STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Belfast
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Belfast
Study in Belfast
Universities in Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast, founded in 1845, is a Russell Group university with its main campus in South Belfast on University Road. It covers law, medicine, engineering, arts and social sciences. Two smaller university colleges, St Mary’s and Stranmillis, focus on teacher education and liberal arts. Find student accommodation near Queen’s on Hallbookers.
Ulster University’s Belfast campus, on York Street in the Cathedral Quarter, is its largest by student numbers and focuses on creative and professional courses including design, architecture, animation, business and computing. Ulster also has campuses in Coleraine and Derry~Londonderry, and a sports village at Jordanstown, seven miles north of Belfast. Compare student accommodation near Ulster University Belfast on Hallbookers.
Where do students live in Belfast
The Holylands, directly behind Queen’s, is the busiest student area. It takes its name from streets such as Jerusalem, Palestine and Damascus Street, and is made up mostly of large shared houses on the doorstep of the McClay Library and Botanic Gardens. It is lively, so students who want a quieter base often choose Stranmillis, a mixed residential area with young professionals and families, or the streets around Botanic Avenue. Across the River Lagan, the lower Ormeau Road offers independent cafés and restaurants within walking distance of campus. The city centre and Cathedral Quarter suit Ulster University students and anyone who wants purpose-built accommodation with everything on their doorstep.
Getting around Belfast
Belfast is compact, and most student areas are within walking or cycling distance of both universities. The Translink U1 Uni-link bus runs on weekdays between University Square on Botanic Avenue, Great Victoria Street, the city centre, Ulster University Belfast and Yorkgate station, while the U2 continues to Jordanstown. Students aged 16 to 23 can get a free yLink card for 50% off bus and rail travel across Northern Ireland, and older full-time students can use the 24+ Student Railcard. Botanic railway station is about five minutes’ walk from Queen’s.
Browse student accommodation in Belfast on Hallbookers, and rate and review your accommodation to help other students choose.
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✦ Featured
- 📹 CCTV
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COMMON QUESTIONS
Everything students ask about accommodation in Belfast
Quick answers to the most common questions about finding student accommodation across UK cities — from costs and contracts to the best time to search.
How do I get between Queen’s University and Ulster University?
Take the Translink U1 Uni-link. It runs on weekdays from University Square on Botanic Avenue, next to Queen’s, through Great Victoria Street and the city centre to Ulster University’s Belfast campus. The walk takes longer but is straightforward through the city centre.
What is the Holylands in Belfast?
The Holylands is the student area directly behind Queen’s University, named after its biblical street names such as Jerusalem Street and Palestine Street. Most homes are large shared houses, which keeps rents low and puts campus within a few minutes’ walk. It is busy and sociable, so it suits students who want to be in the middle of student life more than those looking for peace and quiet.
Can I study at Queen’s and live in the city centre?
Yes. The city centre is about a 15-minute walk from Queen’s main campus, and Queen’s itself runs city-centre residences. Living centrally puts you closer to shops, nightlife and transport, while keeping lectures within walking distance.
Is the yLink card worth getting?
Yes, if you are aged 16 to 23. The yLink card is free and gives 50% off Translink bus and rail fares across Northern Ireland, plus discounts with partner businesses. Students aged 24 and over can get up to a third off with the 24+ Student Railcard.
Does Queen’s guarantee accommodation for first-year students?
Queen’s guarantees an offer of accommodation to eligible first-year students who make it their firm choice and apply by the deadline. How close your home address is to the university is also taken into account, as many Northern Ireland students commute. International students in their first year are guaranteed accommodation.
Which Ulster University campus is in Belfast?
The Belfast campus, in the Cathedral Quarter, is Ulster University’s largest. Ulster also teaches at Coleraine and Derry~Londonderry, so check where your course is based before choosing accommodation in Belfast.
How do I get to Belfast from the airports?
Belfast City Airport is around 15 minutes from the city centre, and Belfast International Airport is about 30 minutes away. Both are connected by bus and taxi.
