LIVING IN BELFAST
Friendly, fun and affordable, Belfast is the ideal student city. Northern Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital may be compact, but it packs a lot in.
Explore Belfast
Why students love Belfast
Belfast has the UK’s lowest cost of living, so you’ll have more money to spend on all the city has to offer.
Estimated budget (for illustrative purposes only, actual costs may vary)
Belfast | |
Transport (single journey) | £2.35 |
Eating out (inexpensive meal) | £16 |
Weekly grocery shop | £40 |
Cappuccino (regular) | £2.50* |
Cinema ticket | £9 |
Sources include Numbeo.com 2024
* Price at the study centre cafe.
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’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.
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 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.
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.