Belfast, located on the eastern coast, is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland. It is among the top 20 largest cities in the United Kingdom and boasts a rich history. Belfast is renowned for its shipbuilding industry, including the construction of the RMS Titanic.
Belfast is a thriving cultural and economic hub with its stunning coastline, scenic countryside, and cultural heritage. Visitors to the city, especially Game of Thrones fans, can explore the set locations via the Game of Thrones Trail Map. However, this magnificent city offers much more, making it a popular destination for students.
Learn more about what makes Belfast a great place for Indian students to live and study in the UK below.
Life for an Indian Student in Belfast
Vibrant and Welcoming Student Experience
Belfast is home to a warm and welcoming community with friendly locals who are always happy to help students feel at home. In addition to its friendly atmosphere, the city boasts a vibrant social scene, excellent academic opportunities, and an exciting food scene, making it a fantastic destination for students.
Student accommodation options range from shared apartments to student residences and homestays. The cost of living in Belfast is generally lower than in other UK cities, making it an attractive option for students. Botanic, Holylands, Stranmillis and Lisburn Road are all popular areas for students to live in.
Belfast is a relatively small and compact city, making it easy to get around by bicycle. The city has a growing network of cycle paths and bike lanes, and many students choose to cycle to university or explore the city on two wheels.
The main public transport provider in Belfast is Translink, which operates bus and train services across the city and Northern Ireland. The train network connects Belfast to other major cities in Northern Ireland and Dublin in the Republic of Ireland.
Top Rated Universities
Belfast is home to two major universities, each offering a distinctive blend of history, culture, and academic programs.
- Queen's University Belfast
Founded in 1845, Queen's University Belfast is a public research university in the city's heart. The university is known for its excellent research reputation and has world-class facilities in areas such as medicine, engineering, and environmental science.
The campus is situated in the south of the city and is spread across several sites, including the historic Lanyon Building and the modern McClay Library.
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- Popular Courses: Law, Medicine, Business and English
- Ulster University
Ulster University is a public research university with four campuses in Northern Ireland, including one in Belfast. Founded in 1968, it offers a range of academic programs in the arts and humanities, social sciences, science and engineering, and business and law.
The Belfast campus is located north of the city. It is home to the Ulster University Business School, the School of Art and Design, and the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, among others.
Both university campuses are well-equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art libraries, laboratories, and study spaces. They also offer a range of services and support to students, including career guidance, counselling, and disability support.
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Popular Courses: Social Sciences, Employability
- St Mary's University College Belfast
Located in Northern Ireland, St Mary's University College Belfast was founded in 1900 and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The university has a strong tradition of community engagement and social justice, particularly promoting education and social inclusion in Northern Ireland.
The campus is located in the historic and vibrant Falls Road area of Belfast, with easy access to the city centre and its amenities.
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Popular Courses: Education, Teacher Training
Belfast and Bubble Tea
Belfast's food scene constantly evolves, with new eateries regularly popping up and capturing attention on social media with their mouth-watering offerings. From indulgent bubble tea and decadent waffles to hearty traditional dishes like Irish stew and Ulster Fry, there is something to satisfy every palate and craving.
The Cathedral Quarter is a popular area in the heart of Belfast's city centre, and places like the Muddlers Club and Maggie Mays always hit the mark. Belfast has a variety of Indian restaurants and takeaways, serving everything from traditional curries to street food-inspired snacks. Some popular options include NU Delhi, Tale of Spice, and India Gate.
Belfast, the Belfast Food Festival, is a must-attend event for foodies and drink enthusiasts. Held over three days in the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, the festival is dedicated to showcasing the finest Irish cuisine and beverage culture..
Deep Literary and Cultural Heritage
From St. Anne's Cathedral, with its glorious example of Gothic architecture, to Belfast City Hall’s stained glass windows and grand dome, the city's architecture never fails to impress its visitors.
One of the city's most iconic attractions, Titanic Belfast is a museum and exhibition centre that tells the story of the ill-fated Titanic and features interactive exhibits, artefacts, and displays that bring the Titanic's story to life.
The Belfast Street Art Walking Tour should not be missed. Featuring colourful wall art and lighting installations. The urban art culture in Belfast is thriving and expanding. Artists worldwide are leaving their imprint on the streets by using the City as a gallery.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of the show or just looking for an epic experience in Northern Ireland, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, located only 30 minutes outside of Belfast, is an absolute must-see.
Biking Through Belfast
Physical fitness and sports are an integral part of Belfast's culture, with numerous opportunities for spectators and athletes. Whether you prefer cycling or walking to take in the city's scenic views or the more vigorous pursuits of swimming or playing squash, Belfast offers diverse activities to cater to all interests and skill levels.
Important sporting events include the Elite Ice Hockey League, European Champions Cup, and the Belfast City Marathon. Queen's University Belfast has a state-of-the-art sports facility, which includes a gym, swimming pool, squash courts, and a range of fitness classes and is open to students, staff, and members of the public.
Career Possibilities
Belfast's economy is diverse and multifaceted, strongly emphasising the service sector. This sector is the largest in the city and includes financial, retail, business services, and hospitality. Many well-known global companies operate in Belfast.
Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University have established strong connections with industry and businesses. This helps the students with opportunities for internships, work placements, and career development and provides the required exposure to prepare them for the modern job market.
The city also has offices of companies such as Bombardier, Deloitte, Allstate and many more.
Study in Belfast
If you are interested in learning more about Belfast or want to study at one of its top universities, book a free consultation with SI-UK India today!
FAQ
Northern Ireland can be a good place for international students as it has a rich cultural heritage, friendly people, and two fantastic universities.
Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, can be an excellent place for students due to its affordable living costs, excellent transport links, and vibrant social scene.
International students can work part-time while studying in Belfast, but there are certain restrictions on the number of hours they can work. Students also need necessary permits to meet the eligibility criteria for working in the UK.
The average cost of living for students in Belfast depends on their lifestyle and accommodation choices. However, according to Queen’s University Belfast, students can expect to spend around £20,950 per year on accommodation, food, and other living expenses.
Belfast has a lively nightlife scene. Numerous bars, pubs, and clubs cater to different tastes and preferences. The city is also known for its music scene, with several live music venues hosting local and international artists.
Belfast is famous for many things, such as its shipbuilding history and the Titanic, built in the city. It is also known for its cultural history. Belfast is home to several excellent museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions, making it a hub for arts and culture in Northern Ireland.
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