being around cafes that offer WiFi and are open for long hours for students to actually study or complete assignments. Students can sip on their coffees and simultaneously work on deadlines. Apart from cafes, the universities, especially the McClay Library at QUB University, extend their hours for students to have dedicated places to study. A student's favourite cafe is Maggie’s Mays Botanics, which serves delicious breakfast.

• Societies and Student Life

Students can also spend their time in Belfast being a part of societies and clubs to learn new skills. Queen's Students' Union currently runs more than 200+ clubs and societies. Ulster University students offer a broad range of societies and welfare support. These help students develop and build hobbies over the course of their university life. 

• Shopping

Students can find various high-street clothing, thrift stores, and vibrant local markets without going over their budget. These are located at Queens Quarter and City Centre. A budget-friendly spot for students that is located near Royal Avenue is Castle Court Shopping Centre. They have stores like TK Maxx and Miniso as well. 

• Sports and Fitness

Focusing on physical health is equally important as mental health, and students studying in Belfast must work towards it. They can use campus gyms and sports centres, including Ulster University's on-campus fitness facilities. If not on-campus facilities, they can simply head to the beautiful parks in Belfast to go for quick morning runs or evening walks at Ormeau Park and the Lagan Towpath. 

• Nightlife and Entertainment

Belfast also understands students need their time to enjoy, socialise and have cheap drinks, some food and good music. One of Belfast's oldest family-run bars that features a pool table and buzzing beer garden is Lavery. This is a student favourite. Along with another, The Parlour Bar, is famous for its wood-fired pizzas and weekly entertainment. 

 

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in Belfast?

Finding your ideal room shouldn't come down to just hitting "book" at the last minute — but in Belfast, the best properties in areas like Botanic Avenue and Queen's Quarter student homes do sell out early, especially for the September intake. Here's when to start looking, depending on your course start date.

 

How to Book Your Student Accommodation in Belfast with UniAcco?

Follow the steps below and get your favourite student accommodation abroad.

Step 1: Compare prices and properties

First, choose the destination where you want to book the accommodation. Then, from 16 verified listings, shortlist the accommodation that suits your needs and lifestyle by comparing prices and properties.

Step 2: Fill in your details 

Once you have shortlisted your accommodation, fill in your basic details, such as your name, mobile number, and email address. Make sure the information you put in is correct.

Step 3: Talk to our expert and get the confirmation

Once you fill in the information, our student expert team will reach out to you within hours. They will guide you through contracts, deposits and rental agreements. Basically, they will be there for you 24/7 till you move into your accommodation.