Heading to Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) for your studies? A historic university in a vibrant capital city, Queen’s offers a mix of world-class academics and endless excitement that so many students look for in a university!

To get the most out of your university experience, though, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! Luckily, we have an excellent range of student accommodation in Belfast, including plenty of options near the QUB campus.

Start browsing our range of QUB accommodation at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about student life at the university... 

Where is Queen’s University Belfast located?

Queen’s University Belfast is based in the Queen's Quarter, Belfast's southernmost quarter, which takes its name from the university. It’s well connected to the city centre, just a 15-minute walk away.

The nearest train station – Botanic Train Station – is also only five minutes away, and from here you can easily reach Belfast Grand Central, as well as nearby towns and cities like Bangor, Larne and even Dublin.

The campus itself, which dates back to 1845, is one of the university’s greatest assets. It’s packed with historic buildings – none more iconic than the striking Lanyon Building – and perfectly manicured lawns.

Does Queen’s University Belfast have a good reputation? 

Queen’s University Belfast has an excellent reputation and is generally considered the best university in Northern Ireland. Part of the prestigious Russell Group, it’s also ranked among the best universities in the UK and regularly places in the top 250 positions globally.

Queen’s excels in pharmacy and pharmacology, social policy and administration, nursing and performing arts – subjects where it ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide – while it also has a strong offering in accounting, law and creative writing.

Graduate employability is another notable strength, with Queen’s ranked among the best universities in the UK for job prospects – a testament to the extensive career support offered to students and the prestige attached to the university. 

Courses at Queen’s University Belfast

Queen’s University Belfast has a diverse study offering with more than 200 undergraduate courses and over 100 master’s degrees to choose from. These span the full breadth of subject areas, from accounting and anthropology to computer science and creative writing.

The university’s academic structure is made up of three core faculties (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Engineering and Physical Sciences; and Medicine, Health and Life Sciences), each comprising various smaller schools into which students are enrolled.

For international students, the university also provides foundation and pre-master's pathways through its International Study Centre for those needing additional preparation before beginning their degree. 

Student life at Queen’s University Belfast

Student life at Queen’s University Belfast is super-inclusive with over 220 societies to get involved in. The most popular ones include the Management Society and the Christian Union, but you’ve also got more niche groups like the Wine and Cheese Society!

Redeveloped in 2022, the Students’ Union is one of the best in the UK and is a great space to socialise between lectures. It hosts regular events ranging from pub quizzes and bingo to disco nights – ideal for meeting new people or just getting together with friends.

Belfast itself is obviously a major draw for students. The city centre is packed with historic pubs, amazing eateries and cool independent shops, as well as lots of great nightclubs for when you fancy a big night out! 

How much does it cost to study at Queen’s University Belfast?

Tuition fees at Queen’s University Belfast vary depending on your home country. Students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland pay around £5,000 per year, while those from England, Scotland and Wales pay roughly £9,500 per year.

International students are subject to higher fees, which typically range from £17,000– £23,000 depending on the course. The university does offer several scholarships for international students, which can help cover these costs.

Tuition fees aside, Belfast is generally considered one of the more affordable places to study in the UK. You'll typically want to budget around £600–£800 for monthly living costs, or about £7,000–£9,500 annually. 

Best areas to live near Queen’s University Belfast

You’ll find most students at Queen’s University Belfast living in the areas immediately surrounding the university – whether that’s in student halls or private accommodation – with the main hotspots being Botanic, Holylands, Stranmillis and Lisburn Road.

All these areas are just a few minutes' walk from campus, so you never have to worry about being late for lectures! Student housing ranges from converted terraced homes to modern purpose-built residences, with lots of options suited to different budgets.

Stanmillis, Lisburn Road and Malone Road (part of Botanic) offer various shops, cafes and takeaways, while Holylands is more residential. Another option is the city centre, however this tends to be more expensive and is further from campus. 

Frequently asked questions

When should I start looking for accommodation at Queen’s University Belfast?

If you’re looking for private accommodation near Queen’s University Belfast with a move-in date of either August or September, it’s best to start looking a minimum of three months in advance. Some properties come onto the market as early as January or February, with peak season for bookings usually in May, June and July. 

How much does student accommodation near Queen’s University Belfast cost?

Student accommodation in the areas surrounding Queen’s University Belfast is generally very reasonable in price, however it can vary significantly depending on the type of housing. A room in a shared house may cost as little as £350–£450 per month, for example, while a studio apartment in a modern residence could fetch as much as £600–£800 per month.

Where are the best areas to live near Queen’s University Belfast?

The most popular student areas near Queen’s University Belfast are Botanic, Holylands, Stranmillis and Lisburn Road – all are just a few minutes' walk away from the university. Botanic, Stranmillis and Lisburn Road have plenty of amenities catering to the student crowd, including budget shops, a few pubs and takeaways. 

Do I need a visa to study abroad at Queen’s University Belfast?

If you're from outside the UK and Ireland, you'll likely need a student visa to study at Queen's University Belfast. You can read about the requirements and application process here. 

What if I didn’t find the answer to my question here?

For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!