For International Students Student living costs - what to expect
Study, live, and work in Northern Ireland, the UK’s most affordable choice for international students.
Affordable study starts here.
Northern Ireland offers a welcoming, affordable and safe place to study, where you can focus on your education without the financial pressures common in larger UK cities. Everyday essentials, transport and accommodation are typically more manageable, giving you greater freedom to enjoy your time at Ulster.
Welcoming students from 70+ Countries
Northern Ireland
Lowest Student Cost of Living in the UK
National Student Money Survey (2025)
Belfast is the most affordable student town or city in the UK
Natwest Student Living Index (2024)
Voted Best
University in UK for
Value for Money
Student Crowd (2025)
Student Quote
A Guide to Living Costs at Ulster
Northern Ireland has the lowest student cost of living in the UK (National Student Money Survey 2025). Below is an outline of what you can expect to spend as an international student living in Northern Ireland. As a guide, we estimate you should allow a sum in the region of £5,500 - £7,500 to cover your expenses for one academic year.
Please note, for UKVI 2026 student visa requirements, students studying outside London must show evidence of £1,171 per month for up to 9 months, totaling £10,539 (Gov.uk).
| Category | Belfast | London | Manchester | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent – typical mid range | £540 | £1080 | £735 | £690 |
| Utilities - monthly | £176 | £289 | £209 | £306 |
| Transportation - monthly pass | £63 | £190 | £88 | £82 |
Further comparison to London*
- Cost of living in Belfast (including rent) is 38% cheaper than London.
- Restaurant prices in Belfast are 16.5% cheaper than London.
- Rent prices in Belfast are 61% cheaper than London.
Ulster provides a variety of safe, modern and affordable accommodation options for international students, many of which are located on or near campus and close to local amenities and transport links. With more than 3,000 rooms available, there are plenty of choices to suit different budgets and preferences.
| Item | Cost (£GBP) 26/27 |
|---|---|
| Belfast campus (single room, private ensuite bathroom) | From £164 per week |
| Coleraine campus (single, shared bathroom) | From £111 per week |
| Derry~Londonderry campus (single room, shared bathroom) | From £107 per week |
| Utilities |
£0 (included in the above price) |
| Booking fee |
£100 (one-off payment) |
| Item | Cost (£GBP) |
|---|---|
| Average monthly rent (*Northern Ireland Housing Executive, 2025) | £224 per week* |
|
Utilities (gas, electricity etc) (*Numbeo.com, 2025) | £111 per month* |
| Item | Cost (£GBP) |
|---|---|
| Food and groceries | £35 per week |
| Personal expenses |
£35 - £50 per week (depending on social life) |
|
Books (can also be borrowed from Ulster University library) |
£5 per week (costs vary depending on programme of study and modules chosen) |
| Phone | £5 per week |
| Internet | £5 per week |
| Travel |
£5 - £15 per week (depending on campus) |
| Utilities | £20 per week |
| Ulster University Gym Membership | £5 - £11 per week |
| Cinema Ticket | £8 - £12 |
To help spread the cost of your studies, tuition fees can be paid in three instalments during the academic year. This would be a payment at the time of enrolment and then two further instalments during the year.
Part‑time work can play an important role in helping you manage your living costs while also building confidence, developing professional skills ad becoming part of the wider community. Ulster gives you access to a trusted job platform designed for international students, helping you find flexible roles that fit your schedule and visa requirements.
The minimum wage levels are consistent with the rest of the UK.
