Board of Social Witness - Student Services

Derryvolgie Halls

Derryvolgie Hall provides first class, modern accommodation for 88 young people who come to Belfast, either to work or to study. This is funded by the Presbyterian War Memorial Fund which originally provided accommodation in downtown Belfast.

As time passed so needs changed and Derryvolgie was opened in 1995. This vibrant Christian community is a place where young people have fun, develop their faith and learn to serve Christ.

Derryvolgie Hall is a purpose built complex providing self-catering accommodation for students and young working people, both male and female. Located at the Malone Road end of Derryvolgie Avenue, it is within a few minutes walking distance of Queen's main university departments, the PE Centre, local churches and excellent shops. It is run, under the management of the War Memorial Hostel of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a community with a distinctly Christian ethos, although applications are welcome from people of any or no religious persuasion.

Derryvolgie Hall is divided into three blocks, each having three flats of nine or ten single study bedrooms. All bedrooms are centrally heated and attractively furnished with wash hand basin, wardrobe and study desk. Each flat also has its own kitchen and dining area, as well as toilet and shower facilities. Residents must provide their own bed linen, kitchen utensils, cutlery etc. Included in the price is use of a launderette, a comfortable TV room, and a recreation room.

Derryvolgie Hall has an active programme of events organised by the Chaplain of Residence which reflects its Christian ethos, and residents are encouraged to get involved. A central meeting room, dubbed "The Art and Soul Room" provides the focal point for community life and a venue for concerts, studies, worship, meetings and social events, with open invitations to all staff and students of the university.

The Chaplain of Residence, Rev Steve Stockman, lives in a bungalow on site with his wife Janice and two children Caitlin and Jasmine. A resident volunteer also lives in the Hall.

Information Leaflet

Cost and Conditions

The cost of staying at Derryvolgie Hall in 2008-2009 is £67.00 per week and fees must also be paid over any holidays. Students are billed on a Quarterly basis to coincide with student loans and are expected to remain with us for the full academic year. You may be billed monthly at your request. Note that fees are calculated per day based on the weekly rate and are usually calculated from the first Saturday of a month. There is no standard monthly rate.

A £150 deposit is required to guarantee your place. This is returnable at the end of your period of stay, and may be used to cover any damage caused by you or extraordinary costs attributed to you. Residents are also required to sign a Tenancy Agreement. Generally residents are only permitted to stay for two years unless specifically invited to remain longer.

How do I apply?

Application forms are available from our office or can be downloaded from the link below. Demand is always very high, so write as much information about yourself on your form as possible.

Application Form

Community

Derryvolgie Hall is much more than a Hall of Residence where students get the best accommodation. This is a vital part of the Presbyterian Chaplaincy at Queen's University and as a result we are expecting our residents to get involved in the full spectrum of what community life is all about. It is our hope that every member of the community will benefit from the values and spiritual aspirations of those who follow Christ. There are many people who long to share in such a community and it is always a disappointment to us when people who would like to immerse themselves in events and fellowship are unable to gain a place and students who have no intentions of getting involved waste a bedroom. Please ask yourself how much you want to belong to our community before you commit to living with us. Once you commit we assure you of a more satisfying stay among us.

Selection Procedure, how does it work?

We try to make this as fair as possible by taking a certain amount of young people from each of the counties in Northern Ireland. Applications from outside Northern Ireland are also included in the selection procedure. We need a good mixture of male and female students and diversity in subjects helps. In ascertaining who should be a resident we look for people who we think will make good community members and those who we believe will benefit and grow from being a part of it. The actual procedure works as follows:

The closing date for applications is Friday 11th July 2008. You will be infromed by telephone on the 15th August if you have been accepted. We need to know if our offer will be accepted almost immediately as we have a waiting list. If you do not hear from us on that day, regretfully we have not been able to offer you a place.

A letter will be sent to all successful candidates with a handbook and tenancy agreement which must be signed and returned with deposit cheque.

Derryvolgie Hall always has more applicants than it has spaces for and the calibre of those applying is generally very high. It is unfortunate that we cannot take everyone who applies. There will still be time to apply for Queens Accommodation. Their number is 90974525 and they should be able to offer you an alternative.

Contact Us:

Derryvolgie Hall
49a Derryvolgie Avenue
Belfast
BT9 6PF
Tel. (028) 9066 9090
Fax. (028) 9066 3113