Manchester in photos
We are mad fer it!
If you’ve decided to study abroad in Manchester, you clearly have great judgement!
Manchester is by far one of the most fun cities to live the student life in the UK. With a plethora of clubs, restaurants and bars, your experience will be unforgettable. There are also plenty of museums and shops with something for everyone. The Lake District is a quick drive away for when you want to enjoy the beautiful British countryside. There’s a lot to keep you occupied here on one of your many study breaks!
The Ultimate Student Pocket Guide for Manchester
Manchester is a vibrant city located in the northwest of England with a very strong industrial past to the point that it was there where the Industrial Revolution started! With two top-national universities and a student population of more than 40000 students, its cultural offer as well as academic opportunities make it a brilliant place if you choose to study in the UK.
Manchester is also much more than the Beatles, the rivalry between City and United (also that between Noel and Liam) or butties… Manchester is different, has a strong identity, is uniquely suburban.
Keep reading and scrolling this pocket guide about Manchester absolutely everything you need to know about the city!
If you’re coming to study in Manchester, you may be looking to learn a little about the history and culture of the city. Luckily, Manchester is a city full of some amazing artists and the best galleries and museums around.
Whether you want to have a quick peek in during your lunch break or spend a whole day getting your culture on, here are 5 of the best art galleries and museums you need to make sure to check out.
1. Whitworth Art Gallery
The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester is an award winning establishment that has been a part of the University of Manchester since 1889. The sheer design of this building will blow you away immediately and the work inside is just as impressive. The gallery exhibits a mix of both contemporary and historic pieces which mix together nicely. It’s well known for their modern art and sculptures and people flock from afar to see the amazing pieces on display here. It’s definitely worth checking out during your time studying in Manchester.
2. Manchester Museum
To learn all about the fascinating history of Manchester, make sure to check out the Manchester museum. Like the Whitworth Gallery, it also has links with the University of Manchester and best of all, it’s totally free. The museum has four floors of displays and fifteen galleries to sink your teeth into, and it’s certainly somewhere to come on your days off from university. It began as a natural history museum so here you’ll still find collections from around the world, as well as a full-scale T-rex model along with other anthropology collections from across the globe.
3. HOME
If you love contemporary visual arts, performing arts and film, you’ll find yourself at home when you come to HOME. HOME opened back in 1985 and has provided three floors of galleries and three screens for independent film and visual arts pieces ever since. This place is here to nurture the creatives of Manchester and encourage artistic expression among the community. It’s a fantastic space to come and visit and you don’t need to know much about art to thoroughly enjoy yourself here.
4. The Lowry
Along by the Salford Quays part of Greater Manchester, you’ll find the Lowry in all its’ glory. The name is of course inspired by the great Mancunian artist L.S. Lowry and you’ll find plenty of his original works along with other modern and contemporary arts pieces. The gallery exhibits a mixture of visual and performance art as well and it features studio spaces and not one, but two main theatres. It’s a creative hub that thrives in Manchester and whether you come for a quick visit or a whole day out, you won’t regret coming along.
5. Science and Industry Museum
Manchester is famous for being one of the first cities to make a big impact on Britain’s Industrial Revolution and this museum is here to showcase its’ many achievements since. Manchester has made huge strides when it comes to science, technology and industry and this museum takes you through the city’s journey to get to where it is today. Here, you’ll get to visit the oldest surviving passenger railway station in the whole world, as well as the first railway warehouse ever built. It also has incredible works of science on display that you can often watch demonstrations of if you come at the right time. Whether you come alone or with a group, you’ll be sure to learn a lot about Manchester during your visit here.
Manchester is home to a lot of great galleries and museums and here we’ve only just scratched the surface of them. These are great ones to start off with so make sure to check out which are closest to your student accommodation in Manchester and get yourself along when you get the chance!
If you’re a foodie who’s coming to study in Manchester, you’ve come to the right place. Manchester is a paradise for food lovers and there are so many amazing restaurants for your to sink your teeth into. The food scene in Manchester is constantly evolving and growing and there’s always something delicious to try out. Whether you want to use your student loan to treat yourself or get some cheap and tasty eats, here are a few of the best places to eat in Manchester.
1. Rudy’s Pizza
No matter what our differences may be, pizza is something that unites us all. Rudy’s Pizza is one of the best pizzerias in Manchester and takes Neapolitan dining to another level. It’s one of the go-to places to get a great, freshly made pizza that goes great with one of their cocktails as well. We could list the range of toppings and sauces they offer here, but it would take too long! There’s so much to enjoy no matter what your dietary needs may be. With it being so popular with pretty much everyone in the city, you can expect there to permanently be a queue, but it’s worth the wait.
