If you’re an upcoming student choosing to study in Manchester, you might be making the big move out of the family home into the hustle and bustle of city life. With that in mind, you want to make sure you’re making the right decision when it comes to accommodation in your first year.
There’s plenty of living options to choose from and here at Manchester PC, we can offer insight into the best options available to set up your digs.
Firstly, there are 3 important questions you want to ask yourself before deciding on the best living situation for your time studying in Manchester:
- How close to campus/city centre do you wish to live?
- What is your budget?
- Do you want a quieter living space or somewhere more lively?
Asking yourself these questions will build the framework for the living options that would be best for your requirements. For example, if you wish to live close to the city centre, you’ll be paying more than somewhere on the outskirts of Manchester. This will help break down specific options so you’re not overwhelmed by what’s on offer.
The main types of accommodation available to students are:
University Halls of Residence
This is a popular choice for first-year students that are new to University life and the area. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow students and familiarise yourself with the University campus.
Being so close to campus will also save you money from commuting on public transport as your lectures will be a short walk away from where you stay. This is also a great option for your safety as these types of accommodation are provided with 24-hour surveillance and security officers on site.
You will need to be quick to apply for Halls of Residence as the demand for them is very high and there are limited spaces available.
Here are the links to the Manchester Universitys’ Halls of Residence:
Manchester Metropolitan University
Royal Northern College of Music
Private Student Halls
Private Halls are different to Halls of Residence as they’re not affiliated with the University but are built for the purpose of housing students during their studies.
They’re owned by private companies who run and manage them and are often placed in central locations with easy access to essential shops and University campuses.
They also offer extra essential perks such as a laundry service, on-site gym and free WiFi, however, this can be reflected in your monthly rate, making private accommodation a more expensive option.
Click here for private student halls available across Manchester.
Private Rooms to Rent
This is another popular choice – particularly amongst 2nd and 3rd-year students. This type of accommodation is owned by a private landlord as it’s owned in the private rented sector.
Depending on the capacity of the building, a number of students share a house and the rent is split between each room.
This can be a more affordable option for many and allows you to meet a variety of students and young professionals in the same position, making it a nice way to make new friends and explore the city with people.
The downside to house shares is the lack of privacy. Your bathroom, living room and kitchen will be shared amongst your housemates, making it difficult to have these areas to yourself.
If you’re looking at renting a room, it’s important to make sure you’re using a respected letting agency.
Click here for student rooms to rent in Manchester.
Shared Rental Accommodation
Shared accommodation is usually private renting and can range from a 5 bedroom house to a 2 bedroom flat or apartment. It’s similar to a “rent a room” where each student pays rent towards each allotted room in the house and requires total independence from each student.
Shared rentals can range in price, location and housing capacity, therefore they require more research to ensure you’re getting the best accommodation for your needs.
Because of this also, it’s a great option for students on a tight budget as there’s plenty of financially friendly options to choose from that won’t compromise on quality and safety. There are also dedicated student lettings that include utility bills, council tax and free WiFi within the monthly rental fees.
Click here for student rental listings in Manchester.
Commuting to Campus?
Whether you’re staying on University grounds or venturing further afield, Manchester provides excellent public transportation links around the city centre and beyond. It’s a great way to get familiar with your surroundings and explore areas of Manchester that might not be on your initial radar.
The main modes of transport you can get across Manchester are:
Public transport in Manchester is the most effective and cost-efficient way to get around the city. There are free Metroshuttle buses that operate around the city centre and student discounts on various ticket fares that are great for those on a budget.
Parking is available in central for car-owners, however, many parking facilities require payment and can become quite expensive during a longer stay.
Click here for car parking facilities available around Manchester.
For further Manchester University guidance and advice, check out Manchester PC’s Complete Student Guide.
