Manchester is one of the top 5 student cities in the UK, famous for its vibrant and friendly culture. Besides, it has some of the best universities in the world and iconic tourist spots. Overall, it is a dream city for many international students who want to launch a successful career here!
However, leaving the safe confines of your home to migrate to a foreign location is not a smooth ride, especially when you are shifting to a cosmopolitan city like Manchester. There are plenty of things to keep in mind to live a safe and comfortable university life.
So read this article to learn about tips and tricks you must follow to live your best student life in Manchester!
Arrange Your Accommodation on Time
One of the common mistakes that many international students make is to book their accommodation after arriving in the city. However, it is not an ideal approach, and you must plan your student accommodation in Manchester right after receiving your university acceptance letter.
It will ensure a safe and comfortable transition to your new life as it takes time to find the right property and then the entire process of moving into it. Moreover, you don’t want the hassle of searching for a decent place to stay on the first day of your university!
Another issue is that you won’t be able to open a bank account without an address in Manchester. So you need to book your student housing, on-campus or off-campus, before arriving in the city!
Set up a Bank Account
Now that we have discussed opening a local bank account in the above point, it is time to understand why it is essential. Firstly, it will be easier to pay bills, and secondly, it will help you evade the foreign currency charges you incur if you use a non-UK bank account to make purchases.
Remember, setting up a new bank account is a lengthy process, so it is advisable that once you have an address in Manchester, the next thing you need to do is to set up a local bank account. Furthermore, you need to submit a letter to the bank from your university stating that you are a student here. So don’t forget to collect that as well!
Get Involved in Your University Life
We understand that your primary motive is to secure good marks in your university exams, but you also need to participate in extracurricular activities for your holistic development. Moreover, it will help you socialise with people and make personal and professional contacts!
So join a hobby club at your university that matches your interests like poetry, dance, sports, fitness, etc. Besides, you can also participate in various volunteering programs, networking events, cultural events, student organisations, or workshops at your university.
Explore the City
You might find this cliche advice, but you must make the most of your student life in Manchester! Not everyone gets a chance to study in one of the best student cities in the world, so you should maximise your experience as much as possible!
So while staying inside your student accommodation near the University of Manchester or Manchester Metropolitan University, don’t just spend your entire time binge-watching your favourite TV show. Go out and explore the vibrant, fun, and bustling city!
Explore your neighbourhood, dine out with friends in restaurants, read a book in a cafe, have a picnic in one of the scenic community parks, marvel at the magnificent tourist spots like Manchester Art Gallery and National Football Museum, etc.
Final Takeaway
Finally, you need to relish every second of your time studying in Manchester to make fond memories that will make you grin ear to ear whenever you reminisce about it! However, there will be times when you may feel anxious and stressed as living alone in a foreign city can be pretty daunting. But on the whole, this journey will be worthwhile, especially if you follow the tips discussed in the blog. Best of luck!
Where to stay when studying overseas?
amber is a student housing platform that assists millions of students globally by providing them with the most suitable options for booking a home. Their efficient team will help you locate your ideal student accommodation at your preferred spot! You can get in touch with them to know more.
