The north's largest city has a diverse population, music heritage and sporting history.
Manchester really has a bit of everything! From nights out at the Gay Village, to thrift-shopping around the Northern Quarter, there will be a scene that suits everyone! It is such a diverse city with people from all walks of life, so you’re guaranteed to fit in somewhere. The transport is very well-connected – between the buses and the tram, you’ll be able to get just about anywhere you need to, very easily! (Second year student, University of Manchester)
What Manchester's famous for...
Corrie
Arguably the most famous (and eventful) street in the whole country.
Manchester nightlife, according to students
The main two areas are Fallowfield and Northern Quarter. Fallowfield is full of relatively cheap pubs and clubs for students. The Northern Quarter is more for older people, and has a huge variety of places, [like] underground clubs, secret bars for fancy cocktails, and cosy pubs for beer and sport. (Second year student, University of Manchester)
Manc music
Factory Records, Mad-chester, Britpop... Music buffs will be in their element here. Manchester has played a pivotal role in music history.
Manchester nightlife, according to students
Factory is undeniably iconic. It's the successor to The Hacienda, a world-famous club that saw the beginning of our music scene. Big Hands Bar on Oxford Road has a special place in my heart – definitely not because they serve noodles behind the bar. If you're looking for LGBTQ+ friendly places, Gay Village on Canal St is your go-to. Clubs like G-A-Y are always packed with safe faces. (Third year student, University of Manchester)
City vs United
Home to two of the country's biggest teams, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Student life in Manchester
Local gems, tips and things to do, as recommended by students.
Treat yourself
Spinningfields is pretty high-end. There’s a restaurant called 20 Stories, which has the best view in Manchester. (Second year student, University of Manchester)
Low on cash
Most of the museums are free (Manchester Art Gallery, People’s History Museum, Science and Tech Museum, Whitworth Gallery). The amazing Christmas markets are fun to wander around. (Second year student, University of Manchester)
Friday feeling
YES is a really nice bar with fairly reasonable prices. It has four floors that each have a different vibe: a basement club, the main bar and pizza parlour, a pink-walled gig venue, and a gorgeous roof terrace bar. (Third year student, University of Manchester)
Catch up with mates
Didsbury is a suburb of Manchester [with] a beautiful park. (Second year student, University of Manchester)
Grab a bite
Archies for cheap fast food. Love the waffles and veggie burgers. (University of Manchester student)
When family visit
The Peak District is a lovely change of scene from the city. (Second year student, University of Manchester)
Feeling cultural
The Museum of Science and Industry is brilliant, with a whole floor dedicated to interactive activities. Your siblings (and you!) can really get involved and learn about the history of Manchester. (Second year student, Manchester Metropolitan University)
Sunday chiling
HOME Manchester is a really great contemporary arts centre, with theatre space and a brilliant independent cinema. Tickets are also very affordable. (Third year student, University of Manchester)
Manchester in pictures
Platt Fields Park Lake
(Megan Young, second year student at Manchester Metropolitan University)
Living in Manchester, according to students
We chose to live in Fallowfield as it's known as the sociable student area. It's a big mixture of students from the University of Manchester and Manchester Met. You do have to get a bus to uni, but it isn’t too long (maybe 20 minutes). (Second year student, Manchester Metropolitan University)
Emmeline Pankhurst statue
This is a statue in St Peter's Square, of Emmeline Pankhurst, a British suffragette from our town. She helped women win the right to vote, amongst other freedoms. (Emily, third year student at University of Manchester)
Christmas lights
Manchester's Christmas markets are magical and really make you feel like a kid again. (Second year student, UFCB)
Living in Manchester, according to students
Rusholme is super close to the city centre, as it's only a 20-minute walk up Oxford Road before you're right in the city. It's also home to the Curry Mile: a stretch of Asian restaurants and supermarkets, that are always vibrant and bustling. Rusholme is also very green, and it's not far from various parks, such as Whitworth and Platt Fields. (Third year student, University of Manchester)
Hulme Arch
(Jordan Strong, Manchester Metropolitan University student)
Living in Manchester
Housing, travel, and budgeting tips.
Where you'll find students
- Fallowfield
- Hulme
- Rusholme
Local transport
- £10
- Manchester 7 Day MegaRider
- Bus
Student money tips
The Curry Mile up Oxford Road is great to get all your fruit and veg, as it's much cheaper than the big supermarkets, and there's always something new to try. (Second year student, Manchester Metropolitan University)
The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.
Discover more savings on student life in Manchester with
UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.
Study options
Find courses and apprenticeships in the North West:
UCAS Media Service