Belfast is home to two major universities and several smaller facilities for higher education, rendering it home to seven universities in total. As such, the city is a hive for students, mixing in with the tourists and the residents who call this exciting and immersive city home.
Now, there are some elements of life in Belfast that you would consider a no-brainer.
Sipping on an Irish coffee, checking out one of the many history tours across the city, eating out, and going out are all top of the student life checklist.
But what else might you be missing if you spend all your time on campus? In this student guide, we’re sharing a look at Belfast, which you’ll find yourself a part of when you move to the city for your studies.
Fun Facts About Belfast
If you’ve ever been on a history tour of Belfast or, indeed, watched any documentaries about the notorious Titanic ship and its historic sinking, then you will already know that the ship was originally built in Belfast.
Given its proximity to the coastline, many who move to Belfast enjoy the fresh air and sea views that you get from Belfast’s plethora of green spaces. Those who are seeking a little adventure as part of their time in Belfast can even hire a car or arrange transport to complete the 115-mile Antrim Coastal route, which hugs the coastline all the way from Belfast City right up to Derry. Also known as the Causeway Coastal route, this road has plenty to see and even more to experience.
But for those who prefer to keep their student experiences firmly inland and, in the city, there’s plenty to see and do in Belfast itself. For one thing, did you know that Belfast used to be a major producer of cotton for linen?
And did you know that Belfast Zoo is home to the only Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo in the whole of the UK and Ireland?
And finally, when moving to or indeed visiting your student friends in Belfast, it’s well worth checking out the Albert Clock. Sitting somewhere between the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Big Ben with regards to its structure and prominence, this clock is a Belfast landmark that is leaning almost a whole metre off-piste to one side.
Universities in Belfast
Of course, to uncover all these fun facts for yourself and to see why Belfast has fast become one of the most loved and populous tourist cities in the world, you need to navigate your move to the city.
For most students, this comes in the form of a place at one of Belfast’s universities.
The two main universities in the city are Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.
Queens University is one of the oldest in the UK and Ireland, at over 200 years old. Considered one of the Russell Group universities, which indicates a sign of prestige and high level research, many of the professors at the Queens University are major contributors to research projects in their own fields.
Queens University is supported by associated university colleges, St Mary’s and Stranmillis.
Ulster University is the other main university in Belfast, with four main campuses. The progression of Ulster University from a local facility to a major academic university in Belfast has spanned the past several decades, with students now accessing this university through sites in Belfast as well as Coleraine, Jordanstown, and Derry.
Those who study at the Belfast campus are the most likely to become immersed in student life in the city on a daily basis, though other local campuses will often see lectures and events bringing them to the city.
Entertainment and Culture in Belfast
Now that we know a bit more about where you might be studying while living your best student life in Belfast, let’s consider the things to do outside of lecture and seminar hours.
Belfast is home to endless experiences and things to see and do. History plays a major role in the popularity of Belfast, and as such, you will find lots of experiences that revolve around the Titanic, Belfast-born author C.S. Lewis, the rise of street art in Belfast, and of course, the notorious Troubles that occurred between Northern and Southern Ireland.
Some notable experiences to add to your must-see list include:
- A visit to St George’s Market to try local delicacies and shop from local producers
- Spend a night at the Cabaret Supper Club
- Visit Belfast Zoo
- Book yourself onto a Belfast Bike Tour – one of the best ways to see as much of the city as possible, without bypassing side streets on a bus or in a car
- Take part in the C.S. Lewis Trail, where characters from his iconic Narnia stories are brought to life
Let’s not forget the ultimate student experience (and a particular favourite with local university clubs and societies) – the beer bike pub crawl. A unique way to drink and travel at the same time; this is super unique and incredibly fun. A great way to get to know your new neighbours and course mates.
Living in Belfast
One of the great things about Belfast is that, because the city is home to so many students, many local businesses, restaurants, and bars offer student discounts and incentives to visit them time and time again.
Life in Belfast can be as expensive or as affordable as you like, based on the experiences you favour and your lifestyle. However, with free experiences such as the Causeway Trail and city walks, combined with immersive tours and days out, every student can find a happy balance – and enjoy the city while studying hard and achieving a great outcome in their degree.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Belfast! Who will be first to book the beer bike pub crawl…?
