Manchester

Manchester is where music legends were born, street art spills onto every corner, and the nightlife never quits. Known for its buzzing energy, friendly locals, and killer food scene, it’s the perfect city for students and young adults looking to mix culture, creativity, and a good time all in one place.

Food and Drink

Manchester’s food scene is a flavour-packed mix of street food, cozy cafés, and tasty eats from all over the world. There’s something for every craving and budget.

The Blues Kitchen - 4.6/5
Serving up seriously good BBQ, live blues jams, and cocktails that keep the party going. It’s the perfect spot to chill with friends, soak in some killer vibes, and enjoy soulful tunes alongside finger-licking food.

Purezza - 4.8/5
Serves up creative, fresh pizzas with plenty of plant-based options alongside classic favourites like pepperoni. It’s the perfect spot for students looking for tasty, flexible pizza vibes.

Common - 4.3/5
Another good pizza spot, too good to leave off. In a great spot to get some carbs in before you head out into the Northern Quarter of Manchester. The ‘Do You ‘Roni Honey?’ slice is must try and for a veggie option, the ‘Magic Number’ always goes down a treat.

Chakalaka - 4.5/5
One of Manchester’s strengths is the authentic world food options on offer. Chakalaka epitomises this. One of the few South African restaurants you’ll find in the UK and has great vibes that match the country. Banging food and the namesake Chakalaka is 100% worth a try.

Wings Dai Pai Dong - 3.8/5
If you’ve never been to the Arndale’s food court, definitely carve some time out to get there. Our recommendation there would be Wings. Quick and cheap Chinese food, which was once a regular stop for the likes of Wayne Rooney.

Whatever you’re craving, Manchester makes it easy to find something good, without having to blow the budget.

Things to Do & Culture

Manchester has it all epic music venues cool street art in the Northern Quarter football at Old Trafford and amazing museums like the Science and Industry Museum and Manchester Art Gallery It’s a city full of history creativity and culture perfect for exploring and soaking up inspiration

Old Trafford - 4.5/5
Before you panic, we’re not actually telling you to go watch Manchester United play football (maybe they’ll be better this season), it’s the cricket ground we’re recommending. Any form of cricket in the sun, is an excellent opportunity to bask in some good weather and have some drinks with friends.

Northern Quarter - 4.7/5
One of the most down to earth areas of the city. Vintage shops, street art, coffee shops, good food and indie bars. A great place to visit at all hours of the day.

Trafford Centre - 4.5/5
Simply the coolest shopping centre in the country. Crazy architecture, a massive food court with anything and everything you could ask for, and your one stop spot for anything shopping.

Chill Factore - 4.4/5
Located right next to the Trafford Centre, Chill Factore is the UK’s longest indoor ski slope. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn, a veteran looking to scratch that skiing itch, or just looking for something fun to do with your friends, Chill Factore’s got you covered.

Printworks - 4.3/5
A big entertainment complex in the heart of the city. An IMAX, bars, clubs, restaurants, minigolf and more, Printworks feels like its own little world inside the city.

You’ll never be short on things to do in Manchester, and fortunately most of them are indoors, which is handy when the rain inevitably makes an appearance.

Going Out & Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Manchester lights up with buzzing bars, live music spots, and legendary clubs. From the vibrant vibes of Deansgate and the eclectic Northern Quarter to the inclusive energy of Canal Street, there’s a scene for everyone ready to dance, drink, and make memories.

The Warehouse Project - 4.5/5
The crown jewel of the Manchester rave scene. Set up in a huge warehouse (obviously), it’s a hub for world-class DJs, huge crowds and if you have any interest in an artist playing there, this is one of the real must-dos if you get the chance. Make sure you get your tickets early, as this place is always in high demand.

Crazy Pedro’s - 3.5/5
A seriously underrated establishment. Open til 4, good student deals, good music and pizza and nachos served through the night. Perfect for when the night is getting on but you’re not quite done.

