Erasmus experience in Belfast, United Kingdom

Why did you choose to go to Belfast, United Kingdom?

I picked Belfast as my first choice for Erasmus. Why? I've always loved Ireland and the only part I didn't know was Northern Ireland which is part of UK.

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I have to say that my decision was also based on the history of this city. I've been very interested in the politics of Northern Ireland and its troubles so I wanted to have a closer look at it.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The bursary is due for the entire stay. So those who stay one semester will have it from September to December for example. I had 300 euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Belfast?

Belfast is no doubt a student city. It's small so you can move easily, there are a lot of pubs and different clubs, and I don't mention the house parties especially in the Holylands.

At Queen's University the Student's Union is well organised, there is always something to do! I had a great moment studying there.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Belfast to other students?

You have the opportunity to go to Belfast? Then go!

What is the food like?

Ouch.... I guess you never heard about Irish cuisine... Well that's because they haven't! But you can easily find products at Tesco (supermarket) to cook better things than fish and chips, Irish stew or burgers everyday.

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How did you find your accommodation?

I was in a Queen's accomodation but my friends who were living in private accomodation didn't have any trouble finding one and it's cheaper than an University accomodation. If you go to Queen's, the Holylands is the best neighbourhood for students.

What are the accommodation prices like? What are prices like for other things in general?

A rent will be around 250/300 £ per month. The cost of the city in general is ok and compared to Dublin or England is way cheaper!

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available in the University?

Be careful the first days... Northern Irish people have their own particular accent but you get used to it after a few days and at the end even take it (don't worry it's nice and you're even proud of it! )

I didn't take any English class at University but there are for those who prefer an academic course to improve their English.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Belfast from your city?

That's the problem of Belfast, two airports but not very easy connections... What I did, was arrive in London and then take the Easyjet flight London-Belfast or cheaper, arrive in Dublin and take the bus until Belfast.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Belfast?

I suggest:

• Bot
• Parlour
• Lavery's
• Egg
• White tavern
• Duke of york
• Mchughs
• Maddens.

In Belfast you won't have any problems to find good pubs to grab a good pint of beer!

Later you can dance to:

• Scratch
• Mclub (on tuesdays)
• Ollie's
• Rain
• Yellow
• Kremlin
• Thompson.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Belfast?

On Botanic avenue you can find a lot of nice places to eat. My favourite one is Maggie May's. It's cheap, and after a night out you have to try the Ulster fry for breakfast, they serve it all day... The Bot, the Parlour and the House are three pubs where is nice to stop to eat as well.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I suggest:

• Botanic gardens
• Queen's University
• Ulster museum
• West Belfast

Around Northern Ireland, you have to stop at:

• Giant's Causeway
• Portrush (if you surf it's a good spot in NI)
• Mourne Mountains
• Tyrone

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Belfast?

Enjoy as much as you can and even more!