What is the Cost of Manchester Student Accommodation?

University of Manchester building

With a wide variety of student accommodation options, including university halls and private student housing, understanding the cost of Manchester student accommodation can be detrimental in deciding where to live during your undergraduate degree.

In this guide, we will explore the cost of student accommodation in Manchester, which varies by type, room size, and location.

What Factors May Impact the Cost of Manchester Student Accommodation?

Choosing the right student accommodation is a crucial part of your university experience. You will find that certain features influence the overall cost of student accommodation in Manchester.

Let’s explore the main impactful factors to consider before booking your Manchester student accommodation:

·       Location: If you are looking to live close to Manchester city centre hotspots, such as the Oxford Road Corridor or Deansgate, expect higher costs. Other student areas in Manchester, such as Rusholme and Ardwick, may have slightly lower rents, but may require a longer commute. 

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

·       Accommodation Type: Across Manchester, there are hundreds of student accommodation options available. Expect to pay more for types such as university halls and private student accommodation, and less for shared houses or flats.

·       Room Type: The overall cost of Manchester student accommodation may depend on the size of the room you choose. Studios and ensuites often incur a higher rent compared to the standard non-ensuite room. The more privacy and space you have, the more you’ll typically pay. 

Read more about the different room types near Manchester universities here.

·       Facilities & Amenities: The accommodation you choose may have certain amenities that raise the costs, especially at modern, purpose-built properties. These may include gym access, cinemas, communal spaces, study rooms, 24/7 security, and high-speed internet.

·       All-Inclusive Bills: Students may find that certain accommodations may appear to have a higher upfront rent. However, if these include utility bills, such as water, electricity, and internet, this helps simplify bill management and may be cost-effective in the long run. All-inclusive bills are often not available for shared housing and flats.

Tip: Look for properties that bundle bills and offer premium facilities to get the best value for money.

What is the Average Cost of Manchester Student Accommodation?

Throughout the city, Manchester has a diverse range of student accommodation. “What is the cost of Manchester student accommodation?” is not a straightforward question. Rent will vary depending on the accommodation provider, size, facilities, and location.

Looking at the three main types of student accommodation in Manchester, let’s break down average costs and what is included in the rent:

University Halls in Manchester

With two major universities, Manchester offers a range of university halls available either near or on campus. Both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) provide suitable accommodation, ideal for first year students seeking an instant sense of community.

University of Manchester buildingOften, university halls of residence offer both catered and self-catered options – with the former typically costing more. Compare the different room types of Manchester university halls below:

Room Type Weekly Rent (£) Example
Shared Bathroom (Catered) £126–£145 Dalton-Ellis Hall, University of Manchester
Shared Bathroom (Self-Catered) £122–£138 Whitworth Park, University of Manchester
Ensuite (Self-Catered) £166–£182 Birley Ensuite, MMU
Studio / 1-Bed with convenient laundry facilities null£203–£230+ Denmark Road Studios, UoM

Although this accommodation type is a great place for those new to the city, it may not be suitable or available for other undergraduate years or mature students.

Compare university halls vs private student accommodation with our guide to find which is most suitable for your needs.

Shared Housing and Flats

Particularly popular with second and third year students, shared houses or shared flats are managed by private landlords or letting agencies. They are ideal for Manchester students looking to live with friends and those operating on a lower budget. Popular Manchester student areas for shared houses include Fallowfield, Withington, and Rusholme.

The cost of shared housing in Manchester all depends on the landlord. Typical costs include:

·       Shared House (no bills): £95–£125/week

·       Shared House (bills included): £115–£145/week

·       Ensuite Room in Shared Flat (very rare): £135–£180/week

It’s essential to note that shared housing typically does not cover bills. This means that you will need to manage your utility bills in addition to regular rent payments. 

Private Student Accommodation 

Although it is generally the most expensive option, there are many benefits to living in private student accommodation in Manchester. They are purpose-built, meaning that the buildings have been chosen for their convenience and ability to enhance student living – often located near university resources and city centre amenities.

Similarly, these student accommodation costs vary depending on the location and accommodation provider for the academic year.

·       Standard room: £150-£200+/week

·       Ensuite Room: £180–£200+/week

·       Studio Apartment: £200–£275+/week

·       1-Bed Flat (Premium): From £250+/week

Similarly, these costs vary depending on the location and accommodation provider.

At Mansion Student, we provide purpose-built Manchester student accommodation that is within walking distance of both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan campuses.

Our Moss Court and City Edge properties offer a range of non-ensuite rooms, each equipped with its own modern facilities and communal kitchen areas. Included in the rent are all your bills, contents insurance, and high-speed internet access, simplifying student living.

Moss Court, Manchester - Student Accommodation roomBased just off Oxford Road, our Moss Court student accommodation is perfect for easy access to Manchester city centre and the Metropolitan University campus – browse here!

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Should You Live in All-Inclusive Manchester Accommodation?

One of the most popular features of some types of student accommodation is the option for all-inclusive bills. In these instances, tenants only have to pay one lump sum per period, which combines utility bills and internet access.

There are many benefits to this. All-inclusive bills provide you with complete peace of mind, offering a single, steady cost throughout the tenancy period. You don't have to worry about fluctuating utility bills, which eliminates the risk of seasonal bill spikes and disputes over sharing them with housemates. The added financial stability and unlimited energy usage make all-inclusive bills incredibly popular when finding Manchester student accommodation.

Yet, with this, tenants can expect to pay more compared to other properties.

For more information, compare the pros and cons of all-inclusive student accommodation here.

How Mansion Student Can Help

Mansion Student provides high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation across the UK – designed with student living and convenience in mind. At Manchester, our properties are centrally located near both the University of Manchester and Metropolitan campuses, as well as city centre hotspots.

Featuring secure entry systems, on-site hospitality teams, bike storage, and contents insurance included within the cost, our priority is your safety and wellbeing throughout the tenancy length.

Student accommodation bedroomOur City Edge student accommodation – browse here!

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One of the standouts is our all-inclusive rent model, which means there are no hidden costs or extra charges for utilities, Wi-Fi, or maintenance repairs. Enjoy a fast and reliable internet connection for studying (or streaming) and access to laundry rooms.

Our Manchester student accommodation offers a range of non-ensuite rooms, varying in cost and size.

·       Moss Court: based near Oxford Road Corridor and a short walk from the city centre and university campuses, rent prices start from £189 per week, making it ideal for student social events.

·       City Edge: luxurious living near the quieter Ardwick, with rent prices starting from £219 per week.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Mansion Student team today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bills included in Manchester student accommodation?

It depends on the type of housing. University halls and private student accommodation—such as Mansion Student—usually include bills in the weekly rent, covering utilities, broadband, and even contents insurance.

What’s the difference between ensuite and studio accommodation?

An ensuite room gives you a private bathroom, but usually shares a kitchen with other students. A studio flat is self-contained, featuring a private bathroom and kitchenette, which offers more privacy but comes at a higher cost.

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