The big decision is whether you’ll live in student accommodation, privately rent, or stay at home. While living away from home can feel overwhelming for some, we offer a range of options to help you find your perfect place—a home away from home. 

 When deciding where to live, it’s important to research all your options and visit our accommodation sites to discover what suits your lifestyle and needs best. You’ll have the opportunity to tour our accommodation sites during offer holder days.  

Why stay in university accommodation? 

Here are some of the benefits of staying in university-owned accommodation: 

• Connect with other first-year students: Share your journey with peers also transitioning to university life. Communal spaces like kitchens, common rooms, and social hubs such as the Treehouse provide plenty of opportunities to meet new friends. 
• Safety and security: Our 24/7 accommodation security team ensures a safe and supportive environment. 
• Budget-friendly living: With all your bills included in your rent there are no hidden costs, making managing your finances a bit easier.  
• Convenient locations: Our accommodation is close to the city centre or just a short commute away, placing you at the heart of Belfast student life. 
• Dedicated support: Our residential team is always available to provide guidance and assistance when needed. 

Queen’s University Accommodation: What Are My Options? 

We have a range of student accommodation close to campus and in the city centre. Our accommodation for students has also been designed to suit different lifestyles and budgets. So, what are your options? 

All our accommodation includes the following: high speed WiFi, water, electricity, heating, hot water, contents insurance, 24/7 maintenance team and full social programme and support. All accommodation is also self-catered. 

Elms BT1 and BT2 

Elms BT1 and BT2 are great options for new undergraduate students who would like to live in the bustling city centre, close to shops, cafes and restaurants. You can either walk roughly 20 minutes to campus or take a short bus ride. 

Students will live in one of our ensuite bedrooms in either a shared apartment with communal kitchen-dining area or one of our self-contained studio apartments.   

Elms BT9 (Elms Village) 

Elms BT9 is a student village offering a range of modern, comfortable and secure accommodation just a 15-minute walk to campus or a short bus ride.  

It’s the ideal location for first year undergraduate students. The village includes the Treehouse, which is the main social space for all students living with us and includes the coffee bar, snooker & pool tables, table tennis, TV lounge with 2 x 85 inch TV screens with BT Sports, games & karaoke room, 2 bookable kitchen spaces, outdoor BBQ area, computers and high-speed internet. 

This accommodation is for first year students only, meaning you will have plenty of opportunities to meet other undergraduates. Set in a residential location, there are 50 three-storied accommodation blocks with 10-11 bedrooms with a shared common room and kitchen on each floor. 

76 Malone Road

76 Malone Road is located next door to the Elms BT9 and conveniently located on a main bus route into Belfast City Centre.  

Undergraduate students living in 76 Malone Road enjoy a more independent lifestyle. Residents share a kitchen, common room and two bathrooms. 

Swanston House and John Bell House

Swanston House and John Bell House both offer modern studio and ensuite accommodation that's just a 15-minute walk from Queen's University. These accommodations are from external accommodation provider Student Roost.  

What support is available to students staying in Queen’s accommodation?

Our Residential Life Team is here to make your transition to university smooth and enjoyable. They organise events and trips and offer peer and staff support to help you settle in. Whether you need someone to talk to, guidance on adjusting to university life, or help navigating challenges, the team is here for you. 

Meet Our Residential Life Team

When can I apply for accommodation?

Typically, accommodation applications will open in late January/early February. Even if Queen’s is your insurance choice, we recommend applying for accommodation anyway to secure your place before the June deadline. For the most up to date information on accommodation applications and key dates, visit how to apply or follow us on our Instagram: @qub_accommodation.

Before you apply 

When applying for accommodation, you can choose from options like no alcohol, single-gender, quiet living, and Irish language accommodation. Be sure to review the details to find what suits your preferences. Spaces in these accommodations are limited.

We offer various room types to match your budget and lifestyle, from standard rooms to studio apartments. Undergraduate students can choose between 40- or 48-week contracts, with slightly different terms for Student Roost properties.

If we haven’t answered your questions here, you can head on over to our application FAQs.      

Settling in 

When you arrive at our accommodation, you will meet our residential team. They’re on hand to offer you support while settling into life in Belfast and they are also responsible for organising events and trips.  

Taking part in the social activities is a great way to meet new people and get to know other students staying in your accommodation. Spending time in our shared social spaces such as the Treehouse is also a great way to make friends.  

You can also make your room homely with photos and frames, mementos from your room at home, lights and lamps, books, plants and more – a trip to IKEA is essential before moving in!

How to Make the Most of Living in Accommodation as a First-Year Student

What are my options for second year?

If you’re thinking ahead to second year, there are a few different options for you. Some students decide to return to halls while others may look at privately renting in popular Belfast student areas.

If private renting in second year is what you want, then here are some tips:  

• Start the search early. Student housing in Belfast is very competitive, with houses and flats for the following academic year being listed as early as January with move in dates in June – September.  
• The most popular student areas are the Holylands, Stranmillis and Lisburn Road. Be sure to research the different areas thoroughly before booking viewings.  
• The easiest way to find student accommodation on the market is through Property Pal.  

Many letting agents will operate on a first come first served basis due to the high demand for student rentals, so you will need to be prepared to pay a deposit when you find a house you like.

Student House Hunting: The Ins and Outs of Finding a House as a Queen’s Belfast Student

Final thoughts 

Choosing your accommodation is an important step in preparing for university life, and it’s natural to have questions or feel unsure about what’s best for you.  

Remember, your first year is not just about where you live but about creating a foundation for your university experience. Whether it’s making lifelong friends, discovering new interests, or settling into your studies, your accommodation plays a big role in shaping your journey. 

If you’re still unsure or have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our accommodation team. 

We can’t wait to welcome you to Belfast and help you make Queen’s your home away from home. 

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Accommodation at Queen's

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Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Zoe, and I'm proud to be part of the Queen's Global team.     Over the past six years, I've held roles that let me create content for a variety of audiences, from start-ups to larger organisations. At Queen's, I'm always exploring new and creative ways to bring fresh content ideas to our main website.   Outside of work, I love reading (I even run a local book club), spending time with my dogs, and never missing an opportunity for a coffee or brunch outing.