2. The French at the Midland
If you’re looking for somewhere to treat yourself and impress your company, The French at the Midland is the place to go. It’s the closest thing to a Michelin starred restaurant you’ll find in Manchester which means it isn’t going to be cheap. But if good grub is something important to you, this is certainly somewhere to check out. The art-deco style interior gives your meal an opulent and sophisticated air that cannot be beaten anywhere else. The dishes here are award winning, and whatever you order is sure to leave you satisfied.
3. Volta
Volta is owned by two of Manchester’s most famous DJs-turned-restuaranteurs, the Unabombers. They’ve swapped their clubbing ways to serve up a treat to the people of Manchester and boy, you won’t be disappointed. Their venue has a laid back and stylish design which makes you feel at ease as soon as you step inside. They serve a range of delicious dishes but their small plates are ones you have to try, with bites such as Lebanese lamb chops and deep fried goats cheese that keep you coming back for more.
4. Almost Famous
When you’re a student, the restaurants serving up cheap eats are the most important ones to find. Luckily, Manchester has a lot of them, and Almost Famous is one of the best around. Almost famous is – ironically – the most famous burger joint in town and is a haven for meat lovers everywhere. Along with their mouth-watering list of gut-busting burgers, you can also get your hands on tasty hot wings and dirty fries which make for the perfect cheat meal. Prepare to get your hands dirty as these are seriously sloppy meals you’ll swoon over.
5. Yuzu
Among us all is a sushi lover hidden away, you just don’t know it yet! Yuzu is the place to be when it comes to finding high-quality Japanese food, with gorgeous dishes including award-winning sashimi bowls that will knock your socks off. This place has become so popular within the past few years that it’s highly likely you’ll need a reservation to eat here. But that’s okay, because the food here is still super affordable that it offers the high-class dining experience without the price tag.
Wherever your student accommodation in Manchester may be, you won’t ever be too far from these amazing eateries in the city. Of course, there are so many more for you to explore and take your tastebuds on a thrilling adventure, so make sure to treat yourself when you come to Manchester!
When you’re not studying or hanging out in your great new student accommodation, you might want to head over to a coffee shop to relax or do some work. If you love good coffee and quirky places, you’re in luck! There are lots of amazing coffee spots all over Manchester. Whether you’re a coffee, tea or hot chocolate person, there are more than enough coffee spots in Manchester to chill out in. Here’s our list of coffee shops you must be sure to check out while you study in Manchester.
1. North Tea Power
If you want to do coffee right, you need to go to the Northern Quarter of Manchester. North Tea Power was one of the first independent coffee shops in the Northern Quarter and helped shape it into what it is today. They serve a range of loose leaf teas and high quality coffee that you’ll enjoy every last sip of. Make sure to grab one of their tasty cakes too or treat yourself to one of their soups or sandwiches if you’re feeling hungry.
2. Fig & Sparrow
Put together homeware shopping and great coffee and what do you get? Fig & Sparrow of course! This dainty little cafe sits in the Northern Quarter of Manchester and it’s a one-stop shop for all your gift buying and caffeine fix needs. They serve up a mean latte or flat white and make sure you give their pour-over coffees a try too, you won’t be disappointed!
3. Idle Hands
Coffee. Pie. Eats. That’s what this Northern Quarter cafe prides itself on, and boy do they get it right. It’s safe to say that all the baristas here know their stuff and make coffee into an art form. Gaze out of their dreamy windows and watch the world go by with a delicious coffee to warm you up on those cold winter days. Make sure to grab one of their many sweet treats or savoury snacks on your lunch break, because you deserve something special.
4. Takk
For coffee done in true Northern European style, Takk is the place to go. This Icelandic cafe is complete with chemistry-style brewing equipment and a kitschy decor which makes it into a hipster’s paradise. It’s the perfect spot to knuckle down with some uni work or hang out with friends as you enjoy their expertly-brewed coffees and delicious sweet treats. One thing is for sure, you’ll definitely be paying a visit to this place again.
5. Grindsmith
Whether you’re in the city centre or over in Media City, you’ll find a Grindsmith’s coffee shop to welcome you in. Their coffee is seriously some of the best in town and beats your average chain-store coffee shop out of the water. Just one try of the coffee here and you’ll be wishing you could drink it all day, every single day. If you’re coming to study in Manchester, you have to try out this place for sure.
