Manchester: Student City Guide

Manchester is known for its huge student population and for that reason, it has loads to offer. So, where to start? This guide has all the info you need.

Manchester is one of the largest cities in the UK. If you're moving there, you won't be the first to feel a bit lost in such a massive and unfamiliar urban environment.

Manchester has so much to offer students that even after their first year, most still have a lot to learn about their adopted city. This applies especially to students moving out of halls to find a suitable student house.

Our 'Student City Guide' series aims to fill the gaps in your local knowledge as well as enlighten you on the best places to go, whilst always keeping a typical student budget in mind.

We've put together all the key insider info to ensure you're getting the best out of Manchester and life at university.

Manchester: Key facts

• Number of universities: 5
• Student population: 100,000+
• International students: 27,000+
• Average rent cost: £646 a month
• Average cost of a pint: £4.97.

Universities in Manchester

There are five universities in Manchester. Here is what you need to know about each one.

1. The University of Manchester

   

   Credit: amirraizat – Shutterstock

   Part of the Russell Group's research-intensive universities, UoM was founded in 2004 after numerous redevelopments and now forms the largest single-site university in the UK.

   There are a number of reasons to pick Manchester to study, including a truly multicultural environment, with a student population from over 160 countries.

   But if that's not enough to convince you, Manchester also has a strong reputation for its research and graduate employment rate. UoM also ranks sixth in Europe and ninth in the world in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings.

2. Manchester Metropolitan University

   

   Credit: EQRoy – Shutterstock

   MMU is another great university for research. With campus buildings based in the heart of the city, it's only a 10-minute walk from Manchester Central. It also has a large focus on the environment and ranks amongst the UK's greenest universities.

   MMU offers a range of degrees from Banking and Finance to International Tourism Management, so it's likely to have a course you'd enjoy.

3. The University of Salford

   

   Credit: Yuangeng Zhang – Shutterstock

   If a busy city centre isn't for you, then Salford might be a better fit. Located on the city's outskirts, in Greater Manchester, Salford still offers the perks of Manchester life with excellent transport links to the city centre.

   With a large range of industry-specific courses, the University of Salford is ideal if you're looking to specialise in a particular field. It is the only university with a MediaCityUK campus, which it shares with BBC and ITV.

4. Royal Northern College of Music

   One of four conservatoires partnered with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music is situated between UoM and MMU, putting you right in the centre of the student hub.

   If you’re looking to study Music in Manchester, then RNCM is definitely the best choice. It is continually recognised as one of the world's most forward-thinking conservatoires and ranks as the UK's leading music college for research.

   It has incredible facilities to help students grow, including a recently redeveloped 710-seat concert hall, a theatre, large studio spaces and practice pods.

5. University of Greater Manchester

   Situated in Bolton, the University of Greater Manchester is another good option if you'd prefer to study in a smaller town within easy reach of the city centre.

   Just a 20-minute train journey from the city, the university prides itself on providing a supportive and positive environment, with a range of courses focusing on employability after training and small class sizes.

   Living costs in Bolton are also significantly lower than in the city, meaning students have more money to spend enjoying what's on offer.

   Our content editor, Lauren Allen, studied here and enjoyed her uni experience:

   I chose to study Textiles and Surface Design at the University of Greater Manchester (which was then called the University of Bolton) because the course was super varied.

   One day I'd be designing patterns on Photoshop and the next I'd be screen printing in the print room – I loved it.

   My tutors were also very supportive and shared a lot of feedback to help me succeed. I would highly recommend this university to anyone!

Where are the universities in Manchester?

This map shows the locations of each of Manchester's universities:

Cost of living in Manchester for students

Compared to London and most of the south, living costs in Manchester are pretty low. However, they're higher than the average student living expenses in the UK.

We found that the average rent is around £646 per month. That's £106 higher than the national average – but it's worth remembering that this can vary depending on whether you're living in halls or private housing.

Monthly student living expenses in Manchester

Here's how living costs in Manchester compare to the national average:

Expense	Manchester average	National student average	Manchester compared to national average
Rent	£646	£540	+106
Groceries	£130	£144	-£14
Takeaways & eating out	£56	£48	+£8
Going out & socialising	£76	£51	+£25
Transport	£65	£65	£0

If you want to go a step further, you can use our table of average student living expenses at each individual uni to compare your university to the rest of the UK.

Where to live in Manchester

The majority of students in Manchester live in the south of the city. For student digs, rent can range from £119 to over £305 a week, depending on the location and quality of the house.

