Home to two leading football clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United, the metropolitan city of Manchester has something for everyone, given its richness in art, media, sports, history, scientific research and social impacts. Voted among the top 5 cities to live in the UK, according to the Global Liveability Index, Manchester forms the best platform for an international student to flourish, immersed in tradition yet open to evolution.
Student life is not only about career and responsibilities; it’s essential to have fun and explore yourself in the process. Here is a comprehensive list of things an international student should be aware of to have a well-balanced student life.
Best Universities in Manchester
Manchester welcomes students from every corner with different aspirations and provides them with excellent training and a sense of belonging.
- University of Manchester: Topping the list of institutions that guarantee employability and social impact, the University of Manchester is one of the most prominent single-site universities in the United Kingdom. More than 40,000 students come out in flying colours, landing a career of their dreams.
- Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU): With two campuses, one situated in the city centre and the other in Cheshire, MMU is well-linked to tram, bus, and train links, making it easy for students. MMU is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and provides quality education at various levels and degrees.
- Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM): As the name suggests, RNCM is the musical and art hub of the place, where thousands are trained in musical composition and performance. Besides music, it also offers doctoral studies in various performing arts.
Student housing in Manchester
Set your preferences of the cost, facilities and comfort before you look for a house, and then go through each type of student accommodation in the UK to find which suits you best.
- Homestay: If the idea of living alone frightens you, you can stay with a local family who can introduce you to the place and culture. The host family provides you with meals and other necessities.
- University dorms: If you want to enhance social interaction, it’s best to choose the University dorms managed by the institution or an agency hired by the university. You can meet new friends and build lifelong friendships while not having to shoulder many responsibilities.
- Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): If you want to have a space designed exclusively for students with separate areas for study, games and dining, Manchester student housing is the perfect place.
- Private apartments: If you want to have separate bills for each amenities and embrace adulting to another level, you can go for the student flats in Manchester city centre and other areas. Unlike the PBSA, you are responsible for the maintenance of the house.
Cost of living for an international student
Manchester is among the most affordable cities in the UK and attracts millions of students to have a pleasant life. However, with proper budget planning, you can never go broke in Manchester.
- Accommodation: Irrespective of the location and type of housing, it will cost you nearly £700 to get a nice pad in the city.
- Meals: You can cook with your friends, order in or dine in University mess, or you can try it all. Either way, keep around £100 for your monthly meals.
- Transportation: You can commute locally via train, tram, taxi, bus or flight for £50 per month. Purchasing a travel pass or availing student discounts are recommended to cut down the transport expenses further.
- Stationery: Though you can rely on digital media or seniors for any study material, you may keep aside a monthly budget of £60 for pens, papers and other stationery.
- Fun and social activities: Being stringent on money keeping can kill the buzz of international life. Set aside £250 every month for travel, shopping, movies, getaways, or fancy house parties.
Places to visit and things to do in Manchester
When you have the chance to savour the best cuisine and travel to mysterious places in a faraway land, don’t miss the opportunity. Always find fun and engaging activities to do in the new place to feel at home.
- Museums and theatres: Staying true to the love for art, Manchester throws its charm in the Stockport Plaza and Paramount bookshop, where you can meet history in real-time. If you’re a die-hard fan of the show Friends, the FriendsFest at Heaton Park is to die for.
- Restaurants: From burgers to curry to Asian spicy food to kebabs, Manchester has a line of restaurants in the city’s heart that serve delicacies at a student-friendly price. If you want to indulge in European cuisine, ‘The Sparrows’ does it best. ‘Greens’ is the favourite among veggie lovers.
- Nightlife: From pumping music at the rusty cafes to LGBTQ+ friendly bars to lively clubs, the city steals the heart of every student who set their foot in. If you love to witness some classic street art under the stars, you can head to the Northern Quarters for the best sight.
How can Amberstudent help you?
We at AmberStudent serve millions of students worldwide by providing the best options and rewarding experience because we apprehend its value. We are upgraded with the latest COVID protocols and would be more than happy to assist you in booking your ideal home. Stay tuned for the latest updates: https://www.instagram.com/amberstudent/ https://www.facebook.com/amberstudent.
