Are you an international student looking to study in Belfast? You’ve come to the right place! This city is renowned for its exuberant culture as well as its unique history and picturesque beauty. It’s also home to some of the world’s top universities, making it a popular destination for students. With so much on offer in this Northern Irish capital, choosing just one area to settle in can take time and effort. In this blog, we will explore why these areas are favoured amongst those seeking university housing in Belfast and what makes them ideal spots for studying abroad. So, without further ado, let us begin our tour of the most inspiring places of residence for international students here in the heart of Ireland!
City Center
Belfast city centre is worth mentioning, and the first thing to notice is the wide range of architectural styles. The City Hall was built in the 19th century in a neo-baroque style, complete with stone pillars and expansive lawns. In contrast, Art Deco and Georgian shopfronts are dotted throughout Donegal Place and Royal Avenue. Unsurprisingly, the city centre is also the hub of Belfast’s commercial activity and the main shopping area. The centrepiece of the city’s regeneration programme is Victoria Square, which caters for those with a taste for designer labels and trendy boutiques. Rain or shine, the city centre’s pedestrianised streets are lined with performers and street entertainers.
The city centre recommends Bruce Street Apartments. Bruce Street is a high-end student flat in Belfast, located in the heart of the city centre. The flats are 14 storeys high and offer 269 beds in 6 room types. The flats provide students with first-class facilities and services with a wide range of amenities. Bruce Street has a gym, plenty of study space, a private dining room and a social centre. It also offers a complimentary breakfast on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The apartments are within easy reach of both Queen’s University and Ulster University campuses, and Queen’s University is a 15-minute walk away.
Cathedral Quarter
Named after the neighbouring St Anne’s Cathedral and often visited by pilgrims travelling to the area, the Cathedral Quarter, comprising the cobblestones of Hill Street and Commercial Court, is one of the city’s most distinctive nightlife venues. It includes John Hewitt’s Bar, named after Belfast’s famous literary poet, and the art deco Ollie’s nightclub in the former Ulster Bank headquarters. The Cathedral Quarter is not just a place for a drink but also for art and photography galleries, performance venues, and some of Belfast’s most stylish new cafes and restaurants.
Cathedral Quarter recommends Little Patrick Street Apartments. With a 24-hour gym, cinema, art room and more, Little Patrick Street has two room types. Little Patrick Street Apartments are located close to the University of Ulster’s City Centre Campus and a short bus ride away from the Jordanstown Campus. The rooms all include a small double bed, study table and chair, full-length mirror, wardrobe and more. The kitchens are fully equipped with a fridge, oven and microwave. The front desk staff is available in French and English and is committed to providing excellent student service.
Titanic Quarter
A few steps across the river can be like stepping into another world entirely. The Titanic Quarter is Belfast’s newest district, built in the early 2010s on the site of the city’s historic dockyard. Beneath the glass and steel facades, the former shipyard houses the sprawling Titanic museum and a state-of-the-art film studio. In addition, the former drawing room has also been turned into a luxury Titanic hotel. The Quarter, now transformed into a vast public space, hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
We recommend the Titanic Arc apartments. Embrace the pinnacle of modern living at Titanic Arc, where you will be spoilt for choice of two-bedroom apartments. Each living area has been meticulously crafted to maximize space and natural light while boasting high-quality furnishings, exquisite finishes, and contemporary interiors. Revel in luxurious privacy with cosy bedrooms featuring plush beds, spacious closets, heating controls, and blackout blinds for optimal comfort. Then, bond and unwind in the shared areas, complete with sleek and fully equipped kitchens, inviting dining spaces, and tranquil Zen gardens that exude serenity and relaxation.
Queen’s Quarter
Queen’s Quarter is located steps south of the city centre. It has everything you’d expect from a Victorian University campus, including tree-lined residential streets and the Gothic grandeur of Lanyon House. In the 19th century, Queensferry was home to many of Belfast’s affluent residents so that you can indulge in some of the favourite leisure activities of Queen Victoria’s time. For example, stroll around the newly refurbished Botanic Gardens or browse the Egyptian collection at the Ulster Museum. The University Quarter attracts a younger crowd with its bars and cafes, as well as live music and beer.
Botanic Studios Apartments offers 156 beds spread over seven floors with 4 room types. In terms of communal facilities, you can enjoy a communal lounge, cinema lounge and games room. The student accommodation is on the main bus route and is a short walk to shopping areas, main streets, pubs, and nightclubs. The train station and Queen’s University are a 5-minute walk away, making travelling very easy.
