How to Choose the Best Student Accommodation in Manchester

Regardless of how well you know Manchester, living in a convenient place helps simplify your university experience.

Consider:

·       How close are you to university campuses and resources?

·       What is the crime rate in the area?

·       What are the amenities in the area?

·       Are there good public transport links? (Bus or Metrolink tram routes)

Manchester has an incredibly dense student population scattered across the city. With many different student areas, it’s important to look at certain features and how they compare with each other to find the best Manchester student accommodation for your needs.

Here are some examples of the best places to live in Manchester as a student:

Fallowfield

Perfect for students looking for a lively atmosphere, Fallowfield has many local amenities and social events that enhance university life. The area is home to halls of residence operated by the University of Manchester, as well as many private student accommodations.

Fallowfield is a short bus ride to the University of Manchester and Metropolitan campuses, and is packed with pubs, student bars, and popular nightlife.

Rusholme

Leading from Oxford Road, Rusholme is home to the famous “Curry Mile” on Wilmslow Road, populated with various eateries and takeaways offering diverse cuisines. Some of the best student accommodation in Manchester is located in this area and is extremely popular with students due to its close proximity to university campuses.

Oxford Road Corridor

Full of some of the best things to do, including theatres, bars, and music venues, Oxford Road Corridor is incredibly popular among tourists and students alike. Regarding student accommodation, the area is full of private student housing and university halls, particularly Manchester Metropolitan University, which has its main campus based on the road.

For more information, read our expert guide on the best Manchester areas to live in as a student here.

If you are looking for a balance between the liveliness of Oxford Road and the convenience and amenities of Rusholme, look no further than Moss Court student accommodation.

Mansion Student provides modern and affordable student accommodation in some of the most popular cities in the UK. Our Manchester student accommodation, Moss Court, is based just a short walk from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan campuses, as well as Oxford Road nightlife and Rusholme eateries.

Expect secure, all-inclusive living in non-ensuite rooms – perfect for sharing with friends and making new ones. Within the rent, you can enjoy parking, high-speed WiFi, contents insurance and an onsite hospitality team if any issues arise.

Arrange a viewing.

Two of the best options for student accommodation are university halls and private housing. Determining which type of student accommodation in Manchester is most suitable for you depends on your needs and lifestyle.

Consider:

·       Do you prefer living with many housemates or flatmates, or would you rather have a quieter space?

·       How comfortable are you managing your bills?

·       What’s your monthly budget?

·       Do you prefer to live close to the university or farther away?

University Halls of Residence 

Both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University offer halls of residence close to or on campus. This type of Manchester student accommodation is a great place for first year students looking to meet new people as soon as they land in the city; offering a ready-made community and instant access to the resources of some of the best universities.

However, university halls are often prioritised for just first year students, meaning second and third years may want to consider alternative housing options. Also, facilities may be lacking in modernity, with only the basic essentials available.

Best Manchester University Halls:

·       Ashburne Hall (Victoria Park), provided by the University of Manchester

·       Cambridge Halls (Oxford Road), provided by Manchester Metropolitan University

Private Student Accommodation

For more variety and flexibility, consider private student accommodation options. Across Manchester, there are some of the best student accommodation privately managed, featuring modern and lavish facilities. These are purpose-built buildings that are chosen due to their convenience for student living, often within a short distance from Manchester universities.

One drawback is that this type of student accommodation is often the most expensive, particularly in busy areas such as Manchester city centre and Oxford Road. But, with this cost, you can expect luxury and all-inclusive housing. 

These are perfect for students seeking a balance of independence and safety, such as second- and third-year students.

Best Manchester Student Accommodation by Mansion Student:

·       Moss Court (Rusholme/Oxford Road), a short walk from university campuses.

·       City Edge (Ardwick), ten minutes away from the city centre and nearby local amenities.

It’s not just about the cost or the location – consider what comes with the overall rent. Finding the best student accommodation often comes down to the specific facilities and services it offers. Consider the following:

The Essential Must-Haves

·       High-speed WiFi: A student essential, a strong WiFi connection is crucial for studying throughout the tenancy length, as well as staying in touch with your family and friends.

·       Good heating: Winters can get cold, especially in the northwest Manchester. Look for central heating features, well-insulated rooms, and an onsite maintenance team that will help if any issues come up.

·       Secure entry: Your safety should be a priority. The best student accommodation in Manchester should have secure entry systems in place, such as fob entry, lockable bedrooms, onsite security, and CCTV.

·       Laundry facilities: Look for laundry rooms or access to a laundrette nearby for added convenience

What’s Included in the Rent? 

·       All-inclusive bills: University halls and private student accommodation often include all bills, compared to shared houses and flats. This can help simplify student living, including water, electricity, and WiFi bills within the cost.

·       Contents insurance: Certain private companies may provide basic coverage of your contents during your stay to protect them against damage or theft.

·       Furnishings: Often included in your rent will be basic furnishings and appliances, such as a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, fridge, freezer, and cooker. You should receive an inventory of these items before moving in, so you can plan what to take to your new room effectively.

Beneficial Extras

·       Parking access: Ideal for commuters and students who need to travel for a part-time job.

·       Onsite staff and support: You can’t account for everything, and something may happen during your tenancy length that you need support for. A dedicated hospitality team will be there to help you in any way they can, whether it is an issue with your room or you're feeling homesick.

·       Social spaces: Common rooms, games areas, or cinemas can turn your accommodation into a social hub.

·       Bike storage: Manchester is a bike-friendly city, with many lanes and wide paths specifically for them. Riders may find that the best student accommodation for them includes secure storage, whether inside or outside, for their bicycle.

At Mansion Student, we provide modern private student accommodation and services across the UK, including Leeds, Durham, and Manchester.

Based near the city centre, our Manchester student halls are conveniently located in a prime location to simplify your student experience. With easy access within walking distance, you can access university resources (both the University of Manchester and Metropolitan campuses), as well as the city centre, local amenities, and popular things to do in Manchester.

Our City Edge student accommodation consists of spacious non-ensuite rooms of varying sizes, featuring all-inclusive bills and conveniently located.

Arrange a viewing.

Interested? For more information on our Manchester student accommodations or any other enquiries, contact the Mansion Student team today!

Is Manchester City Centre Accommodation Worth the Higher Price?

It all depends on your priorities. Student accommodation based in Manchester city centre may offer premium benefits and convenience. However, if your main concern is your budget, consider alternative areas such as Rusholme, Fallowfield, and Ardwick.

Read about the cost of Manchester student accommodation with our guide here.

Can I Live in Private Student Accommodation in my First Year?

Yes, if you prefer to live away from the university campus, private student accommodation welcomes students of any year. Many private accommodation providers, such as Mansion Student, welcome first-year students and often design their spaces with a strong social and support network in mind.

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