Manchester is a city full of amazing coffee shops for you to try out and enjoy, and these are just 5 of the best. When you book your student accommodation in Manchester, take a look at the ones around you and soon you’ll find your own favourite close to your new home.
Manchester is a huge city so finding the right ways to get around it is key to make sure you get to where you need to be on time. After all, if you’re coming to study in Manchester, you don’t want to be late for your first class of the semester! Luckily, the public transport infrastructure in and around Manchester is fantastic so you shouldn’t have that problem. Not to mention the fact that most of our student halls in Manchester are located nearby the universities as well!
To help you understand the different types of transport in Manchester, we’ve put together a little guide:
Bus
One of the easiest and most efficient ways to get around town is by using the bus. There are many different bus lines operating throughout Manchester so it will be easy for you to get to wherever you need to be. There’s even a Stagecoach bus app you can download which will let you buy mobile tickets as well as check on bus routes near you and plan your journey. You can buy single or return tickets for your journeys or invest in a travel card that you can use to get around town with ease.
FreeBus
When you’re short on cash and need to get somewhere in a pinch, Manchester even has a free bus service you can use! FreeBus replaced the previous Manchester Metroshuttle and goes to destinations across Greater Manchester. It runs very frequently – roughly every 10-15 minutes – and has services running until late at night. It’s perfect for those late nights out where you’ve spent the last of your money on a kebab and need to find your way back to your student halls fast!
Tram
As well as buses, Manchester also have a network of trams coursing through the city at any given moment. In fact, it’s one of the most successful of its’ kind in the whole of the UK! Services run super frequently so you don’t even need to worry about checking a timetable, there’s always one on the way! They go to all the most popular spots across the city and can even take you to the airport if you’re flying somewhere. You’ll need to buy a ticket for it at the ticket machines on the platform but if you invest in a Travelcard, it works here too.
Train
Manchester is a city that has not one, but four main train stations that operate every single day. This makes getting around town super easy as you’re never too far away from one! If you’re planning to visit the areas outside of Manchester such as Leeds, Bolton, Wigan or anywhere else in the UK for that matter, these stations will get you there. The train network in Manchester is very efficient and well connected to you can get to anywhere you want to be without trouble.
Cycling
Manchester is a very big city but it also has excellent bike lanes and is super bike friendly for cyclists who want to get around on two wheels. If you plan on bringing your own bike or buying one here, cycling could save you money on train and bus fares in the long run. Online you can find plenty of cycle routes and information if you’re planning on cycling in Manchester. Luckily, a lot of our student accommodation in Manchester also has secure bike parking, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot for it once you get home.
Walking
One of the best ways to get to know any new city is to explore it by foot. It’s easy to navigate the city centre in around 20 minutes or so, so you don’t have to take public transport all the time! If you get lost, look out for the City Hosts that are scattered around the city and they can provide you with the right directions as well as transport information and upcoming events.
Manchester is a super accessible city and whether you’re coming from the UK or from abroad, you’ll find it easy to navigate wherever you end up living. You don’t need to worry about getting stranded or lost here, there’s always a way to get back home.
Manchester is by far one of the most fun cities to live the student life in the UK. With a plethora of clubs, restaurants and bars, your experience will be unforgettable. There are also plenty of museums and shops with something for everyone. The Lake District is a quick drive away for when you want to enjoy the beautiful British countryside. There’s a lot to keep you occupied here on one of your many study breaks!
Looking for things to do in Manchester? Read on for some inspiration.
1. Grab a coffee at Idle Hands
Coffee. Pie. Eats. That’s what this Northern Quarter cafe prides itself on, and boy do they get it right. It’s safe to say that all the baristas here know their stuff and make coffee into an art form. Gaze out of their dreamy windows and watch the world go by with a delicious coffee to warm you up on those cold winter days. Make sure to grab one of their many sweet treats or savoury snacks on your lunch break, because you deserve something special.
2. Take a trip to The Lowry
Along by the Salford Quays part of Greater Manchester, you’ll find the Lowry in all its’ glory. The name is of course inspired by the great Mancunian artist L.S. Lowry and you’ll find plenty of his original works along with other modern and contemporary arts pieces. The gallery exhibits a mixture of visual and performance art as well and it features studio spaces and not one, but two main theatres. It’s a creative hub that thrives in Manchester and whether you come for a quick visit or a whole day out, you won’t regret coming along.
