When I first moved to Manchester to study, I had no idea what my “daily life” at university would actually look like. I imagined it would be a mix of classes, meeting new people, and discovering the city, but I didn’t realise how many little things would shape the experience, both the good and the challenging.
If you’re worried about the change in your routine as you become an international student, here's what to expect:
Living in student accommodation
Honestly, moving into student accommodation was one of the most overwhelming parts. You arrive with your belongings, get your key, and suddenly this small room is supposed to be “home.” I remember that first night so clearly, it felt both exciting and scary.
At first, the flat dynamics are a bit awkward. You don’t know anyone’s habits or personality yet, and you’re still figuring out how to cook without burning something. But over time, the accommodation becomes the heart of your university experience. I’ve had some of the best laughs at 2 am in the kitchen when someone randomly decided to cook, and we all ended up chatting about our cultures, music, and what we miss about home.
Of course, it’s not perfect. There are those moments when the fridge is overcrowded, or someone leaves dirty dishes for days. And sometimes it’s hard living with people who come from totally different backgrounds, different sleep schedules, different attitudes toward noise, even different ways of communicating. But I learned quickly that compromise and patience are key.
What I love most is that living in halls forces you to grow up. Back home, my family did most of the “life admin” things, but here, I had to figure out laundry machines, plan my meals, and budget so I wouldn’t spend all my money on takeaway. It’s stressful at first, but you really do come out more independent.
Studying at the University of Manchester
The academic side is another big adjustment. At the University of Manchester, lectures can be huge, sometimes over 100 students in one hall. Back home, classes were smaller and teachers would chase you if you didn’t submit work. Here, it’s totally different. Professors expect you to be responsible for your own learning. If you don’t keep up, no one’s going to check in on you and it’s up to you to stay on top of deadlines.
That shift was hard in the beginning. I also had to adjust to different accents, new teaching styles, and the sheer amount of reading required. I can’t lie, I felt lost at times. But slowly, I figured out how to use the support the university offers like workshops, study sessions, and office hours with lecturers. The libraries here are amazing too. The Main Library and the Ali G are two places I’ve spent countless hours in, sometimes actually studying, and sometimes just pretending to while scrolling on my laptop.
One of my favorite parts about studying here is how international the classrooms are. You get people from all over the world, and the mix of perspectives makes seminars so much more interesting. It’s not just about learning the material, it's about seeing how differently people think.
Social life and making friends
Daily life isn’t just lectures and assignments, it’s also about the people you meet. Manchester is a proper student city, which means no matter where you go, you’ll bump into other students.
In the beginning, it can feel overwhelming to put yourself out there, especially as an international student who’s far from home. But societies and student clubs make it easier. I joined a couple of cultural societies and also tried out a sports club just to meet more people.
Some of my closest friendships started from just saying yes to random events, even when I didn’t feel like going.
Nights out are a big part of student culture in Manchester too. The city has such a variety whether it’s the clubs in Deansgate, live music in the Northern Quarter, or casual pub nights. But honestly, some of my favorite memories aren’t from big nights out, they're from chilled evenings in the accommodation common room, or spontaneous trips to the Curry Mile for late-night food.
The challenges nobody tells you about
Let me be real: university life comes with challenges, especially when you’re studying abroad.
Homesickness is one of the hardest parts, some days it hits out of nowhere, like when you see your family celebrating a holiday over FaceTime and suddenly feel the distance more than ever. For me, I found myself missing food from home the most, those comforting meals that remind you where you belong. Then there’s the weather, which everyone warns you about in Manchester, but it still manages to sneak up on you; the endless grey skies and rain can really affect your mood, so I had to learn to find cosy cafés or good study spots to keep myself motivated.
On top of that, balancing everything: lectures, readings, essays, social life, and sometimes even part-time work can feel overwhelming. There were weeks where I felt like I was drowning in deadlines but still wanted to go out with friends, and managing that push and pull is tricky. And finally, there’s money. As an international student, you become very aware of how expensive life is, and budgeting becomes essential. Otherwise, you risk running out of money halfway through the semester. These aren’t things people talk about as much when they describe “uni life,” but they’re a huge part of the experience, and they shape how you learn to cope, adapt, and grow.
A typical day in my life
A typical day in my life as an international student at the University of Manchester usually starts with me waking up in my accommodation and rushing through a quick breakfast whilst getting ready. I usually eat something simple like cereal or toast before heading off to campus for lectures or seminars , my campus isa 15-minute walk away.
On days when I have a later start, I’ll treat myself to a coffee run at places like Pret or Bold Street before class. Afternoons are often a mix of seminars and study sessions; sometimes I’ll grab lunch on campus, other times I’ll cook back at the flat, depending on my mood.
After classes, I usually head to the library. On weekends, there's a lot to do in Manchester. I normally go meet my friends and find one of the many things to do in the city centre.
Conclusion
Daily life as an international student at the University of Manchester is a rollercoaster. Some days you’ll feel like you’re thriving and on top of everything. Other days you’ll be homesick, stressed, or just tired. But that’s the beauty of it: the ups and downs are what shape the experience. Looking back, I’ve realised that the challenges - whether it’s figuring out laundry machines, surviving essay deadlines, or learning to live with flatmates - are the same things that make me stronger and more independent.
If you’re planning to study abroad next semester, my advice would be: embrace it all. Say yes to opportunities, be patient with yourself when things feel overwhelming, and remember that every international student is going through similar struggles. Manchester (and the UK in general) is such a diverse, welcoming area, and university gives you endless chances to grow not just as a student, but as a person. It won’t always be easy, but it will definitely be worth it.