When choosing a student house in Manchester, try to find one close to Wilmslow Road and the main bus route to the university. Check out our guide to viewing a student house.

There are a lot of student houses in Manchester, so you don't have to worry about finding somewhere to live.

Halls of residence

Each of the universities has halls available for students. These are typically used by first years and are located very close to campus.

RNCM offers residence within the Sir Charles Groves Halls, which has rehearsal hours between 9am and 9pm. Here, you can even loan a piano on request! Plus, families wishing to visit students can stay in the guest flats here, saving your relatives from accidentally booking a hotel on the other side of the city.

Deciding which halls to go for can be a slightly stressful experience, but there's no right or wrong answer – it's all down to your own personal preference and budget. Also, remember, if the worst comes to the worst, it's only for a year!

Private halls

As one of the most popular student cities, there are plenty of private halls of residence cropping up in Manchester. If you don't manage to get a place in halls through your university, you can choose to move straight into private halls.

However, they tend to be much more expensive, so make sure you budget for it.

Private housing

There are a number of popular areas for students in Manchester, such as Fallowfield and Withington, which have a large number of student accommodations. Other areas include: opposite Owen's Park, along Mauldeth Road and Ladybarn Road behind Sainsbury's.

However, for students attending the universities in Salford or Bolton, accommodation in Greater Manchester would be more suitable than in the south of the city.

Withington is the furthest and will take around 20 minutes on the bus to UoM and a little longer to get into the city centre. However, Withington has all the amenities you need, including supermarkets, cafes and many lovely walks. If you are located near Burton Road, there are also many independent bars and restaurants.

Withington is considered a safe suburb in Manchester, which is always a positive for students travelling from lectures or work at later hours.

Fallowfield is about 0.4 miles north of Withington, making it slightly closer to the university and the city. This area is more commonly known as the 'student area', with many different accommodation types to suit its occupants.

There are also many shops and bars for students to go out locally, as well as green spaces such as Platt Fields Park for a nice walk.

If you're looking for good student properties (and don't fancy getting ripped off), go through Manchester Student Homes. All the local properties are shown here, making it easy to compare and decide with your roommates. Private housing is slightly different from living in halls, so it's important to know your rights as a tenant.

Transport in Manchester

Manchester has a well-integrated transport network, including a tram system. So travelling across the city is pretty easy.

For students getting to the universities along Oxford Road, the bus is by far the best option.

Getting in and out of Greater Manchester is just as easy, with three major train stations connecting students to their hometowns across the country, including a direct train into London.

Buses

Rumour has it that Manchester has the busiest bus route in Europe. Standing along Oxford Road, you can see why. There's literally a bus going past every minute!

For University of Manchester students and staff travelling between Sackville Street and Oxford Road areas, use the 142 bus. The route connects Fallowfield and other popular student housing areas with the universities and right up to the city centre and main train stations.

Students are best off buying the annual bus pass with Stagecoach. These allow you to travel on almost any bus in Manchester at any time, day or night.

Alternatively, you can opt for a weekly pass.

The price of a single bus ticket in Manchester has been capped at £2 since September 2022.

For long-distance travel by coach or bus, many students choose to take the Megabus or National Express.

Cycling

Manchester is starting to get better with cycle lanes. One links the main student living hubs (i.e. Fallowfield/Withington), the universities and the city centre. So there are a good number of students who choose to cycle into university.

However, you do need to be careful as the lane runs along the busy bus route. Just remember to be on your guard, check your brakes and wear a helmet! Unfortunately, Manchester's got a pretty bad reputation for bike theft, so it's also wise to invest in a decent D-lock.

For local bike repairs and supplies, try the Bicycle Doctor at the end of Rusholme.

If you're looking online, you can get a good deal on a bike delivered to your door from 99 Bikes.

Trains

Manchester has three major train stations: Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria and Oxford Road. Manchester Piccadilly has a direct line to London Euston, which takes about two hours and 30 minutes.

If you can, make sure you book your train tickets in advance online for big savings through TransPennine Express.

For up-to-date information about public transport in Greater Manchester, have a look at the Bee Network website. Also, check out our guide on how to get cheap train tickets.

Employment opportunities in Manchester

Part-time jobs

According to our latest Student Money Survey, 58% of students turn to a part-time job for money at some point during their degree. If you think that will be you, then it's unlikely you'll be stuck for work somewhere like Manchester.

Our Manchester student job search is a great place to start, or try the University of Manchester careers service, Manchester Met's Jobs4Students or another student employment service.

