These two academically-renowned universities paired with a flourishing food scene, a pub on every corner, and being a short distance from home at all times, make Belfast the perfect place for an affordable afternoon or evening out.
Eager to draw in a new crowd, Belfast businesses cater to the capital’s influx of financially-crippled freshers, throwing out discounts and freebies for anyone with a valid ID to avail of.
Take a look through these top student destinations that are perfect for new uni starts this September, which are conveniently split into their respective corners of the city:
5. Botanic - The Parlour
Located on Elmwood Avenue, right across from the Student’s Union, The Parlour’s £5 lunch from 12-3pm, and £4 pizza deal when bought with a drink from 3-6pm, are too good to not to take advantage of. Whether it be an escape from the McClay Library, or as a warm-up for the Parlour’s Thursday night quiz, their woodfired pizzas are the perfect student meal. Photo: Visit Belfast
6. Botanic - Clements Coffee
Found both along Botanic Avenue and in the McClay QUB library, a yLink card will get you 15% off hot drinks at Clements Coffee Shop. For studiers at breaking point during exam season in the McClay,Clements Coffee really does save student lives. Photo: unsplash
7. City centre / Ulster campus - HJEM
This hipster award-winning cafe is nestled at the back corner of the Cathedral Gardens, right by Ulster University. Serving up delicious roasted coffees and mouth-watering traybakes, this new spot is perfect for student catch-ups with their 10% discount on food and drink. Photo: HJEM on Facebook
8. City centre / Ulster campus - Union Street
Belfast’s lively LGBTQ+ scene has lit up Union Street, with Kremlin, Maverick, Boombox, The Union Bar, and many more gay-friendly hot-spots offering a welcoming and inclusive scene for all. Across these bars, drink prices rarely exceed the £4 mark, with promo prices almost every night of the week, so add these brilliant bars to your next night out itinerary. Photo: Unsplash