Explore the cost of living for Queen's Belfast students in 2025. Breakdown of rent, food, transport, utilities, and lifestyle expenses in Belfast.
Queen's University Belfast is part of the prestigious Russell Group and offers high-quality education in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Belfast combines excellent academic standards with significantly lower living costs compared to cities like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, making it an attractive choice for students seeking value for money.
Understanding the cost of living in 2025 is essential for Queen's students to make the most of their budget and enjoy everything Belfast has to offer. This comprehensive guide breaks down all expenses — from accommodation and food to transport and entertainment — showing why Belfast represents exceptional value for UK university education.
Accommodation costs in Belfast are significantly lower than most UK cities, offering excellent value for students across all housing types.
| Accommodation Type | Weekly Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| University Halls (Queen's Elms BT9, BT1, BT2) | £135 – £190 | £540 – £760 |
| Private Halls (LIV Student, iQ) | £180 – £240 | £720 – £960 |
| Shared Housing (+ bills) | £110 – £150 | £440 – £600 |
| Monthly Rent Average | - | £480 – £850 |
Food costs in Belfast are among the lowest in the UK, with excellent budget supermarkets and affordable dining options.
| Food Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Groceries (Lidl, Aldi, Asda) | £140 – £180 |
| Eating out: Average meal | £10 – £12 per meal |
| Coffee | £2.50 – £3 per cup |
| Takeaway | £6 – £9 per meal |
Belfast has good public transport links, and the compact city center makes walking and cycling popular options for students.
| Transport Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Student Bus Pass | £50 |
| Walking | Free (common in Belfast) |
| Cycling | Free (bike-friendly city) |
| Train (occasional travel) | £15 – £30 with student discounts |
| Monthly Transport Average | £40 – £60 |
Utility costs in Belfast are lower than most UK cities, with halls typically including all bills.
| Utility Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| University Halls/Private Blocks | Included in rent |
| Shared Flats (gas, electricity, internet) | £20 – £30 per week (£80 – £120/month) |
Belfast offers excellent value for entertainment, with affordable nightlife, cultural attractions, and student-friendly venues.
| Entertainment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gym Membership | £20 – £25/month |
| Night Out | £20 – £30 |
| Cinema | £7 – £10 |
| Books/Study Supplies | £30 – £40/month |
| Monthly Lifestyle Spend | £100 – £150 |
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £650 |
| Food & Groceries | £160 |
| Transport | £50 |
| Bills/Internet | £25 |
| Lifestyle & Social | £120 |
| Study Supplies | £40 |
| Total | £1,045 |
The cost of living for Queen's University Belfast students in 2025 averages around £1,000 – £1,100 per month. This makes Belfast one of the UK's most affordable student destinations while still offering Russell Group education quality and vibrant student life.
Queen's Belfast students in 2025 enjoy one of the UK's lowest living costs — £1,000–£1,100/month, making it an excellent value option for high-quality education. The combination of affordable living costs, excellent academic standards, and friendly student community makes Belfast an outstanding choice for students seeking value for money in their university experience.