Which Student Area Offers the Best Amenities in Manchester?

Finding the right student accommodation can significantly impact your wellbeing during the university year. It’s essential to select a location that not only offers beneficial facilities (such as modern communal spaces) but also is conveniently situated near key city amenities.

Here are some beneficial amenities to consider when comparing Manchester student areas:

·       Local shops and supermarkets: To make your weekly shopping simpler, look for an area within walking distance to supermarkets, such as Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco.

·       University campuses and resources: Manchester is home to five universities, including the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan, each with several campuses depending on the course. Consider student accommodation near these campuses and resources such as libraries or student unions.

·       Gyms and other leisure activities: Staying active is a great way to release stress and maintain good overall wellbeing throughout the year.

·       Places of interest: If you’re new to Manchester, you may want to be close to the city's best attractions and other landmarks , such as football stadiums, museums, and art galleries.

·       Nightlife: For first-year students, looking for accommodation near Manchester's nightlife  may be beneficial for a vibrant student experience. It also makes getting home after a late night that much easier.

·       Distance to train stations: With three major train stations in Manchester city centre (Piccadilly, Victoria, and Oxford Road), it’s simple to make the commute back home and travel to other cities.

·       Travel links: Apart from railway connections, Manchester is easily accessible by bus and tram routes, with the tap-in-tap-out Metrolink system connecting the city. The Bee Network also provides free bus travel for students between Piccadilly Station and the North and South campuses.

For more advice, read our guide on the most important amenities to consider when finding student accommodation.

At Mansion Student, we  manage and operate properties in some of the most popular student cities, including Leeds and Manchester. Our purpose-built student accommodations offer a range of amenities, including cinema rooms, gyms, modern study spaces, and laundry facilities.

We also look for student accommodation conveniently located in the city, with proximity to university campuses, things to do, and shops.

Browse our student accommodation locations to find your perfect place to stay next university year!

The heart of the city, Manchester's centre, is considered a highly convenient area for students, offering numerous amenities and proximity to university resources and transportation links.

Consisting of popular areas such as Spinningfields and the Northern Quarter, there are numerous student-focused amenities, supermarkets, and places to eat and drink. The University of Manchester’s main hub is just down Oxford Road, which is accessible by bus or a 20- to 30-minute walk depending on your starting point.

Amenities in Manchester city centre include:

·       Supermarkets: Co-op, Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s, Aldi

·       Shops: Northern Quarter, Arndale Centre

·       Manchester Central Library and Manchester Opera House

·       Train stations: Piccadilly, Victoria, Metrolink

·       Gyms

There is also a wide range of student accommodation available, including various property types and budgets to suit different needs. However, students may find that rents are more expensive the closer they are to the city centre. At weekends, students may discover that Manchester city centre is overpopulated due to tourists, and extremely loud at night.

Particularly for University of Manchester students, Fallowfield is a popular area due to its strong community and lively atmosphere. Just outside the city centre, Fallowfield is a bustling area perfect for second- and third-year students, especially those studying sport-related subjects, due to its proximity to The Armitage Sports Centre.

·       University of Manchester: 30-minute walk or 13-minute bus

·       Manchester Metropolitan: 45-minute walk or 20-minute bus

·       Manchester Piccadilly train station

Supermarkets

In Fallowfield, the closest supermarkets are Aldi, located in the heart of the community, and a Sainsbury’s, situated just outside the area. Scattered throughout, there are also corner shops, takeaways, and student pubs down Wilmslow Road – including a popular Wetherspoons and the community pub “Friendship Inn”.

Other places of interest

Along with a lively student nightlife and university resources, there is also access to green spaces, including Platt Fields Park, which features a sports complex, and Birchfield’s Park.

Home to the “Curry Mile”, Rusholme is a popular student area in Manchester, known for its numerous affordable and diverse eateries, as well as its proximity to both the University of Manchester and the Metropolitan campuses.

·       University of Manchester: 11-minute walk or 6-minute bus

·       Manchester Metropolitan: 25-minute walk or 11-minute bus

·       Manchester Piccadilly train station: 22-minute bus

Supermarkets

Although there are fewer student-focused amenities in Rusholme, the community itself is strong. For your weekly shop, there is a Tesco Express, and a Lidl close by. There are also Worldwide Foods, Manchester Superstore, and Syriana Supermarket for global cuisines.

Rusholme is famous for its “Curry Mile”, so students living here are never too far away from a good takeaway.

Other places of interest

In the event of an emergency, Manchester Royal Infirmary is within walking distance. Just next door, The Whitworth is home to a vast visual arts collection and a part of the University of Manchester.

If you're looking to live in Rusholme, Moss Court, one of our Manchester student accommodations, is the ideal place for you. A short walk from the main strip, Moss Court comprises four-bedroom flats with modern shared spaces, and luxury facilities. 

Next to Whitworth Park and within a short bus ride to the city centre, Moss Court is a perfect accommodation for the Metropolitan and the University of Manchester students.

Heading from the city centre to the Manchester Metropolitan campus, the Oxford Road Corridor is known as the city’s “knowledge quarter”. A popular place for both students and visitors, the area has an abundance of things to do and nearby amenities that are beneficial during the tenancy length. 

There is the Manchester Oxford Road train station, as well as many gyms, the Palace Theatre, and music venues with student events (such as YES and O2 Ritz).

·       University of Manchester: 12-minute walk or 8-minute bus

·       Manchester Metropolitan: 4-minute walk or 4-minute bus

·       Manchester Piccadilly train station: 13-minute walk or 3-minute train from Manchester Oxford Road station

Supermarkets

In the surrounding area of Oxford Road, there are many supermarkets, including a Tesco Express, a Sainsbury’s Local, an Asda Express, and a Minimart. There are also plenty of thrift and vintage shops to explore for the best deals and update your wardrobe on a budget.

Other places of interest

Oxford Road Corridor is a great place for students, thanks to the numerous amenities associated with the university. Manchester Metropolitan’s main campus is based on the road, and there are many libraries and other student services close by, such as Alan Gilbert Learning Commons, the Main Library, and MMU’s Library.

Similar to the city centre and Northern Quarter, Oxford Road may get noisy and crowded due to its status as a main road and tourist destination. Additionally, student accommodation is typically university-managed or more expensive than other areas, and housing options are limited.

For a quieter and more budget-focused area, consider Ardwick, which is a short walk from the city centre. The area has a train station that connects to other parts of Manchester, as well as ample travel options through bus routes.

·       University of Manchester: 15-minute walk or 15-minute bus

·       Manchester Metropolitan: 25-minute walk or 22-minute bus

·       Manchester Piccadilly train station: 35-minute walk or 15-minute bus

Within walking distance, there is a Morrison’s Daily and a Sainsbury’s Local near the University of Manchester campus.

Other places of interest

Compared to the city centre, Ardwick has numerous green spaces to relax and enjoy, including Ardwick Green Park and Whitworth Park, which is nearby. Although student amenities are limited within Ardwick itself, there are many cafes and bars within walking distance of Oxford Road. It’s a great balance between the bustling atmosphere and a quiet area for studying, popular with third-year and postgraduate students.

Manchester student accommodation in Ardwick

Located in Ardwick, City Edge (our Manchester student accommodation) is conveniently close to university amenities and the city centre, with a quick bus ride to Manchester Arndale Centre, AO Arena, or the Printworks.

With all bills included, Mansion Student properties simplify budgeting as a student. These properties feature on-site secure parking, CCTV, and shared modern facilities, making them ideal for social gatherings with friends.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Mansion Student team today.