Private Accommodation

There are plenty of student areas in Belfast, most of which surround the university campus in the ‘university district’. However, because many students decide to commute to the university and stay in their existing homes, finding landlords or letting agencies that specialise in student accommodation is not as easy in Belfast as it is in other university cities. Those that are available however, can usually be found by contacting the university reception or the students' union advice centre.

As with most student houses, accommodation in Belfast usually consists of houses or apartments with three to six furnished bedrooms, and a shared kitchen, bathroom and living room. Students are reminded that although the kitchen is likely to be fitted with equipment including a washing machine, fridge, freezer and oven, smaller electrical equipment such as toasters and kettles will probably not be provided.

House and flat prices in Belfast vary depending on the kind of property you wish to find. The general rule is ‘the more people you are willing to share with, the cheaper it will be’. For example, a four bedroom house in the city centre may cost around £45 to £60 per person, per week, while a two bedroom house in a similar location may cost around £70 to £90. Students must remember that, unlike halls of residence, rent for private properties does not usually cover utility costs.

Flats can sometimes prove to be a cheaper option than a house, usually because they are much smaller. However, because they are smaller less people can live there and share the cost of bills; there is no guarantee that overall, the costs involved will be cheaper than those involved in renting a house. When looking for private accommodation, it is important that you do your research and try to find the best deal possible.

There are six main areas that offer student accommodation in Belfast, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Ballynafeigh

This area is located to the south of the city and is popular with students because of the wide range of bars, cafés and restaurants in the area. The area is well connected to local bus services, but the city centre and university are both within walking distance. The average price of a property in this area is around £45 per person, per week.

Botanic

Located in the south of the city, this area offers easy access to the university and beautiful surroundings. The average price of property in this area is around £49 per person, per week.

Clonard

Clonard can be found to the west of the city centre and is considered to be one of the more prosperous areas of Belfast. The local community is a mixture of families and students and is ideal for mature students who have already experienced life in the more rowdy areas of the city. The area is well connected to local buses, so students have easy access to the university. The average price of property in this area is £78 per person, per week.

Malone

Situated near the university district, Malone is popular with students because of its proximity to the university buildings and the town centre. The area has a reputation for high property prices, although student accommodation costs remain reasonable. This makes it a highly sought after area for students, and anybody wishing to live in the area is advised to organise accommodation as soon as possible. The average price of property in this area is £45 per person, per week.

Stranmillis

Located close to the university and the main 'cultural' quarter of the city, Stranmillis is, like Malone, a very popular area with students. Considering its location, property prices in the area are quite low, and students are advised to apply for properties early before they are all rented. The average price of property in this area is £50 per person, per week.

Windsor

Windsor is an ideal location for football fans living in Belfast, situated within walking distance of Windsor Park, home of Linfield F.C., the country’s most successful football club. Not too far from the university and well connected to local bus routes, the area has recently become popular with students, perhaps because of its relatively low property prices. The average price for property in this area is £48 per person, per week.

Further information on private student accommodation in Belfast can be found on the Queen’s University of Belfast website, www.qub.ac.uk. The students' union will also have information and details about local letting agencies and landlords.