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Derry~Londonderry is a small city in Northern Ireland with a big student population. It’s home to the Magee campus of Ulster University. The city has a vibrant nightlife, great shops and historic sites as well as an inspirational academic environment, so as a student here you’ll never be short of things to do. Read on for our guide to being a student in Derry~ Londonderry. You’ll find out about accommodation, living costs and things to do in the city.
CONTENTS
- Student activities in Derry~Londonderry
- Nightlife in Derry~Londonderry
- Student accommodation in Derry~Londonderry
- Transport in Derry~Londonderry
- Student costs in Derry~Londonderry
- What Derry~Londonderry is known for
- Universities in Derry~Londonderry
Student activities in Derry~Londonderry
There’s loads of history to discover in Derry~Londonderry. As a starting point you can walk the 1.5km-long walls around the city. They’re over 400 years old, and along the way you’ll see the original city gates, St Columb’s Cathedral (one of the oldest and most beautiful in the country) and Guildhall Square. Another pretty walk is along the River Foyle, which includes great views of the city as well as woodlands and ancient fortifications.
The Millennium Forum is in the city centre and hosts a variety of live theatre shows, comedy and musicals. Coming up in 2024 are funny acts Ed Byrne and Jimmy Carr, Sister Act the musical as well as traditional Irish music and cover bands.
Check out our guide to the top ten things to do in Derry~Londonderry
Nightlife in Derry~Londonderry
While Derry~Londonderry isn’t huge, it’s the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and has a large student population, all who need to be entertained! There are plenty of pubs, clubs and bars to check out. Tinney's Bar & The Shirt Factory is popular with students as it caters to all tastes. It’s got live music, craft beer, cocktails and delicious food. You can also drop in for quizzes and open mic nights.
Peadar O’Donnell’s and Gweedore Bar are neighbouring pubs with very different experiences. One is traditional Irish pub and the other a more modern affair, but if you can’t make up your mind you can pop in and out of both through an inside door.
INEC Killarney is just outside the city centre and hosts a variety of comedy, music and other performances. This modern building with state-of-the-art facilities is a top night out no matter what you’re into.
Student accommodation in Derry~Londonderry
There are two fully modernised halls of residence right next to the university in Derry~Londonderry. Weekly costs at Duncreggan Student Village start at £110. This would pay for a self-catered room and shared bathroom, with an ensuite bathroom a little more expensive. Duncreggan also boasts on-site football pitches, a sports pavilion and a green picnic area
The other halls of residence, Coppin House, is a little cheaper and starts at £95 a week. Coppin House also has specialised mobility and sensorial accommodation options. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment here alone or as a couple for £188 per week.
Your other option is to rent privately in the city. Northern Ireland is known for affordable rental costs, especially in Derry~Londonderry. For a studio apartment in the centre of the city you can expect to pay about £600 a month. If you venture further out you might be able to find somewhere for as little as £440 a month. Sharing a house with friends is a cheaper way to rent and you can expect to spend about £250 each month for this. You’ll also need to budget for utilities and Wi-Fi as these won’t be included, unless you stay in halls. On average this might be an extra £45 a month.
Transport in Derry~Londonderry
It’s easy to walk or cycle around Derry~Londonderry. It’s a compact city, with nice walkways and bike lanes. There are buses available and a single journey costs £2. You can purchase a monthly travel pass for £42.
If you want to go further afield it’s easy to get around Northern Ireland on public transport. The country’s capital, Belfast, is accessible by rail or coach and both journeys take about two hours. You’ll want to apply for a 16-23 yLink card while you’re a student. This gives you a third off all bus and train fares in Northern Ireland.
Belfast International Airport is the nearest major airport, but the city does have one of its own. The City of Derry Airport flies to a number of places including Glasgow, Liverpool and London Stansted.
Student costs in Derry~Londonderry
Prices in the city are relatively affordable, and there are ways to keep costs down on a student budget. Make sure you carry a valid student ID around with you. This opens up a world of discounts and deals in high street chains, but also restaurants and other stores.
Food wise, the city has all the usual supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Iceland. On average you can expect to spend £1.21 on a loaf of bread, £1.38 on a kilogram of rice, £2.07 for a dozen eggs and £1.33 per kilogram of potatoes.
Obviously cooking at home is the cheapest way to eat, but if you’re looking to treat yourself there are lots of delicious and inexpensive places to eat out. An average meal costs about £12 per person, about 30% less than in Belfast. The average pint of beer is under £5, but keep an eye out for student deals and discounts to have an even cheaper night out.
We recommend budgeting about £800 a month on top of your course fees as a student in Derry~Londonderry. This may end up being more or less expensive depending on your lifestyle. For example, you may need to buy materials for your course or pay for printing. You might also want to join a group or club through uni. These are usually free or very cheap to join, but might include spending on equipment or socials.
Read our guide to the cost of living as a student in Derry~Londonderry
What Derry~Londonderry is known for
The Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls has put Derry~Londonderry on the map in recent years. This hilarious show is based in the city and follows a group of teenage girls during the troubles in the 1990s. You can visit loads of the filming locations around the city, and if you’re a big fan why not do a little tour of the country to see more.
Universities in Derry~Londonderry
Derry~Londonderry is home to the Magee campus of the Ulster University. The uni has a strong reputation and the Magee campus gives students a friendly, vibrant student experience in the city. Subjects taught at this campus include business, music, engineering, nursing and Irish.
If you’re still unsure what to study, take a look at all the courses on offer at Ulster University. Or, read more reasons to study in Derry~Londonderry.
