Aster House, Belfast

Belfast has a variety of student housing choices. These options fit different lifestyles, budgets, and preferences. Amber offers fully furnished, high-quality rooms, which make students comfortable. Whether you need a quiet place to study or a social space to meet new people, we have what you need. Here’s a breakdown of the room types available:
1. Studios - If you’re all about independence, a studio apartment might be your ideal home. These fully self-contained spaces feature a private bedroom, bathroom, and compact kitchen, offering maximum privacy. They’re a top pick for students who prefer a complete living setup and are often found in premium Belfast student properties.
2. 1-Bed or 2-Bed Apartments - A one-bedroom apartment in Belfast features one or two separate bedrooms and includes a shared kitchen, bathroom, and often a living room. Furnished with essential amenities, these offer a semi-private environment with dedicated bedroom space.
3. Ensuite Rooms - Ensuite rooms are a great choice if you want the perfect mix of privacy and community. You get your own fully furnished bedroom with a private bathroom, while still sharing a kitchen and common areas with flatmates. It’s ideal for those who enjoy having their own space but don’t want to miss out on the social aspect of student life.
4. Non-Ensuite Rooms - Non-ensuite rooms offer a cost-effective choice. You can enjoy a private bedroom and share the bathroom. This setup is great for students seeking an affordable and social living experience. Shared spaces allow you to meet new people and create strong friendships.
5. Shared Apartments
Shared Belfast student apartments have private bedrooms for each person. They also include common areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room that roommates share. This layout of student accommodation in Belfast is ideal for those who want a mix of personal space in their bedrooms and shared social areas.
6. Private Rooms
Many student accommodations in Belfast offer private rooms. These spaces usually include a bed, a study desk, and sometimes a private bathroom. They provide the privacy of a bedroom. Plus, they allow access to shared spaces. This makes them a great option for students who want both independence and community.

Living in Belfast as a student is pretty budget-friendly compared to other UK cities, but it’s always good to plan. On average, the cost of living in Belfast for students ranges between £1,480 and £1,550 per month. Student housing often takes a major chunk of your expenses. Other factors that affect the cost of living are groceries, public transport, and entertainment. Your expenses can change based on your lifestyle. Here's a breakdown of the expenses you will incur in Belfast.
1. Off-campus accommodation: £400 - £650 per month
2. Transportation: £80 - £90 per month
3. Food: £480 - £495 per month
4. Entertainment: £35 - £60 per month
5. Groceries: £125 - £140 per month
6. Clothes: £60 - £90 per month

Finding the right student accommodation in Belfast is just one part of the puzzle. Getting around the city easily is also important for a great student experience. Belfast has affordable public transportation for students. Whether you live close to the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute or another school, commuting is easy. Here's your guide to student travel in Belfast:
1. Buses - The Metro bus service in Belfast runs widely across the city. It connects many areas to the universities with frequent services. A student single fare usually costs about £1.25. Day tickets and travel cards, like the yLink card, provide extra discounts and make regular travel easier. You can expect buses to run every 10 to 20 minutes during peak times.
2. Trains - For longer distances or travel to suburbs and neighboring towns, Translink's NI Railways come in handy. A student can avail themselves of reduced fares by using a Translink Student Card, with journeys within Belfast starting from £2.10. The trains are timely and offer a comfortable commute.
3. Gliders - The Glider service is a hybrid between a tram and a bus, providing a high-frequency, high-capacity service. It links the east and west of the city, as well as the Titanic Quarter.
4. Cycling - For students who prefer riding over driving, Belfast has many cycle lanes and paths.
5. Taxis - While taxis are a pricier option, they offer convenience for late-night travel or when public transit isn't available. The average cost within the city centre is commonly around £5-£10 per trip, depending on the distance.

Belfast offers an exceptional student lifestyle, blending academic excellence with lively city living. The city buzzes with student energy and innovation. Students can visit popular spots like Botanic Avenue, known for its cafés, pubs, and bars in Belfast. The Dirty Onion and Yardbird, and Kelly's Cellars are popular bars in the city. The Lantern Restaurant and Home Restaurant are places that students must visit! The Cathedral Quarter boosts the city’s creative vibe. It's famous for indie music spots, art galleries, and cobbled streets with street art. Affordable living, a strong community, and green spaces like Botanic Gardens and Ormeau Park make for a balanced student life.

Belfast is packed with iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. History buffs can check out Belfast Castle and the Ulster Museum. Art lovers can explore the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre) and Golden Thread Gallery. The Titanic Quarter, with its world-renowned Titanic museum, offers a deep dive into the city’s maritime heritage. For panoramic city views, the Divis and Black Mountain trails are a must. Students and visitors love day trips on the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route. They often stop at the stunning Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Belfast offers a great mix of academic chances and cultural experiences. This makes it a top choice for students and tourists alike.

Belfast isn’t just a great place to live—it’s also known for having some of the best universities in Ireland. Belfast is known for its academic excellence, modern research, and strong ties to industries. Whether you want prestige, career focus, or hands-on learning, you'll find the right fit in Belfast. Here’s a closer look at the city’s top universities:
1. Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute
2. American Musical Theatre Academy (Belfast)
3. Ulster University Belfast Campus
4. Queen's University Belfast
5. Irish School of Ecumenics