Despite living in Manchester almost my whole life, it didn’t feel like home until I studied here. The independence of student life has given me so many opportunities to explore what my city offers, on my own time, with my own agenda. Manchester is definitely one of the best uni cities out there given how small (I say small because it’s walkable!) and filled with culture it is; everyday there’s a new café to try, a new trinket shop to peruse, a new corner to call home.
Favourite Place
Trying to choose my favourite spot in Manchester is like choosing a favourite child – each space has so many memories and they all offer something new and unique. BUT -and please don’t call me basic- my favourite place probably has to be Deansgate Waterstones. Four floors of books, in the heart of the city, with the best people-watching café view on offer, it’s tough to beat.
Not only have I spent countless hours browsing shelves and countless monies on their coffee (Union St coffee is actually goated), but I’ve spent my fair share of time sitting in the café grinding out an essay or doing my required reading – there is something in the café air, for sure!
Nightlife
As expected in a city that caters to more than two universities, the night life is buzzing. Pubs on every street, Wetherspoons’ to match, and a host of bars and clubs to make sure the night lasts forever.
Every student’s rite of passage includes a night in MCR Lounge. A deal on drinks is pretty much always guaranteed, the music in at least one of the rooms will be listenable to, and there’s a Wetherspoons less than a minute’s walk away, so win-win!
Just off Oxford Road is another student hot-spot, The Courtyard. Busy (and I mean busy! Girls, if you need the loo and go in a group, don’t expect to get your table back lol), lively, and great music, all good nights out start and end with The Courtyard. And as they say, “with cocktails from £2.70 and beer from £2.90, how can you go wrong?”
What night wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Gay Village! If you do happen to stumble into this thriving and vibing microcosm, please just be mindful that it is a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and should be treated as such. They have been so welcoming to all, but I fear not everyone treats it and its community with the respect they deserve. Let’s normalise protecting queer spaces and those that want to keep it sacred.
Wining and dining spots
A city like Manchester wouldn’t be as vibrant and lively as it is without its eating spots, and we’re spoiled for choice, but these are my go-to’s…
Brunch anyone? Pot Kettle Black is the hottest spot in town, and with two locations to choose from, the world is your oyster; submerge yourself in the hustle and bustle of central city at Barton Arcade, or venture north out of the city to Angel Gardens. I highly highly recommend the Halloumi Benedict, or the Very Cherry Bakewell French Toast; the wait will be worth it.
When you’re wanting to treat yourself, the Corn Exchange is the place to be. Take your pick of the world’s cuisine from Indian sharing plates at Mowgli Street Food, to Italian at Riva Blu because who says no to Italian, or try The Real Greek, because again, who says no to Greek?
A new favourite of mine is Soots: a small, completely plant-based pasta and small plates restaurant tucked away down Tib Street in the Northern Quarter. The food is to die for and definitely worth the trek through town to get there – just try not to walk right past it like I did the first time – I promise it is there!
Hidden Gems
From the moment this landed in Manchester a few years ago, I knew it would become a regular spot for me. House of Books and Friends is the cosiest and friendliest bookshop in town. Good coffee, comfy seating, an amazing sweet treat selection, surrounded by books – heaven on Earth.
Another new local favourite that seems to have blown up on social media is Tabitha’s Coffee. Tucked away on the top floor of Deansgate Terrace is a lively matcha-churning hidden gem that never sees a minute’s rest. The current menu is a major slay – the perfect drinks to accompany your day: Salted Caramel Date, White Choc Cherry, Sticky Maple Pumpkin – yes please!
Head out towards Ancoats to a classic morning coffee spot, Off The Press. Feel like a real-life Mancunian worker-bee at this hive of productivity, separated from the city only by a main road. And if you’re free of an evening, pootle down the lane to Space Studio to do some pottery painting! They have a BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) policy so it’s perfect for friend dates!
Back to the Northern Quarter, in the heart of Stevenson Square, is an eclectic independent bookshop and magazine store specialising in visual arts called Unitom. The perfect place to splurge on the Sofia Coppola Archive, or Studio Ghibli collectibles, or a niche zine on the music scene of Manchester – the hours to browse are endless.
Down a tiny alley just up from Unitom is trinket heaven, Form Lifestyle Store. I see it as Søstrene Grene’s sophisticated and minimalistic older sister. You might not need another mug, but you definitely need a Form Lifestyle Store mug. I don’t make the rules.
Student Accommodation
Dotted around the city, there are plenty of accommodation options available to students, and for University of Manchester students, the guarantee that new, full-time undergraduate and international postgraduate students will receive an offer of a room in University halls.
Unite Students also offers a wide range of accommodation: ensuite, non-ensuite, wheelchair accessible, and studio apartments. From right in the city centre, on the doorstep of the many campuses, to on the outskirts, offering the chance to get to know different areas of what the city has to hold.
