Hi there! I'm Ghada Al Fakih, a Clinical Health Psychology Master's student at Queen's. I can just imagine how hard it can be to know where the next step in your journey will be. Choosing the proper city to pursue your studies is crucial to shaping your academic and personal growth. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, offers a unique blend of cultural richness, affordability, and educational excellence that makes it an ideal destination for anyone interested. To make it easier on you, here are eight compelling reasons to consider studying in Belfast.

Check out our student's guide to Queen's!

Multicultural Dimension

Belfast is a melting pot of cultures, offering international students a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The city hosts numerous cultural festivals, events, and exhibitions celebrating diversity and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Whether exploring culinary delights from various countries or participating in multicultural events, Belfast provides a welcoming environment where you can broaden your horizons and make friends from around the world.

From Belfast Pride to Belfast Mela, Belfast is a hub of culture and diversity

Cheapest City in the UK for Students

One of the most appealing aspects of Belfast is its affordability. The city has been voted the cheapest in the UK for students, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage their finances effectively. From reasonably priced accommodation to affordable dining options and student discounts at various establishments, Belfast ensures you can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

Belfast is the UK’s most affordable student city (Natwest Student Living Index 2024)

Great Music and Live Entertainment

Belfast holds a thriving music scene and is renowned for its live entertainment. The city is home to iconic venues like the SSE Arena and the Ulster Hall, where you can catch performances by world-class artists and local talents. Whether you're into rock, jazz, classical, or traditional Irish music, Belfast offers diverse musical experiences that cater to all tastes in a wide range of places. The city's lively pubs and clubs also provide ample opportunities to enjoy live music and socialise with fellow students. Fun fact: most of my friends are people we socialised with on my nights out.

Find out more about Belfast's music scene

Cosy and Walkable City

Belfast is known for its cosy and walkable nature, making it easy for students to navigate the city. The compact city centre is filled with charming streets and historical landmarks within walking distance of each other. This accessibility allows you to explore the city's attractions, attend classes, and meet up with friends without extensive travel. The walkable nature of Belfast also adds to its overall charm and sense of community. Public transport is also easy to access, so you don't have to worry about it.

Take a tour of Belfast with PhD student Sreyashi

Warmth of the Locals

The warmth and friendliness of the locals are often cited as one of the standout features of Belfast. The people of Belfast are known for their hospitality and willingness to help, making it easy for us students to feel at home. Whether you need directions, recommendations, or a friendly chat, the locals are always approachable and eager to assist. This welcoming atmosphere contributes to a positive and supportive experience for students studying in Belfast. I can safely say I feel like I'm home.

Student-Friendly Entertainment and Places to Go

Belfast offers an overload of student-friendly entertainment options and places to explore. From trendy cafes and restaurants to cinemas, theatres, and shopping centres, there's always something to do in the city. Additionally, Belfast's vibrant nightlife scene, with its array of pubs, clubs, and live music venues, ensures that students can unwind and have fun after studying.

Belfast features in the National Geographic’s top 30 most exciting destinations to visit in the world in 2024 (National Geographic Cool List 2024)

The city also hosts various student-focused events and activities, providing ample opportunities to socialise and make lasting memories. To keep you in the loop, the night scene starts early and ends at midnight and a bit later on weekends. I warned you!

Follow Ghada on a tour of the best live music spots in the city

Great Tourist Hubs and Impressive History

Belfast is steeped in history and offers numerous tourist hubs for students and families to explore. The city is home to the Titanic Belfast Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the history of the ill-fated ship. Other notable attractions include the historic Belfast Castle, the Ulster Museum, and the stunning Botanic Gardens. Additionally, Belfast's rich history can be seen in its architecture, murals, and cultural landmarks, offering students a chance to immerse themselves in the city's heritage.

World-Class, High-Quality Education and Employment Opportunities

Belfast is home to prestigious educational institutions such as Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University, which offer world-class education and a wide range of academic programmes. These institutions are known for their research excellence, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Moreover, Belfast provides ample employment opportunities for students and graduates, with thriving technology, finance, healthcare, and more industries. The city's growing job market and strong connections between universities and local businesses ensure that students can gain valuable work experience and kickstart their careers.

Queen's is ranked 9th in the UK for career prospects after 15 months (Guardian University Guide 2024)

Take advantage of the Queen's Careers, Employability and Skills service

Despite having at times unpredictable weather, Belfast offers a unique blend of affordability, cultural richness, academic excellence, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it an ideal destination for students. Whether you're drawn to its vibrant music scene, historic landmarks, or friendly locals, Belfast provides a supportive and enriching environment for your studies and personal growth. You'll learn so much about your capabilities and yourself. Cheers to growth and development.

Find out more

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Ghada Al Fakih Clinical Health Psychology | Postgraduate Student | Beirut, Lebanon Ghada Al Fakih is a passionate, hard-working, and selfless individual, devoted to helping others grow, while elevating surrounding vibrations with harmony and positivity. She is a well-rounded and accomplished individual with a strong passion for helping others. She is a valuable asset to any team and is sure to make a positive impact on the world. Ghada has a strong background in psychology and public health. She is a certified Emotional Liberation Breathing Practitioner and has completed a clinical psychology rotation at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.