Where is the Best Place to Live in Manchester as a Student?

With a yearly student population of over 100,000, including over 27,000 international students, Manchester has many popular areas for undergraduates and postgraduates. To find the best location to live as a student, you may want to consider the following factors:

·       Proximity to campus: Living close to your university can save time and money on commuting, making it easier to attend lectures, study in the library, or get involved in campus activities. Ideal for those new to Manchester, such as first years and international students.

Best areas close to Manchester universities: Oxford Road Corridor, Rusholme, Victoria Park

·       Nightlife: If you enjoy a vibrant social scene, choosing an area with bars, clubs, and student nights can enhance your uni experience. Or, on the flip side, those looking for quieter areas, such as mature or postgraduate students, may want to avoid accommodation close to nightlife.

Best areas close to Manchester nightlife: Northern Quarter, Fallowfield

·       Local amenities: It’s important to find suitable accommodation near necessities, such as shops, cafes, takeaways and gyms. These can make day-to-day life more convenient and enjoyable.

Best areas with good amenities: Rusholme, Fallowfield, Withington

·       Public transport links: Reliable buses and trams are essential for getting around, especially if you’re commuting or like to explore the city. You may also want to consider the distance from a Manchester train station, like Piccadilly or Victoria, to easily travel back home during holidays.

Best areas: Rusholme, Oxford Road Corridor, Withington

·       Green spaces: Access to parks offers a break from city life—great for relaxing, studying outdoors, staying active, or taking a well-deserved mental health break.

Best areas: Victoria Park, Ardwick, Withington

 
To get a better understanding, make sure to arrange a viewing at Manchester student accommodation. After you view the property, you can walk around the surrounding area to have a look at the local amenities and what the property is close to. It also allows you to chat with existing tenants and onsite hospitality staff.

Arrange a viewing with Mansion Student today!

As with most places, Manchester’s city centre is a vibrant and bustling scene, perfect for students who want to live in the heart of the action. There’s easy access to Manchester’s nightlife, music scene, shopping, and universities.

A hub of activity, many students decide to live in the city centre due to convenience and accessibility to social events. A popular place for students is the Northern Quarter, a trendy and central area in Manchester city centre.

However, there are disadvantages to living in Manchester city centre as a student. Student accommodation may be more expensive in busier areas, and road traffic may become a problem, particularly for students who need to commute during peak hours. Also, due to the lively atmosphere, the area can get extremely noisy and crowded, especially at night, causing problems for mature, third year, and postgraduate students who need to study for important exams.

Here are some of the best Manchester student locations:

Fallowfield

Fallowfield is one of the most popular student hubs in Manchester, known for its energetic atmosphere, social buzz, and large student population. It’s ideal for undergraduates who want a fun and lively university experience.

·       Proximity to universities: 15 to 20 minutes by bus to the University of Manchester and Manchester Met campuses.

·       Key features: Variety of student housing, home to The Armitage Sports Centre, and packed with pubs, cafes, convenience stores, and takeaways.

One of the benefits of Fallowfield may also be its downside. Due to its liveliness, Fallowfield can get noisy and chaotic, especially during the weekends. It may not be suitable for older students, students who need to prepare and study for important exams, or those who prefer peace and quiet.

Withington

Withington offers a quieter and more mature vibe compared to Fallowfield, while still being close to the action. It's popular among second and third year students who want a more relaxed lifestyle.

·       Proximity to universities: 20 to 25 minutes by bus to both universities.

·       Key features: Well connected via Wilmslow Road bus routes, a mix of students and young professionals, and affordable housing rates.

As Withington is further from Manchester city centre and university campuses, there are fewer student-specific events compared to other areas.

Rusholme

Famous for its “Curry Mile”, Rusholme is popular amongst Manchester students due to its variety of diverse and affordable eateries, as well as proximity to the University of Manchester and the Metropolitan campuses.

·       Proximity to universities: 10-minute walk to the University of Manchester, 15-minute walk or short bus ride to MMU.

·       Key features: Great food options at a low price, close to the centre of Manchester and nightlife, and good transport links.

One downside to Rusholme is the high traffic area due to the vast number of food options, which may result in some students wanting to avoid.

Victoria Park

A quieter, leafy residential area between Rusholme and the campuses, Victoria Park is ideal for students who want a peaceful home life with quick campus access.

·       Proximity to universities: 10 to 15 minute walk to the University of Manchester and MMU.

·       Key features: Calm and safe, good access to green spaces, and within walking distance to necessary university resources and Oxford Road.

Whilst some students may prefer a quieter and greener area, others may prefer livelier areas compared to Victoria Park, which lacks student-focused events.

Oxford Road Corridor

Seen as the heart of Manchester's university district, Oxford Road is ideal for students looking to be in the middle of everything, including university resources, nightlife, and the music scene.

·       Proximity to universities: Both major universities are based along the corridor.

·       Key features: Close to a train station, many things to do as a student, and surrounded by museums, theatres, music venues, and nightlife.

Because of its central location, Oxford Road student accommodation tends to be more expensive and has higher costs of living. Oxford Road is also extremely busy and urban, which can lead to noisy and restless nights.

Ardwick

Ardwick is an up-and-coming area close to campus but with a quieter, more residential feel. It's often cheaper than more central options.

·       Proximity to universities: 10- to 15-minute walk to both universities.

·       Key features: Affordable rent compared to other locations, close to Manchester Piccadilly and excellent transport links, home to luxury accommodation like City Edge, and close to green spaces.

Similar to Withington, Ardwick has fewer student-focused amenities and nightlife. However, the area is within walking distance of Manchester city centre, including the Northern Quarter (20-minute walk), and has its own train station for local transport links.

In the table below, compare the most popular locations to find where you should live as a Manchester student:

With modern student accommodations across the UK’s most popular student cities, Mansion Student has two new properties close to Manchester city centre:

Our Moss Court property, based in Rusholme, is a short walk to the University of Manchester and MMU campuses, and just a two-minute walk to the Curry Mile on Wilmslow Road.

Also close by, City Edge is situated near Ardwick Green Park and offers regular social events to establish a vibrant student community. Both of our Manchester student accommodations come fully furnished, with all-inclusive rent, secure facilities and onsite parking.

Key features of City Edge student accommodation:

·       Close to Manchester city centre 

·       Various room options 

·       All-inclusive bills 

·       High-speed Wi-Fi 

·       On-site secure parking

·       Secure facilities and CCTV 

Key features of Moss Edge student accommodation:

·       Different room sizes available 

·       Manchester city centre location 

·       Onsite secure parking 

·       All bills included 

·       Close to the University of Manchester 

If you have any questions regarding any of our student accommodation properties, contact the Mansion Student team today!

Overall, Manchester is considered a safe place for students, especially in university-related and private accommodation. Prioritise your safety by looking for student accommodation with secure facilities, such as CCTV, and utilise tools to connect with campus security for help (like the SafeZone app).

What are the best ways to prepare for living in Manchester as a student?

To help with your move to Manchester, try to familiarise yourself with the city, especially the areas you will be going to frequently (e.g. university campus and city centre). Explore the local culture and establish a support system by finding your nearest GP or student health service and choosing conveniently placed student accommodation.

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