3. Grab a bite to eat at Volta
Volta is owned by two of Manchester’s most famous DJs-turned-restaurateurs, the Unabombers. They’ve swapped their clubbing ways to serve up a treat to the people of Manchester and boy, you won’t be disappointed. Their venue has a laid back and stylish design which makes you feel at ease as soon as you step inside. They serve a range of delicious dishes but their small plates are ones you have to try, with bites such as Lebanese lamb chops and deep fried goats cheese that keep you coming back for more.
4. Explore the city by bike
Manchester is a very big city but it also has excellent bike lanes and is super bike friendly for cyclists who want to get around on two wheels. If you plan on bringing your own bike or buying one here, cycling could save you money on train and bus fares in the long run. Online you can find plenty of cycle routes and information if you’re planning on cycling in Manchester. Luckily, a lot of our student accommodation in Manchester also has secure bike parking, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot for it once you get home.
5. Get some drinks at Big Hands
Big Hands is a place you’ll walk pass and probably miss if you aren’t looking for it. Sandwiched between a kebab shop and a florist, follow the alleyway down and you’ll find what looks like a dive bar. But Big Hands is so much more than that. Here, you’ll find a place which hosts some of the best gigs in Manchester and has a beautiful rooftop terrace perfect for summer evening hangs. Whether you’re into the rock scene or not, this is a hidden gem in the city you must be sure to visit.
6. Go to a footbal match
Manchester is most famous for its football teams and has huge followings of fans from all around the world. If you’re a fan, you’d be mad not to go see them in action at the Old Trafford. If you really love your football, you can even take a tour of Manchester United and Manchester City to learn all about the rich history of the clubs and even take a trip to the Football Museum.
7. Go on a tour
One of the best ways to learn all about the history and hidden stories of a city is to go on a guided tour. There are regular Blue Badge tours that run every day for less than a tenner and they make for a great way to spend a few hours.Meet with your group and you’ll go on a walking tour of Manchester, learning all about the history and architecture along the way. It’s a great way to understand the city and how it became what it is today.
8. Hit up the markets
Manchester is known for having great markets all year round with everything you could possibly imagine for sale. From crafts to clothes to food, there’s something here to satisfy everyone. Grub is one of the best street food markets and Altrincham Market has been revamped to be bigger and better. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and you could get some great bargains from them!
There is So Much to Do in Manchester
Manchester is an amazing city to live and if you’re coming to study in Manchester, you’re very lucky.
Need to find student accommodation in Manchester? Get in touch with us and we can help you.
Student Accommodation in Manchester
• Starting from £121 per week • Close to University of Manchester & Manchester Metropolitan University • En-suite Rooms & Studios
• Starting from £118 per week • Close to University of Manchester & Manchester Metropolitan University • En-suite Rooms & Studios
• Starting from £101 per week • Close to University of Manchester & Manchester Metropolitan University • Standard Rooms
• Starting from £119 per week • Close to University of Manchester & Manchester Metropolitan University • Standard Rooms
• Starting from £113 per week • Close to University of Manchester & Manchester Metropolitan University • Standard Rooms & Studios
Universities in Manchester
The University of Manchester is a very public institution founded in 2004 as a result of the merge of two XIX century universities; the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and and the Victoria University of Manchester. This institution is part of the Russell Group of universities whose members are committed to offer high standards of research and teaching. The University of Manchester offers several single and combined courses at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels. It is considered the second largest university in the country so sure you will find your place in here!
Manchester Metropolitan University
The Metropolitan University of Manchester was founded in traces its origins back to 1843 when the Manchester School of Design, however this higher institution did not become what it is today until 1992, when it gained full university status. It has campuses in Manchester city centre but also in the rural Cheshire. More than 38000 students choose this institution to develop their further education in part due to its complete offer of courses in fashion, German, media, criminology or theatre and acting!
Other Useful Information
Register with a GP
Moving abroad is not easy and you want to be ready and feel safe. This is why we want to help you in the process of choosing a GP, which might seem a bit different from your country. Click the button and you will be redirect to the NHS website.
Get a National Insurance Number
You will need this if you want to work during your studies. Your employer will need the 10 digits identification number in order to enter you on the records, to pay your salary and other benefits, as well as to track your records in the health service system.
Open a UK Bank Account
Receiving student loans, paying your rent, getting your payslips... There are several reasons why you should open a UK bank account if you come to study in the UK. Do not worry. You will just need a few documents and should follow a few steps.
