Find your place at the University Orange Student Centres at Belfast!
We have options to suit both University Campuses, budgets and living styles.
Our Mission Statement
Drew Nelson House & Croom Elbow Orange Student Centres are intended to be vibrant Orange communities which are central to the Loyal Orange Institution’s support and mentoring of the Orange family at our homeland universities and colleges.
Our aim is to encourage you in your Orange journey and broaden your experiences as you put your faith and loyalty into practice. Our vision is to be a centre of learning, leadership, planning and celebration of Orangeism at both our homeland universities.
Drew Nelson House
Walking time: QUB (30 min), UUB (1hr)
- 12 Spacious Single, En-Suite Rooms.
- Newly Completely Refurbished and Finished to the highest standards.
- Large Kitchens and Dining Rooms.
- Multi-Use Function Rooms.
- Utility and Office Space.
- Parking for 6 Cars.
- Main Bus Route into City Centre.
First opened in late 2022, Drew Nelson House is a fully refurbished complex, providing self-catering accommodation for Orange students and young people in the capital. Located on the Lisburn Road near the King’s Hall and 30 mins walk from Queen’s University and University College Stranmillis. Owned and Controlled by the Loyal Orange Institution, Drew Nelson House is a community with a distinctly Orange ethos.
The house is a detached Victorian dwelling, fully refurbished to 21st Century standards with 12 en-suite bedrooms. All bedrooms are fully furnished with wardrobes, beds, and built-in desks. There are two fully fitted kitchens, a communal dining room, a utility room, an office, a large, dividable, multi-use function room, six enclosed car parking spaces and ample on-street parking. Including in the price are heating, electric and full-speed wireless broadband.
Named after Rt. Wor. Bro. Drew Nelson LL.B. (former Grand Secretary of the Loyal Orange Institution of Ireland) using funds raised in his honour, the House aims to create and enhance the Orange community and presence at our homeland universities.
Much more than just a hall of residence, Drew Nelson House is a community of like-minded individuals and a focal point for the Student Orange Societies, University Lodges of Limited Purpose and the university & college groups attached to the Loyal Orders and bands. We expect residents to get involved in activities and events arranged at the house and to immerse themselves in all the opportunities and challenges that come from commitment to the Orange cause and culture. It is our hope that every resident at Drew Nelson House will benefit from the values and aspirations of those around them.
Croom Elbow
Walking time: QUB (15 min), UUB (30 min)
- 5 Rooms all with own Shower Rooms.
- Finished to a High Standard.
- Large Kitchen and Living Area.
- Main Bus Route into City Centre.
- Ample On-Street Parking Nearby.
The original Orange Student Centre, Croom Elbow was opened to new residents for the first time in 2011. Owned and Operated by the Rising Sons of William (The Queen’s University of Belfast) LOL 1845 (A Lodge of Limited Purpose composed of graduates, students and staff of the University) it provides high-quality, self-catering accommodation for Orange Students at both universities who are in their later years of study, or who are going into the world of graduate recruitment.
The house is an Edwardian mid-terrace, substantially extended and updated to modern standards. It has five bedrooms, three of which have en-suite shower rooms. The other two have their own separate shower rooms. Including in the price are Heating, Electric and Full-Speed Wireless Broadband. There is a fully fitted open-plan kitchen and living area, a utility room, an enclosed rear yard and ample on-street car parking.
Croom Elbow is named for the coffee house in Amsterdam where the original architects of the Glorious Revolution met and developed their plans. Similarly our Croom Elbow has been a focal point for Orange students for over a decade in building and supporting the Orange Community at our homeland universities.
Thalia House
Walking time: QUB (15 min), UUB (30 min)
- Three-Bedroom, Mid-Townhouse.
- Large Open Plan Kitchen / Living Area.
- Bathroom & En-Suite Shower Room.
- Finished to a High Standard.
- Fully Furnished.
The latest addition to the Orange Student Community is Thalia House, which is to be opened to Orange Students in 2023. Also owned and operated by LOL 1845, it provides high-quality, self-catering accommodation for Orange students at both universities who are in their later years of study and who are looking to share accommodations with established friendship groups and take on more responsibility in the day-to-day running of a home.
The house is a contemporary mid-townhouse, with three double bedrooms, an en-suite shower room, separate bathroom, and a downstairs W.C. It has a large open-plan kitchen and dining area, enclosed rear yard, utility house and has been newly refurbished to the highest standards.
It is hoped that our latest Orange Student Centre will be desirable to those who have already established friendship groups within the Orange Societies and are looking to share private accommodation while looking after utilities and services themselves (akin to a normal private tenancy) all while supporting the Orange Institution.
The name Thalia is of the street the house is on, but is from the Ancient Greek thállein which means “to flourish, to be verdant” which is wholly appropriate for Orangeism at our homeland universities!
Chaplaincy & Support
Residency at one of the Orange Student Centres involves becoming part of an Orange community. This comes with responsibilities but also support. A local Presbyterian minister acts as an overall chaplain to the various Orange Student Centres, and the Grand Lodge Chaplaincy and the chaplains of the various limited purpose university lodges, all contribute to pastoral care for residents and anyone within the Orange and Christian community who are in need.
Today’s Student is Tomorrow’s Master!
With special events, tours, formal dinners, talks and more; being a resident at one of our Student Centres is about more than just accommodation.
We hope that in applying to live here residents will fully commit to all that community life involves including: Orange Society and other Loyal Order meetings, activities run by local Orange societies, local institutional service opportunities, networking, social and recruitment events.
Join the growing Orange presence at our homeland universities and be part of a vibrant Orange student community!
Costs and Conditions
The cost at staying at one our three Orange Student Centres varies between houses and sometimes between rooms, but the basic costs and terms can be provide on request. Fees are payable even in the event of holidays or suspensions of term times and all residents are expected to remain for the full duration of their leases.
Deposits are required to secure a place, are retained as security deposits during residency, and may be used to cover any damage or other costs associated with a breach of a tenancy agreement. Residents will be required to sign a tenancy agreement and to provide a guarantor to that agreement.
Grant and Bursary support may be available for through various Loyal Order funds. Contact your Orange Society representative or your Lodge Secretary to find out more.
How do I apply?
Application forms for all accommodations can be completed through this Microsoft Forms link:
https://forms.office.com/e/64pGssGyMs
Orange Student Centre accommodation has often been oversubscribed in the past, so it is in your best interests to complete the form as comprehensively as possible.
You can also contact the managing agent for more information about the accommodation available and the application process. More details can be had through ringing Grand Lodge on: (028) 9070 1122 or by e-mailing the Lodge on: info@queenslol1845.co.uk