1) Academic Excellence and Reputation

As one of only 24 Russell Group universities in the UK (and the only RG university in Northern Ireland!), you are guaranteed an outstanding teaching and learning experience at Queen’s. Our rankings say it all – the Guardian University Guide 2025 has placed us in the top ten in the UK for teaching satisfaction in subjects like Construction and Planning (1), Dentistry (3), Nursing (5), Architecture (7) and Medicine (9). Our courses are also globally recognised - 19 Queen’s subjects are ranked in the top 200 in the world (QS World Rankings by subject 2024), ranging from Pharmacy to English.

Browse our full list of undergraduate courses here.

“I chose Queen's University because it is a Russell Group University, neither of my parents went to university so it was a dream of mine to become a student here. My peers are incredible, in secondary school I felt alone in my interests, and I was hoping that university would allow me to meet likeminded people, which I have.” - Andrew Atkinson, Broadcast Production

Top ten reasons to choose Queen's!

As a student from NI, studying at Queen’s gives you the best of both worlds – the proximity of home and all its comforts, as well as the opportunity to travel around the world as part of your degree. Our Study Abroad programmes offer students the chance to immerse themselves in a new city and culture for a semester or full year, including Study USA, community projects and placements in Europe. Medicine students also have the opportunity to complete their elective in a country of their choice.

Check out our Global Opportunities Search Tool to search for study, work or volunteer opportunities abroad.

“Why go elsewhere when Queen’s is on your doorstep and offers everything and more? I have made the best friends during my time at Queen’s and have been given so many amazing opportunities, such as travelling to America to partake in programmes such as the Belmont Summer Programme and the Clinton Career Insight Programme. You can always visit family and friends at the weekend if you get home sick!” - Sophie Coyle, LLB Law

Alongside a high-quality academic experience, Queen’s offers a plethora of support services ranging from wellbeing to academic assistance. The transition from secondary school to university can be daunting, even if you're not moving too far for your studies - as part of the Learning Development Service at Queen's, students have access to a library of resources to support your progression as a new Queen's student.

Queen’s is one of the top 10 most beautiful universities in the UK (Times Higher Education, 2023) 

"I have been so pleasantly surprised by the support available and how accessible it is, but I hadn't realised just how amazing it would be until I was here." - Chloe Watterson, Human Biology

Career-wise, a degree from Queen’s can fast-track you to success – we are ranked 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025); and 91% of Queen’s graduates were in employment and/or further study 15 months after completing their course (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22). 

2) Community and Social Life

Staying in NI for university won't restrict you to the same circles you've had since secondary school - there are plenty of opportunities to become part of a new community and explore new interests. You have the choice of over 220 clubs and societies to either build on your current skills/hobbies or start fresh with a brand new skill or activity! Check out our full list of clubs and societies, from the K-Pop Society to the Walkie Talkie Girlies Society. Many societies hold functions and meet-ups throughout the year, so why not put yourself out there and attend an upcoming event? Check the club's social pages for their schedule each semester.

If being a member of a club/society doesn't appeal to you, our SU holds weekly events such as Trash Bingo, Trash Disco and Pub Quizzes - make it an opportunity to get to know your course or flat mates better!

“Coming from rural Fermanagh to a bigger city like Belfast was quite a jump and it took me a little while to settle into the difference, but going to things like Freshers’ Fair, events in the SU bar, and even just chatting to people in my classes really helped me come out of my shell.” - Ellie Graham, English with Creative Writing

Hear more about clubs and societies in our Life at the Lanyon podcast

Beyond academic/special interest clubs and societies, Queen's is also home to a variety of sports related clubs, from GAA Handball to Taekwondo. If you are looking to fit in a workout between lectures, Queen's Sport offers student gym memberships from only £18 per month (or free off-peak if you're staying in Elms BT1 accommodation!) 

“I’ve been heavily involved with Queens since I first came to campus having been involved in a range of activities such as Queens’ Hockey to Engineering society to working for the Widening Participation unit as a student rep. I chose Queen’s because the engineering course on offer was one of the best in the UK and the sporting opportunities appealed to me and opened doors to many opportunities and new friends.” – Leah Wilson, Civil & Environmental Engineering

If you're coming from outside Belfast, don't be deterred by the journey to campus - Queen’s is only a five minute walk from Botanic Train Station on the Bangor, Larne, Newry and Derry/Londonderry lines; and a 15 minute walk from Belfast city centre. Even better, if you are aged 16-23 you can avail of the ylink card which offers 50% discount off all fares on both train and bus services provided by Translink. These travel links mean that you should never feel cut off or isolated during your university experience - you're only a short train or bus journey away from campus and your new friends!

Also, your parents or guardians need not worry about you travelling away from home to a new city - Belfast is in the safest region in the UK (UK Crime Surveys 2022/23).

3) Financial and Lifestyle Benefits

We are all aware of the current cost of living situation in the UK. However, as a student living in NI, you’re in luck - Belfast has been named the UK’s most affordable student city (Natwest Student Living Index 2024), with student living costs in Northern Ireland being £178 per month cheaper for compared to the UK average (Save the Student National Student Money Survey 2024).

This means that you can focus more on your studies and social life and less on worrying about living costs. In fact, students in Belfast spend least in the UK on household bills (Natwest Student Living Index 2024).

Find out how NI student Olivia budgets and manages expenses

Importantly, tuition fees in Northern Ireland are also low compared to the rest of the UK – as a former student from Belfast myself, this was a major reason why I decided to stay at home and study at Queen’s! There was also the added benefit of living at home and not having to spend any money on accommodation or meals (NI student Charlotte can back me up on this).

To support students with their living costs, Queen’s SU offers schemes like The Pantry (free refills of pasta, cereal and fruit!) and the Swap Shop for a cost-free wardrobe refresh. SU Advice is also on hand to advise on any concerns you may have, financial or otherwise.

For money saving tips and tricks, read how our bloggers manage their finances while studying in Belfast.

Queen’s Insider’s Zoe has also put together a helpful guide to managing your budget as a student.

4) Exciting student life in Belfast

Not only is Belfast affordable for students, it’s also the ideal place to enhance your social life and make new friends. Belfast was recently voted one of the UK’s friendliest cities (Condé Nast Traveller, Readers' Choice Awards 2024); and was ranked among the seven best UK cities for food and drink (Which? 2023).

If you are coming from elsewhere in NI and aren’t too familiar with Belfast, we have you covered – Medicine graduate Kathryn has put together a ‘Belfast bucket list’ of must-visit places around campus, as well as a guide to the city’s popular pubs, eateries and entertainment venues.

Check out Kathryn's student guide to Belfast!

If you are a Belfast native, don’t think that you've already 'seen it all' - there are ample opportunities to widen your social circle, from monthly meet ups hosted by Literature to the Tit book club, to international food pop ups hosted by the likes of Gogi or Kubo. Or why not take some of your new friends on a tour around the city to show them your favourite spots?

If you plan on staying in and around Belfast on some weekends, there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy alongside your studies. Check out some of our recommendations here.

But don’t just take it from me - check out how our students are making the most of their time in Belfast, from visiting independent coffee shops to enjoying live entertainment.

With such a wide variety of pubs, restaurants, cafes and activities, it’s no surprise that Belfast was recently named one of the top 30 most exciting destinations to visit in the world in 2024 (National Geographic Cool List 2024).

If you need any more convincing to stay in NI for undergraduate study, BA English student Chloe McCann has these words of wisdom:

“Leaving home to go to any university is going to be a bit daunting but Queen's always has so much going on and so many opportunities to meet new people that will help you settle in so fast! If you are like me, and your hometown is in Northern Ireland there is always the option to go home on the weekends too if and when you would start to feel homesick!”

So take advantage of the opportunities you have right at your doorstep - you won't regret becoming a student at Queen's University Belfast.

Find out more

• The Best Things About Queen’s Campus
• How to Make Friends at University
• My Experience of Being a Pathway Student at Queen’s
• Why I Decided to Stay in Northern Ireland for University

Hannah Reilly Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I’m Hannah, a two-time graduate of Queen’s University Belfast and now a current staff member of Queen’s Global! As well as helping with general content management for the main Queen’s website, I also collaborate with current students to create relatable and useful content for the student blog.  I studied BA English and MA English Literary Studies at Queen’s and have since worked in various editorial positions in Belfast, including previous roles as Editorial Assistant and Assistant Commissioning Editor for local and international magazine publications. In my spare time, I enjoy reading novels (and attending various book clubs), studying Korean at the Queen’s Language Centre and attending Belfast Giants ice hockey games!