Elsewhere on Ulster
Your countdown to university life is on! Here’s all you need to know about looking for the right student accommodation.
When you start university, you’ll make new friends, immerse yourself in a subject you enjoy, and get the chance to try out new sports and activities. But before you get to Ulster and start your new uni life, you need to make sure you’ve sorted out your accommodation.
Moving away from home for the first time can be daunting, especially when you're not sure where to live. To make things easier, our guide will help you find the right accommodation to suit your needs.
You have four options for accommodation while you're at university:
There are loads of benefits to choosing Ulster University student accommodation in Belfast, Coleraine and Derry~Londonderry! It saves you having to go to multiple viewings for private accommodation, plus it's a great way to make friends with your fellow Ulster students. Managing your money is also simpler as all utilities including high-speed Wi-Fi are included in the cost.
Our ResLife team make the process of moving into and living in Ulster accommodation enjoyable and as stress free as possible. Check out the below video where students across our campuses share their experience of calling uni halls their home.
Zara Conley studies Communication Management and Public Relations at our Belfast campus. Here, Zara shares her experience of choosing to live in halls of residence in her first year and making new friends.
“Starting university can be difficult but I think making sure you have a cosy and comforting safe haven to go home to after class is vital to guarantee your university experience will be all you ever imagined. I wanted to make sure I chose the right accommodation for me and it’s safe to say I wish I could do it all over again!
"I’m the type of person that can find it hard to be away from home and apart from my family, and I was really nervous about moving into halls of residence, but it was honestly the challenge I needed to get me to where I am today.
"I noticed that my cooking skills took at least a few months to develop. I’m a picky eater myself but I can cook, I promise! Well, the basics at least… I was also a pretty shy and quiet person at the start of first year, especially when living with new people, but I got to know them pretty well and grew connections with two of my flatmates and learned to get myself involved even if it meant getting out of my comfort zone.
"The support you receive while living in accommodation at Ulster is fantastic. When I needed any help or support, the ResLife staff personally took time out of their schedule to accommodate my needs which has helped me get to where I am now. I can’t thank the accommodation staff members in my building enough for their support and help.
"I have definitely found my confidence levels have risen since living in student accommodation and I have boosted my personality by socialising more, getting myself around the shops my city has to offer, and enjoying my own company also. I really would recommend the halls of residence for your time at Ulster University, you won’t regret it!”
If you have made Ulster your Firm choice and want to stay in Ulster accommodation, you are eligible to apply now.
There are a number of websites you can visit to search for student accommodation such as NI Student Pad or SpareRoom.
Before you enter into a contract with a private provider, we strongly recommend you research your rights and obligations. Visit Student Housing Advice to get informed.
Homestay is a type of accommodation where students live with local hosts in their homes, rather than in university halls or private rentals.
Homestay offers flexible, budget-friendly accommodation with a variety of room types and stay lengths to suit your course, lifestyle, or travel needs, whether you are a commuter, part-time or full-time student, PhD researcher, or international student. It’s a practical alternative to traditional housing, often with convenient add-ons like meals or Wi-Fi, plus the chance to experience local culture firsthand.
For more information and to find a Homestay, visit the Homestay Webpage.
Each of our campuses are served by good public transport links including train services. If you’re unsure about the best or cheapest way to get from your house to class, check out Translink's journey planner.
If you’re aged 16-23, you can get a FREE yLink smartcard. This will give you 50% off Translink bus and rail travel and up to 50% off Enterprise for up to 8 years! To get your smartcard, visit the Translink website. For those aged 24 years and over, you can get the 24+ Student Railcard for 1/3 off NI Railways tickets.
No matter how you commute, make sure to check out our blog on Sustainable Travel and Smart Tips for Commuters.
