Belfast has a whole energy of its own.
It’s historic, industrious, cultured. It’s globally connected, but still small enough to promise the warmest welcome.
Studying here puts a world of opportunity at your feet, with two fantastic universities in the heart of the city. Finding the best place to live to balance studies and student life outside the lecture halls helps you to experience it all.
Let’s explore the options.
The Holylands
So-called because many of its streets have biblical names, the Holylands is one of the most popular areas of Belfast for student accommodation.
Once a diverse area south of the city centre, today the cheaper rent and abundance of multiple-occupancy housing has made this neighbourhood known for its lively student population.
Expect row upon row of terraced houses, with between five and eight rooms per apartment for large groups of course mates to live together.
Beyond the low rent, the Holylands has also earnt its place as a student hive. It’s literally a stone’s throw from Queen’s University, making it a doddle to get to lectures, tutorials, and on-campus events.
Having said that, the neighbourhood has definitely got a rep for being a somewhat raucous choice for student living.
This is not the spot for you if you prefer your own space and a break from constant house parties every once in a while.
Average commuting times from the Holylands:
Queen’s University: 5-min walk.
Ulster University: 35-min walk.
City centre: 25-mins walk.
Lisburn Road
Stretching from Belfast’s centre into the south side of the city, Lisburn Road offers plenty of choice for students looking to live out.
There’s a bit more of a balance here than in the Holylands: you’ll find a pleasant community feel along Lisburn Road, as it caters to a mix of young professionals, families, and students.
Think tree-lined streets, independent shops, and some top-rated restaurants, as well as plenty of cosy cafés to set up your laptop for a morning of study.
Students tend to live towards the north side of the road in house shares, closer to Queen’s University and the Medical Biology Centre at the hospital. For more spacious housing, try the south side of the road, but bear in mind that this puts you further away from Belfast’s exciting city centre.
Average commuting times from Lisburn Road:
Queen’s University: 15-min walk.
Ulster University: 40-min walk / 30-mins by bus.
City centre: 30-mins walk.
Stranmillis Road
A hub for artists, actors, and musicians, the area around Stranmillis Road has become known for its creative, bohemian vibe.
Wander down the main thoroughfare and you’ll find an eclectic blend of welcoming cafés, shops, restaurants, and even theatres.
Where Stranmillis Road and Malone Road meet stands the Queen’s University campus, at the north end of the road, so getting to lectures on time won’t be an issue if you’re based at this side.
If you’re looking for a slightly quieter feel, you might enjoy the more residential, leafy streets towards the opposite end of Stranmillis Road.
Close to the river and not too far from the beautiful Lagan Valley Regional Park, this is a peaceful corner of the neighbourhood, but it’s not as accessible for getting to uni (especially Ulster University) or days out in Belfast city centre.
Average commuting times from Stranmillis Road:
Queen’s University: 15-min walk.
Ulster University: 45-min walk / 30 mins by bus.
City centre: 35-mins walk / 20 mins by bus.
Ormeau Road
Just across the river is the beating heart of Ormeau Road, an increasingly popular choice for student accommodation.
This vibrant neighbourhood is developing a name for its food and drink scene, with quirky cafés, and indie restaurants, bars, and pubs lining the road. Happily, it attracts a mix of families, professionals, and students to the area, coming together in a melting-pot community.
But the best thing about Ormeau Road is that it’s just round the corner from Ormeau Park – one of the largest parks in Belfast. If you like to have a bit of greenery on your doorstep, this is a perfect spot for jogging, playing sport, or blowing away the cobwebs after a lively Belfast night out!
On the other hand, sitting off to the south-east, Ormeau Road isn’t quite so convenient if you’re keen to explore the city’s colourful centre and get to know what makes Belfast truly unique.
Average commuting times from Ormeau Road:
Queen’s University: 25-min walk.
Ulster University: 40-min walk / 30 mins by bus.
City centre: 30-mins walk / 15 mins by bus.
City centre
The soul of Belfast is undoubtedly its thriving city centre.
If you want to really discover what makes this capital tick, with all the culture, bars, shopping, and history that entails, living in amongst it is your best bet.
Choosing accommodation in the heart of Belfast means stumbling across incredible live music in your local pub. It means exploring the characterful Cathedral Quarter in all its beauty. It means you have a full spectrum of shops round the corner, from high-street brands to artisan markets.
And it puts the city’s two main universities within easy reach.
Our very own Vita Student Bruce Street is just a 10-minute walk from the grand City Hall. Here, you have every opportunity to discover the secrets of your new city and soak up its buzzing atmosphere.
Plus, thanks to a state-of-the-art gym, weekday breakfasts, and spacious studios, it’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to maximise their student experience.
From here, with the beat of Belfast pulsing around you, it’s easy to shoot for the stars.
Average commuting times from the city centre:
Queen’s University: 15-min walk.
Ulster University: 20-min walk.
City centre: You’re already there!
