Manchester

There are more than 100,000 students enrolled in the city’s various universities, resulting in approximately 36,000 graduates each year. Some of the schools you might be considering include:

University of Manchester

This historic institution traces its history back to the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 1824. In 2004, UMIST joined with the Victoria University of Manchester (founded in 1851) to assume its present form. A part of the Russel Group, it is the largest single-campus University in the United Kingdom.

Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Metropolitan University lays claim to the UK’s second-largest business school, and like the University of Manchester, it can trace its history to 1824, when the Manchester Mechanics Institute was formed. It is one of the greenest universities in the UK. Some of its most popular majors include pre-medicine studies, business, kinesiology and exercise science.

University of Salford

The University of Salford is known for its friendly atmosphere and worldwide-accredited courses recognized for the high standard of education they impart. The main Peel Park campus is less than 2.4 kilometres from Manchester city centre. The campus is also home to the Salford Museum and Art Gallery, the first unconditionally free public library in England.

University of Bolton

The University of Bolton offers vocationally focused degree programs. The school welcomes students from all parts of the globe, and smaller class sizes allow for interactive lessons and high-quality education. In fact, it has been recognized in student voting as one of the UK’s top universities when it comes to teaching quality.

University Academy 92

Announced in September of 2017, the campus launched in September 2019, with the first hundred students starting the next month. University Academy 92 (UA92) offers “broader courses than traditional degrees, designed to enhance life skills as well as employability.” Education focuses on skills necessary for the workplace.

Royal Northern College

Royal Northern College is a conservatoire, a school specialising in the performing arts. It was founded in 1973, though its history dates back to the late 19th century establishment of the Royal Manchester College of Music. More than just a centre of education, it is also one of the busiest public performance venues in the UK.

Manchester is one of the UK’s cultural hotspots, with festivals, galleries, and other venues that hold something for everyone. There is always something to see or do. Some highlights include:

Whitworth Gallery

Part of the University of Manchester, the Whitworth is a place to play and learn. A redevelopment in 2015 doubled the public space. New facilities were made to house the Gallery’s collection of more than 55,000 works of art, as well as a learning studio, study centre, and collections centre.

Royal Exchange Theatre

Housed in a beautiful historic building, the Royal Exchange Theatre Company is an award-winning cultural charity that may just change the way you view theatre. Performing both classics and new material, the Exchange is sure to thrill and delight. The Theatre is also home to the Theatre Shop and Shop Gallery.

Manchester Museum

At the Manchester Museum, you will find works of natural history, archaeology, and anthropology. Fossils at the museum are some of the finest in the country. Some of their galleries include Ancient Worlds, Living Worlds, and Nature’s Library. See dinosaurs, mummies, and live reptiles, all in one spot.

The Lowry

This theatre and gallery complex is named after artist Laurence Stephen Lowry. It holds three theatres, with something interesting happening every day of the week, from musicals and dance to stand-up comedy and talks from philosophers and cultural personalities.

When you’re hungry and looking for a bite to eat, Manchester has you covered. The city has begun to attract attention as a destination for excellent food.
Some top spots to check out include:

Mana 

Manchester’s first restaurant since 1977 to earn a Michelin star, Mana serves avant-garde British fine dining, using “the perpetual cycle of the seasons” to define their menu.

Fuel Cafe Bar

One of the best vegetarian places in Manchester, Fuel Cafe Bar offers variety of veggie eats like falafel burger and full breakfast, a place even your meat-eating friends would love!

Osma

Offering seasonal, locally-sourced produce and the city’s best-roasted potatoes, OSMA is known for consistently excellent food at a reasonable price.

When student life gets you down and you need a night out, Manchester offers a spectacular range of clubs, bars, and other nighttime venues. The nightlife in Manchester is vibrant and bold. Known for great music, the city is evolving to provide a tremendous variety of things to do, see, eat, and drink.

256 wilmslow road

Karaoke, live music, casual eats and cheap pints, what’s not to like?

Revolucion De Cuba

Latin style food, classic cocktails and two floors of dancing makes Revolucion De Cuba the perfect spot for a nightout!

Cirque Le Soir

With a circus theme and some risqué performances

AO Arena

Catch big-name shows at Manchester Arena such as U2, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Peter Kay.

Mint Lounge

Find new independent acts at Mint Lounge. Manchester is a renowned clubbing mecca that attracts students, locals, and celebrities alike.

Manchester offers a wide variety of activities to keep you busy and entertained. Manchester United may be one of the most successful football clubs in England, but there is much more to the city for you to enjoy. Some activities and locales that you might want to consider include:

Parklife

Manchester hosts this independent music festival, and each year it keeps getting bigger and better. The 2019 festival capacity was 15,000, but by 2021, it had reached as high as 80,000. It is the largest metropolitan music festival in the UK.

Future everything festival 

Another annual festival that focuses on high-tech and futuristic themes.

Chethams

If you are a book or history lover, check out Chethams, the English-speaking world’s oldest surviving public library. Of course, for bibliophiles, there is the danger of never wanting to leave.

iFly

This indoor skydiving centre gives you a taste of skydiving, but you will be safe and secure indoors in a wind tunnel. The experience simulates the feeling of free fall, suspending you in an air column with a team of instructors keeping you safe.

The Comedy Store

Have a laugh with comedians from across the country. Catch some well-known comedians as well as some up-and-coming talent. A great break from your studies that won’t put a drain on your finances.

Chinatown

Manchester’s Chinatown is reportedly the largest, or one of, in Europe. You’ll find a bit of everything here, from shops and restaurants to businesses and cafes. A great spot to visit at any time of the year, the Chinese New Year party is a favourite among students and should not be missed.

Canal Street

At the very centre of Manchester’s Gay Village, Canal Street is the UK’s LGBT centre outside of London. The Gay Village plays host to countless annual events, most notably Manchester Pride, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.