What's happening at Ryan Hall?
Ryan Hall will be premium student living with upgraded Chaplaincy facilities and affordable scholarships.
Ryan Hall takes its name from Monsignor Arthur Ryan, distinguished scholar, churchman, and former Senior Pro-Chancellor of Queen’s University. By combining high-quality student living with a thriving pastoral community, it will provide not just a place to live, but a place to belong.
New Student Residence at Queen’s
The Diocese of Down and Connor has announced a new partnership with Homes for Students. One of the UK’s leading providers of student accommodation, the company will manage the Catholic Chaplaincy’s redeveloped Elmwood Avenue residence at Queen’s University Belfast. A multi-million-pound investment by the Church has transformed the site into Ryan Hall — a state-of-the-art residential and pastoral hub at the heart of the historic campus.
The redevelopment has created 47 self-contained apartments with generous layouts and high-quality finishes. As a listed building, the project required specialist materials and larger unit sizes than are typical in student housing. Combined with its prime Elmwood Avenue location, these factors mean the accommodation will be positioned towards the upper end of the market.
What can you expect?
To balance affordability with quality, the Diocese has set aside a dedicated allocation of rooms at subsidised rates for students who commit to playing an active role in Chaplaincy life. These students will be known as Scholars. The Scholarships offer significantly reduced rents, making it possible for students who might otherwise face financial barriers to participate fully in the mission and community of the Chaplaincy.
A number of studios have also been adapted for accessibility, ensuring that students and researchers with mobility needs can enjoy supported living with full access to everything the University offers.
Alongside the new accommodation, the entire Chaplaincy has been redeveloped by Consarc, one of Northern Ireland’s leading conservation architects, to better support student life and wellbeing. At its heart is a reimagined Chapel, complemented by artwork from the Florence-based liturgical studio Centro Ave. The building also features the Mosaic Café, the Ambrose Macaulay Common Room, a Reading Room, the Cloister Garden, and spaces for meeting and counselling — all made possible through the Diocese’s major investment, supported by the continued generosity of alumni and friends.
Who can apply?
Ryan Hall is open to undergraduates and postgraduates of all faiths and none, offering an inclusive and welcoming environment in the heart of campus. While open to all, its design and setting are expected to attract more mature students — including postgraduates, doctoral researchers, and international students — who value independence, high-quality accommodation, and unrivalled access to Queen’s and Belfast city centre.
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