Belfast in Comparison to London*
- Belfast consumer prices (including rent) are 41.5% cheaper than London
- Restaurant prices in Belfast are 12.6% cheaper than London
- Groceries prices in Belfast are 12.4% cheaper than London
Student Cost of Living - Guidelines
Northern Ireland has the lowest student cost of living in the UK* National Student Money Survey 2024.
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 2021 requirements, students will be asked to evidence £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London. Total cost £9,207 (Gov.uk).
Ulster University Accommodation
| Item | Cost (£GBP) |
|---|---|
| Belfast campus (single room, private ensuite bathroom) | From £139 per week |
| Coleraine campus (single, shared bathroom) | From £100 per week |
| Derry~Londonderry campus (single room, shared bathroom) | From £100 per week |
| Utilities |
£0 (included in the above price) |
| Booking fee |
£100 (one-off payment) |
Private Accommodation
| Item | Cost (£GBP) |
|---|---|
|
Average monthly rent (*Northern Ireland Quarterly House Price Index, 2024) | £222 per week* |
|
Utilities (gas, electricity etc) (*Numbeo.com, 2025) | £114 per month* |
Living Expenses
| Item | Cost (£GBP) |
|---|---|
| Food / groceries / takeaways | £45 per week |
| Personal expenses |
£35 - £50 per week (depending on social life) |
|
Books (can also be borrowed from UU library) |
£5 per week (costs vary depending on programme of study and modules chosen) |
| Phone | £5 per week |
| Travel |
£5 per week (depending on campus) |
| UU Gym Membership | £4 - £6 per week |
| Cinema Ticket | £5 - £7 |
Affordable Accommodation
Did you know that Northern Ireland has the lowest student cost of living in the UK* National Student Money Survey 2024.
Our accommodation is well priced, clean, comfortable and modern. We offer 2,200 places across and nearby all three of our campuses to cater for every budget and taste.
Flexible Payment
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.