Every Manchester student wants to make the most of the city, but student budgets are limited. And with estimated monthly living costs exceeding £1,200, even surviving sounds expensive, let alone thriving!
However, with some savvy money-saving habits and a sharp eye for student discounts, your maintenance loan can stretch much further than you think.
Manchester is, after all, home to some 90,000 students. That’s a massive market, and many businesses are happy to drop their prices to serve it. From getting around to eating out, there are always deals to be found.
Here, you’ll learn where to find them, as well as some top tips for managing your student budget. By the end, you’ll be ready to enjoy all that Manchester has to offer without money worries getting in the way.
Getting Around
The last thing you want when studying in Manchester is to be confined to the campus. With these simple transport tips, you won’t have to be.
● Student bus passes: You can save on Manchester’s Bee Network by applying for a System One membership or buying an All Terms ticket, which provides unlimited travel from September to June for less than £9 per week.
● 16-25 railcard: For journeys further afield, a 16-25 railcard can bring you significant savings. You’ll get a third off most rail fares, which is ideal for day trips or when you’re heading home for the holidays.
● Coach travel: Coach services like Megabus and National Express offer long-distance journeys at lower costs than most trains, and you can even get a student discount on top.
Remember to book well in advance when possible and stick to off-peak times to maximise your travel budget.
Accommodation and Budgeting
Accommodation is one of the biggest ongoing costs students face, but you can still save plenty with a bit of common sense.
● Share housing with friends: You’ll not only have more fun, but you’ll find it much cheaper than living alone.
● Split the bills: Spreading the cost of Wi-Fi and utilities among housemates makes them cheaper for everyone. Today, you can split student bills easily using dedicated online platforms, so there are no awkward situations like chasing housemates for late payments.
You’ll need to factor the security deposit into your accommodation budget, too. Make sure this is held in a government-approved scheme so there are no issues getting it back when your tenancy ends.
Nights Out
Manchester’s nightlife is not to be missed, and it’s surprisingly easy to enjoy it on a budget if you:
● Plan around student nights: Popular clubs like 42’s host weekly student nights where they offer discounted entry and drinks deals.
● Be an early bird: Event tickets are cheaper if you get them in advance, and some venues offer cheaper entry if you arrive before a certain time.
● Carry your student card: Some places have ongoing drinks deals for students, so it’s always worth carrying your card if you’re heading somewhere new.
Top tip: Follow your favourite bars and restaurants on social media to hear about the latest deals and discounts.
Day Trips
With destinations like the Peak District and Liverpool just a short hop away, Manchester is an ideal location for budget-friendly day trips.
When it comes to culture, both Manchester and Liverpool are packed with historic buildings and museums, many of which are completely free to enter.
Meanwhile, the Peak District provides some of the country’s most stunning scenery for the cost of a short train ride. You can enjoy it for free by hiking, or hire a bike for a small fee.
Bring a packed lunch and book your tickets early, and you’ll save enough to enjoy plenty of day trips throughout the year.
Student Survival Tips
● Sign up to student sites: Free websites like UNiDAYS and Student Beans are filled with student discounts for everything from fashion to technology.
● Always ask: If you don’t see a student discount advertised, ask just in case. Many shops offer one, but not all shout about it.
● Track your spending: The days of withdrawing a weekly budget from the ATM are long gone. Link your card up to a budgeting app to enforce limits and see how you’re really spending your money.
Make the Most of Manchester
Manchester is a vibrant city where there’s always something to see or do, which means it’s the perfect destination for an unforgettable student experience.
By putting these tips into practice, you’ll be free to embrace everything the city has to offer without feeling like you’re struggling, and you’ll graduate with more memories than you ever imagined.
