According to the Global Liveability Survey 2015, Manchester is the best UK city to live in, and it is easy to see why. As a city, Manchester is both a beacon of modernity and a bastion of heritage; furthermore, it is a truly great place to study and socialise.
As this guide to student life in Manchester will show, the city oozes vibrancy, culture and learning like few others can. If you are considering studying in Manchester and are looking for some ideas on cool places to visit, our essential guide on the best places for students in the city is just for you.
Salford Quays
In recent years, Salford Quays has become a symbol of the area’s regeneration. The flurry of activity was kick-started by the launch of MediaCityUK – a huge redevelopment programme that welcomed media giants such as the BBC and ITV to the docklands.
The Quays also house The Lowry arts and entertainment complex and Imperial War Museum North, as well as a host of retail outlets, coffee shops and restaurants.
For students, the Quays offer an array of fun things to do as well as being the ideal location for a picturesque waterside stroll.
The Deaf Institute
The Deaf Institute is a real rite of passage for students wanting to become honorary Mancunians. That’s because this venue really does have it all: music, food, drink, exhibitions and club nights all spread across three floors – the ideal place for students of all ages to kick back and unwind.
Business Growth Hub
The Business Growth Hub is a community for business-minded individuals to meet up, network and learn from each other. Although primarily aimed at businesses, it offers a great environment for students looking to gain contacts and knowledge that will really benefit them in their later careers. If this sounds like you, why not enrol onto one of the community’s workshops or seminars?
MMU Business School
The MMU Business School offers AMBA-accredited MBA courses in Digital Management, Financial Services, and Strategic Health and Social Care as well as the standard programme. The MMU Business School also hosts a number of prestigious events, such as the International Conference on Human Resources Development Research and Practice, which are well worth checking out.
Bring Your Own Booze Restaurants
As a student, you’ll be on the lookout for nights out that don’t break the bank. If you’re looking for some delicious, authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine, we recommend heading down to Jasmine. Located in Chorlton, it offers some of the most delicious Middle Eastern meals in Manchester at really affordable prices.
Another favourite is the Turkish Kitchen , just on the edge of Manchester City Centre – they offer homemade Turkish cuisine and are a firm favourite with the student population as they do some amazing deals for students.
What’s more both restaurants operate a Bring Your Own Booze policy that is handy for keeping the costs down.
MadLab
Manchester Digital Lab (MadLab) is one of the best-known creative spaces in the city. It is a grassroots organisation that focuses on science, technology, arts and culture. The project supports a diverse range of activities including book clubs, learn-to-code sessions, jam nights or networking events.
If you’re a student in Manchester who wants to feel at the heart of the action, going along to MadLab is a great way to start.
HOME
The HOME complex was built to replace the Mancunian institution that was the Cornerhouse cinema. It opened in May 2015, cost over £25 million to build, and describes itself as “a place for curiosity seekers, for lovers of the dramatic, the digital and the deeply engaging; for radicals and reciprocators”.
Does this sound like you? After all, it can’t be all work and no play. If you’re a lover of the silver screen, the stage and the arts, then treat yourself to a visit to HOME.
What are you waiting for?
As a place to live and learn, Manchester is a city with few rivals. There are so many amazing attractions available to residents that you’ll never be short of things to do. If you are thinking about studying in the city, it may be worth be worth investigating MMU Business School’s MBA courses too.
Michael Palmer is a writer for Manchester Metropolitan University, which offers a variety of MBA courses. Take a look at MMU’s Essential MBA Guide to Manchester for more information.
