Belfast at a glance
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere, stunning architecture, and growing student community. Belfast blends a rich industrial past with a dynamic present, making it an exciting place to live and study.
I found Belfast extremely charming. The people are interesting and kind, and it’s easy to meet locals. There’s a lot of nature around the city, including a beautiful bike path along the River Lagan, and hiking trails up mountains. (Second year student, Queen's University Belfast)
Major airports
Train stations
Student population
Browse through the universities and colleges in Belfast to find one that suits you.
City highlights
Belfast is home to some incredible landmarks, from the Titanic museum, which tells the story of the world-famous ship, to the historic Belfast Castle and the buzzing Cathedral Quarter. The city is also known for its murals, reflecting its complex history and cultural identity.
Student life in Belfast
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
Treat yourself
When family visit
Feeling cultural
Transport tips
Belfast has a reliable public transport system with buses run by Translink. The Glider service provides fast, frequent connections across the city. Students can benefit from discounted travel with a yLink card, which offers up to 50% off fares.
Accommodation
Finding the right accommodation in Belfast is key to enjoying student life. Popular student areas include the Queen’s Quarter near Queen’s University Belfast, with its lively cafes and cultural spots, and the city centre for convenience.
Rent is generally more affordable than in other UK cities, and students often share housing to reduce costs.
International student information
Discover everything you need to know as an international student planning to come to the UK.
Whether you're coming for the first time, returning for postgraduate, or are still waiting to make a decision, our international pages can help you prepare as best you can for life in the UK.
Where to eat
Belfast has a fantastic food scene, offering everything from affordable eats to classic Irish dishes.
Visit St George’s Market for diverse street food, or try local favorites like Boojum for Mexican cuisine and Maggie Mays for comfort food. Many restaurants offer student discounts.
Maggie Mays: Chips, cheese, and gravy, takeaway style, with one of Maggie May’s famous milkshakes, served in a big jar. (Queen's University Belfast student)
What to visit
Belfast offers plenty of attractions for students.
The Ulster Museum provides free entry and fascinating exhibits, while the Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful escape.
For music lovers, the SSE Arena hosts concerts and events year-round.
The Botanic Gardens: I can come here and relax on my own, or with friends. It’s nice to be able to escape from the city, and be surrounded by nature and flowers. (Rebekah, second year student at Ulster University)
On your doorstep
Just outside Belfast, you’ll find incredible destinations like the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the scenic Mourne Mountains, perfect for hiking. The nearby Antrim Coast is also great for day trips.
Giant’s Causeway: Giant’s Causeway, a must see if you’ve never been. (Caitlin Scott, second year student at Queen's University Belfast)
Basic safety
It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.
Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:
- Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
- Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
- Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
- Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
- Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.
UCAS Hub
Explore your options, favourite your interests and get tailored advice in the UCAS Hub.