Don't forget to consider jobs at your university or Students' Union as well, as these will fit around your studies.

Graduate jobs

As a large city, there are many opportunities for graduates seeking a job.

Here are some key facts about employment prospects and the graduate job market in Manchester:

• Manchester has one of the most competitive job markets due to its fast-paced development and great transport links to other areas in England.
• In 2024, the University of Manchester was named one of the most targeted universities by the UK’s top graduate employers by the Graduate Market.
• Manchester has previously recorded a higher concentration of jobs advertised per 10,000 workers than London.
• Manchester has a developing technology and creative digital sector, which attracts over 1,000 graduates a year.

Student lifestyle in Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant city – there's plenty to see and lots of events and festivals to attend. And, as it's close to Yorkshire, you're only a short train ride away from some of the most stunning scenery in the UK. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect...

Nightlife

Manchester is known for its music scene. The city has plenty of student bars and clubs to cater for all tastes, as you would expect for a large city with a long history of music. These student nightclub picks suit various tastes.

Indie Rock

The indie scene is massive in Manchester, so you'll never be far from a bar or club playing all the classics. Some of the best include:

• Venue Nightclub - A student favourite with good music and no dress code. Great for a cheap night out with many indie events.
• 42's (previously 42nd Street) - This is a top student haunt on Bootle Street. Again, cheap drinks and all the latest in indie rock n' roll.

Pop & Retro

Pop (and cheese!) is well catered for in Manchester with all the clubs aiming to please. Many clubs run dedicated nights to the joys of the 60s, 90s and naughties!

• Revolution - Hosts some fun events and regular happy hours. Two-for-one cocktails, anyone?

Drum & Bass, House & Techno

The dance music scene in Manchester has grown a massive student following in recent years.

• The Warehouse Project - A year-round lineup of critically acclaimed DJs and artists from around the world. Experience a heavy night with top music and an unbeatable atmosphere. Worth saving a few quid for.
• Fac251 - More commonly known as 'Factory', this venue hosts some of the biggest student club nights in the North West. With a wide range of music across three floors, you can get involved with the latest DnB on the top floor.
• Joshua Brooks - Opposite Fac251, Joshua Brooks plays some cool music and is a bit more low-key. A little expensive in student terms, but a good venue for a birthday night out.

Rock & Live Music

From heavy metal to grunge, Manchester is a great place to "rock out".

• Satan's Hollow - Free bar on Tuesday and an awesome artistic interior, complete with a sculpture of satan himself!
• O2 Ritz Manchester - Shows the best live music and a couple of club nights. Plays a mixture of everything.

LGBTQ+ Nightlife

Manchester is a super LGBTQ+ friendly city and even holds one of the UK's highly-rated Pride events each year. Plus, the iconic Canal Street (also called the Gay Village) is one of the best places for a night out in the city.

• The Brewers - Known for its welcoming staff, The Brewers is a great spot for an affordable night out with low-cost drinks galore.
• New Union - Dating back to 1860, New Union is a show bar and club that runs regular events. It's also one of the top karaoke spots in Manchester.

Shopping

As expected of a large and growing city, there are many shopping centres. Manchester Arndale and The Trafford Centre offer a wide range of well-known retailers alongside large department stores.

For a fancier day out, King Street and Spinningfields are known for hosting designer shops in their boutique region - though this area doesn't tend to contain student-budget shops.

But if that's still not enough to satisfy you, the Northern Quarter is popular among students with its many vintage stores, independent coffee shops and lots of restaurants too.

Eating out

Manchester offers a wide range of dining options. Of course, you'll find all big restaurant chains like Pizza Express, Zizzi's and Nando's, to name a few. But if you prefer something a little different and unique to Manchester, check out our top restaurant picks:

• The Curry Mile - You simply cannot miss the culinary delights of one of the many curry houses along Rusholme. A few student favourites are Lal Qila, Mughli and MyLahore. Most of the time, you can reach a deal with the doormen to get a discount or bring in your own drinks. A good place to eat out when your parents are in town.
• Sweet Mandarin - Known as one of the best Chinese restaurants in the UK, this cute eatery is one of the crowning glories of Manchester. Whilst the food is fantastic, it can show on the bill if you're not too careful!
• Mackie Mayor - Located in the Northern Quarter, Mackie Mayor is an ideal place to eat with a group of friends. It has multiple food stands and you can get everything from chicken burgers to tasty Thai dishes. Perfect!
• CIAOOO Pizzeria - There's a reason this place is so highly-rated – their pizzas are so good. We'd even go as far as to say they're the best in Manchester (bold statement, we know).
• Bundobust - If you're in the mood for some Indian street food, Bundobust is the place to be. There are two restaurants in the city – one near Picadilly Gardens and the Bundobust Brewery on Oxford Road. Not only is the food amazing, but it's cheap too. It's a win-win!

