Shared apartments and roommates in Belfast

The capital of Northern Ireland has an average rent that is much cheaper than other parts of the United Kingdom, so living on a student budget is feasible. If you choose to live in a shared flat with other students, the cost will be even lower than if you rent an entire apartment, this way you can get the most out of your monthly budget.

If you are lucky enough to have a local or Irish flatmate, take the opportunity to delve deeper into Gaelic culture! They are usually very proud of their culture and love to share it with internationals.

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Belfast

The following are some pros and cons of living in shared flats in the Irish city:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Belfast

• Living with flatmates of different nationalities allows you not only to know their different ways of life but to practise English more. So you can get the most out of your exchange!

• Most of the spare rooms that are part of residences have a private bathroom. In addition, the residences can include facilities such as a gym, kitchen, recreation room, study room and even a karaoke room.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Belfast

• Finding a room with a good location, good price and features in Belfast can be difficult because there is a high demand from international youngsters.

• There are not many green areas in Belfast, so it can be difficult to find an apartment that is close to parks unless you choose one near the River Lagan.

Apps for your international exchange in Belfast

There are several apps that you can use to plan your international stay to make it the best it can be. In these apps, you will be able to access a large amount of information on procedures and what to do in the city, as well as tips from students who are or have been living in Belfast. For example, one of these tips is not to worry if you don't understand the local accent at first, which is usually strong. In no time, you will get used to it, and you will understand everything while opening your ears to other English accents.

How to meet people in Belfast

If you are overwhelmed by the idea of ​​not knowing anyone before arriving for your exchange, don't worry! The best thing you can do is share a flat and befriend your roommates as soon as you arrive. In addition, we recommend the following ways to meet people in the Irish city:

Student associations in Belfast

Both the Queen's University of Belfast and the University of Ulster have societies and clubs that you can join. For example, the first one has more than 200 societies/associations you can choose from. These include different sports (Taekwondo, cheerleading, surfing, boxing, handball, rugby, soccer), art, culture and language, video games, academics and even politics and debates.

Facebook groups for international students in Belfast

Both international offices, associations and clubs often create groups on Facebook that you can join to check out their plant activities.

Whatsapp groups for international students in Belfast

In this case, it is also the universities and societies that usually create groups on Whatsapp or in some messaging service so that students can be more connected with each other, propose plans and find out about ongoing events in the city and the institution.

Tips for living in a shared student apartment in Belfast

Here are some recommendations for you to take into account when living in this Irish city:

• You will have the opportunity to travel to nearby places with your flatmates and other friends, like the amazing Giants Causeway! Take advantage of the extra savings on your budget to explore Belfast and its surroundings to the fullest.

• If you are a fan of Game of Thrones, you will be excited to know (or you already know) that several scenes from the series have been filmed in Belfast. How about living near one of these places? They are scattered around different parts and neighbourhoods of the city.

Frequently asked questions about sharing a flat in Belfast

Flat sharing in other Erasmus cities

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Flatshare in Manchester

Flatshare in the City of London