Student Guide to Belfast

With two large universities in the heart of the city, Belfast has a student-friendly vibe and plenty of money-saving options for shopping, eating and drinking that have been designed with students in mind. Plus, as capital city with a rich history Belfast is brimming with art, culture, entertainment and endless things to tick off your bucket list while you’re here.

Trace our maritime heritage in the Titanic Quarter, where the ill-fated Titanic was designed and built over 100 years ago. Or explore Game of Thrones filming locations and see why Northern Ireland makes the ultimate home of Thrones. For culture vultures, there are loads of art galleries and museums; while outdoorsy types will love the Belfast Hills. And let’s not forget about our unbeatable food and drink scene, which boasts artisan coffee shops, locally crafted gins and endless places for eating out.

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Explore the shipyard, walk the decks, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic in the city where it all began. Students get discounted tickets at Titanic Belfast, with entry to the exhibition and SS Nomadic for just £15.50. Entry to HMS Caroline is less than £5 for students, too.

Belfast has a busy line-up in of festivals and events throughout the year. From concerts and gigs, to art, literary, theatre and film events, browse our guide to discover what’s on. Strapped for cash? Check out our listings of free events.

The Architecture Walking Tour of Queen’s University explores both historical and modern buildings in the campus. Nearly all the main buildings in Queen’s University Belfast are included on the tour, which also provides a good opportunity to learn about university life.

Belfast city does not disappoint when it comes to a night out. In the Queen’s Quarter, go to The Parlour for live music, DJs and weekly drinks offers. Limelight, and Ollie’s nightclub are popular with students too; or head to the eclectic Cathedral Quarter for chic bars Babel and The National.

You can find live music every night of the week in Belfast! Experience traditional Irish music at McHugh’s, Dirty Onion and Granny Annies, or enjoy local musicians in The Perch rooftop bar, Voodoo or Henrys. For something totally different, try Berts Jazz Bar or Revolucion de Cuba for samba.

Belfast’s thriving comedy scene offers loads of gigs to give you a giggle. Go to the upstairs bar in Pug Uglys on Thursday nights for their comedy club, or check out the line-up at Black Box, Waterfront Hall and The Empire where you’ll find regular local and touring comedy gigs.

If a pint with the football is more your scene, go to Robinsons Bar, Sweet Afton, The Cloth Ear and The Points for live screenings of the Premier League as well as big national and international sporting events.

Victoria Square and CastleCourt shopping centres both run student events with exclusive discounts and offers. Many of their stores offer student discounts all year round when you show your student ID. Visit their websites for updated information on deals and offers.

Wagamama offers 20% off for students and Fratelli does two for one cocktails from Wednesday to Thursday.

Get 1/3 off bus and rail travel within Northern Ireland with a Translink yLink card. This handy travel card for 16 to 23-years-olds also gets you up to 50% off Enterprise trains to Dublin for just £8, plus discounts and offers on exciting brands!

Stranmillis University College campus is located in 46 acres of beautiful woodland forming an oasis of rural charm, yet only 30 minutes from Belfast International Airport, 10 minutes from Belfast City Airport and less than two miles from the buzz of Belfast city centre.

Elms Village offers single en suite rooms which are simply furnished with a single bed, hanging space for clothes, a desk and desk chair. The en-suite bathroom has a shower. At the centre of Elms Village is the Treehouse Bar & Restaurant where breakfast is served from 7.30am to 10am daily.