Lauren Allen is from Manchester and knows some of the best places to eat out:

I was born in Manchester and lived there pretty much my whole life until I moved to Leciester for a job opportunity. Even now, I still go back regulary to visit family and friends so I know some of the top food spots in the city.

Mackie Mayor is one of my favourite places to eat. The vibe in there is amazing and they serve a range of cuisines. I also love Bundobust – I've lost count of the amount of times I've eaten there!

Culture

Every city has its major attractions and Manchester is a city of heritage with a mixture of modern and retro architecture. There are loads of places to visit, along with some great shopping hotspots.

• Northern Quarter - Just off Piccadilly Gardens, the Northern Quarter is centred around Oldham Street. It's a quirky area to explore for shopping and just as good at night with plenty of live music and chilled bars.
• Perhaps the single biggest attraction in the Northern Quarter is Affleck's Palace, a former department store turned multi-storey bazaar for alternative clothing and off-the-wall knick-knacks. There's also an impressive fancy dress shop on the second floor.
• Printworks Manchester - This block in the city centre is full of nighttime entertainment. With a Vue Cinema and an array of bars, restaurants and clubs.
• Manchester Museum - For something a bit more educational, check out this free museum along Oxford Road adjacent to Manchester University's Whitworth Hall.
• Science and Industry Museum - This museum is the ideal spot to learn more about Manchester and the Industrial Revolution.
• The Whitworth - One for art lovers, The Whitworth is free to visit and showcases a range of art from paintings and textiles to photography and installations.
• Manchester Art Gallery - Another art gallery displaying hundreds of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and more.
• John Rylands Library - Dating back to 1900, visiting the John Rylands Library feels like stepping into Hogwarts. It's no doubt one of the top free activities in Manchester.

Entertainment

Manchester boasts a large amount of entertainment all year round and is one of the many reasons the city attracts students from across the world!

• AO Arena Manchester - This is the major gig venue in the city. You can get cheaper tickets in advance online. Other top gig venues are Manchester Academy, O2 Apollo, Albert Hall and the newly opened Co-op Live.
• Outdoor Venues - In summer, the likes of Heaton Park, Emirates Old Trafford and Castlefield Bowl hold outdoor live music events.
• The Comedy Store - Though the original venue closed, if you're looking for a well-deserved laugh, you can now find The Comedy Store at The Bierkeller in the Printworks on weekends.
• Festivals - Throughout the year, there are lots of festivals in the parks. The student festival Parklife at Heaton Park usually has a stellar line-up and is always a sell-out.
• Seasonal Attractions - Manchester boasts one of the best Christmas markets in the UK. Starting in November, it's a great way to get in the Christmas spirit. Head over to Cathedral Gardens for ice skating!

Lauren Allen loves the music scene in Manchester:

One of my favourite things about Manchester is the music scene. I've been to so many of its venues for gigs – everywhere from the 200 capacity SOUP to large outdoor gigs at Emirates Old Trafford and Heaton Park.

Plus, Manchester is close to other cities like Leeds, Liverpool and Sheffield so you can easily hop on a train and go to a show elsewhere if you want to.

Sport

Manchester has two world-famous football clubs – Manchester United and Manchester City. If you're big into football, you can go on informational tours of both football stadiums. You may also want to visit the National Football Museum.

If you prefer other sports, the Manchester Storm ice hockey team compete in regular games and student tickets sell for £18.50. Alternatively, you could watch a cricket show at Emirates Old Trafford or a basketball show at the National Basketball Performance Centre.

Health and fitness

You'll have no problem keeping fit and healthy in Manchester. There are loads of gyms which provide student discounts and trials. However, the best option for students usually comes from the universities.

The Armitage and Sugden sports centres provide top deals for students. Alternatively, PureGym is a popular choice with memberships from around £15 a month. Students can also get a further 30% off memberships.

For swimming, head to the Aquatics Centre, which is right near the universities. The Olympic-sized swimming pool has recently reopened after a £30 million investment and offers student discounts.

For jogging or running, there are plenty of parks and open spaces in South Manchester. In Fallowfield, there is Platt Fields Park and closer to the universities is Whitworth Park.

Interested in other unis in Northern England, too? Check out our other student city guides.