Student Life in Northern Ireland
With its two main universities based in Belfast, most student activity in Northern Ireland is based in and around Belfast city. However, the rest of the country has lots to offer, and students living in Northern Ireland frequently take trips out of the city to soak in some of the country’s cultural and natural beauty. One of the most popular natural attractions is the Giant’s Causeway, located in the north-east of the country, about three kilometres north of the town of Bushmills. The causeway is a collection of roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that stretch out into the Irish sea. It is by far the most visited tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, and many students who are coming to Northern Ireland for the first time make it a priority to visit. Many tourists visiting the Causeway also take in a trip to the nearby Bushmill’s whiskey distillery, also a popular destination for new students.
Other popular out-of-Belfast attractions in Northern Ireland include Derry City, formerly one of the main locations of sectarian violence in the country, but now a shopping and cultural hotspot, and Slieve League, the tallest sea cliffs in Europe, located in county Donegal. There is also Carrickfergus Castle which lies just outside Belfast on the shore of Belfast Lough. Generally however, students studying in Northern Ireland will spend their time in and around Belfast city centre.
The growth of the student population in the city over recent years has resulted in Belfast 're-branding' itself, with new cosmopolitan bars, clubs, shops and restaurants cropping up in the city year-round.
The city itself is divided in four ‘cultural quarters’; the Cathedral quarter, the Gaeltacht quarter, the Queen’s quarter and the Titanic quarter. The Cathedral quarter, so called because St. Anne’s cathedral lies at its heart, is considered to be the main area for cultural activities, regularly hosting annual music and film festivals. The Gaeltacht quarter tries to promote Irish heritage, including traditional Gaelic customs and the use of the Gaelic language. The Queen’s quarter, where the city’s main university campus is located, as well as the majority of the city’s student population, is also home to the popular botanic gardens, the Ulster museum and the main stretch of student bars and clubs: the 'Golden Mile'. The Titanic quarter encompasses the city’s harbour and is so called because the Titanic was partially built here in 1912.
Traditionally the most popular areas of the city with students are the Cathedral quarter and the Queen’s quarter, which are where most student activity, both cultural and social, takes place. In these areas students have access to a wide range of museums, theatres, annual events and festivals, clubs, bars, shops, cafés and restaurants. The city and university also have sports facilities available in and around the city, with the university’s rock climbing club and boating societies in particular taking advantage of the city’s beautiful surrounding landscape.
Recent surveys undertaken by the British Council have shown that Belfast, and Northern Ireland in general, have one of the lowest costs of living in the UK. Students living in Belfast need not worry too much therefore about breaking the bank when going shopping or partying in the city. However, crime rates in the city are still fairly high, despite a dramatic decrease over the last ten years. The majority of these crimes are typical of university cities and include drunk and disorderly behaviour, burglary and assault. However, some sectarian related crimes still occur, and although students generally feel safe in the city, it is worth remembering that religion and religious divide are still sensitive topics in the area; students are advised to consider the feelings of others before making any comments on these subjects.
As the nation’s capital and its most populated city, most roads and rail services in Northern Ireland lead to Belfast. Students can reach any corner of the country via the city’s train links and by road; almost every major city in Northern Ireland is connected by either motorways or A roads. Tourist attractions outside the city are also easily accessed via public transport.
The city itself benefits from an integrated public transport system which utilises the reliable and extensive bus services. These services cover all areas of the city, including the main student and cultural spots.
