What is Renwick House?
What is Renwick?
Renwick House is Belfast accommodation for university-aged Christian young people. Located on 42 Elmwood Ave, it’s 100m from the Students Union building and just a 5-minute walk from the main Queen’s buildings.
It’s a slightly more affordable option than other halls or houses in the city. Still, the real value is in the Christian environment.
Who’s Renwick For?
Most years, Renwick has primarily been composed of Reformed Presbyterian young people, but it isn’t exclusive. Its proximity to Queens makes it ideal for first-year students who haven’t yet made university friends. Many people choose to stay on for their entire time at university. If you’d prefer to work but don’t want to miss the university atmosphere, you’re also welcome to stay.
There is a mix of single and double rooms depending on your preference and budget, but there are only 14 slots, so you’d better apply early.
What’s Renwick like?
Renwick is a lot like a family. We have weekly designated house meals together, as well as plenty of meals and chats together in the kitchen and common room throughout the week. There’s also a weekly Bible study, which you can attend if you’re free. In some ways, it can feel like a less crazy version of camp, where you spend every day with your friends.
Because it’s Christian housing, there’s no alcohol or drugs, so you can avoid the problems that come with that kind of university culture. You’re surrounded by a Christian community to keep you grounded and accountable at a point in life where it can be so easy to fall away.
Why Renwick?
When you go to university, you don’t really know what to expect. Sometimes, you can end up studying in a course where there are no other Christians. Obviously, there is much to learn from interacting and even evangelising to people in your classes, but it can become extremely tiring and isolating at times. Having a safe space to come home to, filled with people living such a similar experience to you is such a blessing. The weekly Bible studies and Psalm sings are also a huge encouragement during what can be a spiritually challenging/disorientating time in your life. The encouragement and even opportunity for things like spiritual accountability is honestly priceless and something that university halls simply cannot replicate.
It’s hard to recommend Renwick more. If you want more reasons to consider it, ask people who’ve been. Older siblings, friends, many of you can probably ask your parents about their time here.
If you want to apply (applications open in March) or would like more information check their website:
