Living in Manchester as a Student | City Guide

Living in Manchester

Student City Guide to Manchester

Manchester is one of the UK’s most international and forward thinking cities, which is one of the many reasons 99,000 students flock to the northern hub each year. Rated as one of the world’s ten friendliest cities by Rough Guides readers, you will find making yourself at home in Manchester seamless and welcoming, with a lively social calendar and excellent food and drink options.

Downing Student’s River Street Tower in Manchester offers the best in student living, with exceptional shared spaces and contemporary studio and shared apartments to fit all budgets. River Street Tower is located in the exciting First Street area of Manchester, just a stone’s throw away from Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Manchester and a short train ride from Salford University, meaning you have more time to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer in music, food and culture.

Shops

Manchester has a diverse range of shops to suit all tastes. From the infamous Trafford Centre and ultimate student shopping nights at Manchester Arndale Centre, to the quirky independent and eclectic emporium at Afflecks, you’ll never run out of places to explore.

Probably the most impressive bit of shopping you’ll experience in Manchester is the huge indoor and outdoor Christmas markets, hosted in the city every year. The markets attract shoppers from across the globe and invite a warm and exciting atmosphere as you peruse the food, drinks and gifts available in the many chalets and booths across the city.

Food

Manchester is home to lots of amazing bars, cafes and restaurants, so finding somewhere to eat will be no problem – even on a student’s budget!

Try out Rudy’s in Ancoats for some authentic Neapolitan pizza, or I am Pho on George Street for a hearty bowl of Vietnamese noodles. If you’re on the lookout for some hearty comfort food, pay a visit to Yard & Coop on Edge Street, or if you fancy something healthier, check out Pita Pit, which also offers NUS discount for students!

Music

Manchester’s music scene has produced some of the world’s best-loved artists, and it is easy to see why when you look at the venues and festivals across the city. The O2 Victoria Warehouse and the AO arena all provide fantastic large spaces for world famous DJs, bands and artists, while venues such as the Deaf Institute and Band on the Wall have featured some of music’s best rising stars.

Manchester University Student’s Union has its very own popular music venue, Manchester Academy, which has given a platform to artists like The Libertines, Adele, Blur and even AC/DC!

Nightlife

Manchester is a city proud of its nightlife – and so it should be! Whether you’re wanting a big night out clubbing or a quiet pint with friends, there is something to suit every occasion in Manchester.

YES Manchester is one of the most picture-worthy venues in the city, featuring four floors of music, food and drinks all within easy reach of Oxford Road station. For a traditional pint, head to The Marble Arch on Rochdale Road, or if you’re wanting the buzz of being a part of Manchester’s best loved student venue, pay a visit to 42’s in Deansgate.

Culture

Manchester is a cultural hotspot, with plenty of libraries, industrial heritage sites, galleries and museums around the city for you to enjoy. In fact, the city is home to the well-known Science and Industry Museums, the People’s History Museum and of course, the National Football Museum.

Contemporary Six is Manchester’s leading independent art gallery and features the best of original paintings, prints, sculptures and ceramics. For something more contemporary, the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art in the Northern Quarter is a must-see.