Canal Street - 4/5
The heart of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ scene. Come rain or shine, Canal street is always bouncing with packed bars, clubs and events.

FAC251 - 2.8/5
Despite the low rating, Factory 251 is a true student classic and a piece of Manchester music history at that. Built inside the old Factory Records HQ, the label that gave us Joy Division, New Order and the legendary Hacienda, FAC251 keeps that legacy alive, with three floors of indie, hip-hop and dance.

Cutting Room Square - 4.6/5
An excellent pres spot right near the Northern Quarter. Good outdoor seating, good bars, and if you go earlier in the day a good spot to grab a bite to eat too.

Manchester has the strange ability to turn a couple quiet pints, into several loud ones, followed by a night out that ends in the morning. One thing is always true, you won’t be disappointed about where the night takes you.

Hidden Gems

Manchester could be the home of hidden gems and its history proves that. If Northern Soul and Factory Records taught us anything, it’s that Manchester has big stories hidden away in unexpected places.

Rollers - 4.2/5
The Arndale does have a world of choice when it comes to food, so it’s easy for some places to go under the radar. Rollers is one of them. The cinnamon buns here are stellar and never go amiss for a sweet treat when required.

Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens - 4.7/5
A peaceful escape in Didsbury with greenery, gardens and plenty of space to relax away from the buzz of the city.

Ordsall Hall - 4.7/5
Found just over in Salford, Manchester’s 3rd oldest building also happens to make for a real nice afternoon trip. A chill cafe, a beautiful garden and orchard and a great place to learn some more about Manchester’s rich history.

Manchester has always been a place where big things start small, so don’t be surprised if your favourite memories come from spots people just don’t seem to give credit.

Study Spots/Student Essentials

Whether you have to pull an all-nighter, looking to grab some food on the cheap, or some spots you can call home, Manchester has you covered.

Main Library (UOM) - 4.5/5
One of the biggest academic libraries in the country, with all sorts of resources and plenty of study spots, you’ll find everything you’ll need in the aptly named Main Library.

All Saints Library (MMU) - 4.6/5
One of Manchester Met’s main libraries. Found right on Oxford Road, with long opening hours, and a mix of group and quiet study zones.

Student Unions - 4.4/5
Both the university's student unions are hotspots for live music, a world of choice for food and worst comes to worst, a good spot to just hangout with some friends.

Fallowfield - 4/5
Fallowfield is the home of student life, especially for first years. Has good cheap shopping options, places to drink and hangout with friends, and is typically where most societies are located.

Withington - 4/5
Fallowfield’s cheaper counterpart. Still heavily studenty but with more cafes and bars springing up here, it’s definitely worth considering.

Being a student in Manchester is easy. You've got places to study, places to eat, places to socialise and the city always something going on to keep you busy.

City Advice

Manchester’s always bouncing, affordable and full of character. Here are a few things worth knowing before you dive in.

Getting Around - Manchester might be one of the UKs larger cities, but it remains quite walkable if you’re just milling around the centre. But if you ever need to travel any further, the buses and the tram are real life savers. Not that they’re impressively expensive as is, but if you know you’re going to be commuting a lot, a student bus pass will save you a small fortune.

Where to Live - Fallowfield is a safe bet if you’re after the typical university experience and would be a recommendation for your first year. But Withington would be the cooler, slightly more niche option, with more of a laid-back vibe. The city centre is another option. You’ll be at the heart of everything, but will keep you in walking distance of everything uni related.

Local Quirks - Although it’s not quite Cumbria, you’ll learn quickly that it rains. A lot. So be prepared for that. You’ll likely also be asked, “City or United”, with a different correct answer for everyone who’s asking. And whether you’re a fan or not, you will without a doubt, be belting out Oasis in a bar at some point during your stay.

Some people call Manchester the ‘London of the North’, but honestly it doesn’t need the comparison. With its own unique rhythm and character, Manchester will continue to shape music, culture and nightlife across the world.

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