Jordanstown is a picturesque and vibrant town located just a stone's throw from Belfast and is home to Ulster University's Jordanstown campus. With its stunning views of Belfast Lough and the surrounding hills, Jordanstown is a convenient and safe place to live and study.
The town's cosmopolitan atmosphere is further enhanced by the many international students who call it home. Let's take a closer look at why international students pick Jordanstown to study in the UK.
Life in Jordanstown for an International Student
Waterside Student Living
Student life in Jordanstown is centred around the campus, located in the heart of the suburb. It has a lively and diverse student population, with a range of clubs and societies that cater to various interests, from sports and fitness to music and drama.
There are several places to stay in Jordanstown, including on-campus accommodation options such as apartments and dormitories, as well as off-campus options like rental apartments and shared houses. Many students choose to live in the nearby areas of Whiteabbey and Newtownabbey, which offer a range of affordable housing options and easy access to the university.
Transport links in Jordanstown are generally good, with several bus routes serving the area and connecting it to nearby towns and cities. The nearby Whiteabbey railway station also provides easy access to Belfast city centre and other destinations throughout Northern Ireland.
There is a small Indian community living in Jordanstown and the surrounding areas. The Indian Community Centre Northern Ireland, located in Belfast, is a popular organisation that provides cultural, social, and educational activities for the Indian community in the region. They offer a range of services, including language classes, cultural events, and community outreach programs.
Top Rated University
- Ulster University
Founded in 1968 as the New University of Ulster, the Jordanstown campus was established in 1971 to provide a new focus on science and technology education. In 1984, the Jordanstown campus became a full university campus and was renamed the University of Ulster at Jordanstown. In 2014, the university was rebranded as Ulster University.
Although its main campus is located in Coleraine, Ulster University's Jordanstown campus is located on a beautiful 114-acre site overlooking Belfast Lough. It features modern teaching and research facilities, including lecture theatres, laboratories, and libraries. There are also several student support services available on campus, including a careers centre, counselling services, and a health centre. The campus is designed to be student-friendly, with green spaces, recreational facilities, and dining options available.
Little-known facts:
While the university offers a wide range of courses and programs across a variety of disciplines, including business, engineering, arts and humanities, The Jordanstown campus is well known for the Ulster Sports Academy, which provides training and support for elite athletes studying at the university.
The campus has a state-of-the-art motion analysis laboratory, which is used for research in areas such as sports science and rehabilitation.
With its strong academic reputation, research capabilities, and comprehensive student facilities, Ulster University provides a top-notch education and an enriching university experience for students from around the world.
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Popular Courses: Social Science, Engineering, Business
Global Cuisine at Your Fingertips
Northern Ireland is known for its rich culinary traditions, and the food scene at Jordanstown is no exception. From classic pub fare to global cuisine, there are plenty of delicious options for students to explore.
Very popular with the students is the in-house restaurant, The Academy. It is run by students from the university's Culinary Arts Management and International Hospitality Management, giving them valuable hands-on experience and offers a fine dining experience at an affordable price.
There are many dining options available off campus as well, including a few Indian restaurants like Taaj Jordanstown, Kinara, Mama Masala and Mayur. There are several food festivals and farmers' markets that take place in and around Ulster University's Jordanstown campus throughout the year, including the Comber Farmers' Market and the ever-popular Belfast Continental Christmas Market.
Rich Irish Heritage
Jordanstown is located in Northern Ireland, which has a rich cultural history influenced by both Irish and British heritage. Traditional music, dance, literature, art, and theatre are all significant parts of the region's cultural events and festivals.
The Greater Belfast area is home to many historical sites and attractions, such as the Titanic Belfast Museum, Ulster Museum, Crumlin Road Gaol, and Peace Walls. Must-see tourist attractions in the region include the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Glens of Antrim, and Botanic Gardens.
Street art has become increasingly popular in Belfast, and there are many murals and other artworks to be seen around the city, including those related to the Troubles and the region's cultural heritage.
Fitness and Fun
Jordanstown has a thriving sports scene, with many opportunities for students to get involved in a variety of activities. The Jordanstown Sports Village is an excellent resource for students looking to stay active and participate in a range of sports. This state-of-the-art facility is located on the university campus and offers equipment and facilities for a range of activities, including basketball, football, badminton, and tennis.
The local sports scene also offers many opportunities for students to get involved in team sports, such as ice hockey, football, and rugby, with many local clubs and teams available for participation.
In addition to team sports, there are also many opportunities for individual fitness, such as gyms, yoga studios, and outdoor trails for running and cycling. The Cave Hill Country Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views and challenging hikes.
Career Possibilities
Jordanstown offers abundant opportunities for students to explore potential career paths and gain work experience.
Major employers in the area include Bombardier Aerospace, Allstate Northern Ireland, Citi, and Deloitte. The startup scene in the Greater Belfast area is thriving, with several co-working spaces and business accelerators in the area, such as Ormeau Baths and Catalyst Belfast Fintech Hub.
Additionally, the Ulster University Student Enterprise Programme provides resources and support to students who are interested in starting their own businesses.
Study in Jordanstown
If you are interested in learning more about Jordanstown or want to study at one of its top universities, then book a free consultation with SI-UK India today!
Living in Jordanstown FAQ
Jordanstown is a small town in Northern Ireland. The area was originally known as "Jordan's Castle". It was named after a nearby castle built in the early 17th century. The city remained a semi-rural area until the 1950s.
The University of Ulster was established in 1968 at Jordanstown as a college of advanced technology. It became a university in 1984 and was later renamed Ulster University.
Jordanstown is a calm and quiet town located about 7 miles north of Belfast. As a student, it can be a great place to live as it offers a relaxed, suburban lifestyle. The campus of Ulster University is located in Jordanstown, and there are plenty of student housing options in the area.
The cost of living in Jordanstown depends on your lifestyle and housing options. On average, a student can expect to spend around £550- £600 per week on living expenses, including accommodation/services/accommodation/n, food, transportation, and other necessities.
Jordanstown is primarily known for Ulster University's main campus. The university is known for its excellence in research and teaching, majorly in the fields of engineering, computing, and health sciences.
Jordanstown is a small, suburban town and does not have an extremely active nightlife scene. Yet, there are a few local bars and restaurants that can be a good spot for a night out.
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