Manchester is a big city and for a student, it can be overwhelming. Where should you rent? Which area is best for partying? Which is best for peace and quiet? Which area has the closest links to the universities? These are important questions to ask because after all, where you live can have a huge impact on your university experience and everyone deserves the best one possible. But seen as though Manchester is the best city on earth (we all know it) there is plenty of choice so you’ll never struggle to find the perfect place. Here is our list of Manchester’s best areas to live in if you’re a student…
Fallowfield
Fallowfield is without a doubt Manchester’s ‘Student Quarter’. Within close proximity to the Universities, most students tend to migrate there at some point during their studies because it’s the ultimate watering hole for partying. Home to thousands of students, there’s a generous catalogue of pubs, late night kebab shops, supermarkets and cheap-ish housing. It’s not the nicest looking area and probably isn’t the place for mature students but if you’re still a bit of a party animal, it’s the place to be.
Withington
Wedged between Fallowfield and Didsbury, Withington is yet another popular student area with plenty of links to the universities. Quieter than its neighbour, Fallowfield and more affordable than ‘posh’ Didsbury, it’s a solid place to live out your student years if you want the best of both worlds.
Oxford Road
Oxford Road stretches from Rusholme to the city centre and is one of the busiest bus routes in Europe. It is the home to the Manchester Academy music venue, dozens of popular student bars and night clubs, Oxford Road Train Station, both universities and also has close links to the LGBT area on Canal Street. Although it’s not technically a ‘student area’ and more of a busy stretch of road, that’s not to say you won’t find some lovely new digs within walking distance. Definitely my recommendation if you’re lazy when it comes to travelling!
Rusholme
This multicultural gem is one of the cheapest student areas by far and is a definite front runner if you’re renting on a budget. Rusholme is the heartland of Manchester’s infamous ‘Curry Mile’ which boasts 70 late-night restaurants that won’t break the bank. With an equally impressive selection of bars, pubs, cafes, shops, supermarkets and parks to enjoy, Rusholme has everything a student could want, and more. Oh, and did I mention it’s only a 10 minute bus ride or 30 minute walk to the universities?
East/West Didsbury
A little more up-market than its neighbouring districts, Didsbury is one of Manchester’s classiest areas and is the perfect setting for PHD or mature students. Located 5 miles from the city centre, Didsbury is the furthest place on our list but undoubtedly, the nicest. Inundated with gorgeous restaurants, bars, coffee shops and parks, Didsbury is on the pricier end of the spectrum but is well worth each and every penny. It’s quiet, idyllic and convenient- the ideal set-up for someone who wants to escape the wild, student lifestyle.
