Manchester has an extensive network of public transport, and you are going to have to use it. You will spend more time travelling to and from lectures some days than you do in them, and it gets expensive. It may seem like a lot to spend in one go, but you will save a lot of money if you just bite the bullet and get a bus pass at the beginning of the year.placeholder image
Manchester has an extensive network of public transport, and you are going to have to use it. You will spend more time travelling to and from lectures some days than you do in them, and it gets expensive. It may seem like a lot to spend in one go, but you will save a lot of money if you just bite the bullet and get a bus pass at the beginning of the year. | Submit

13 things you need to know as a new student in Manchester from nights out to jobs and big discounts

By Marnie McEntee
Published 7th Oct 2023, 06:00 GMT
Updated 7th Oct 2023, 06:49 GMT

If you're just starting out as a fresher in Manchester, we've got some pro tips for you.

Heading off to university can be a daunting and mind-altering experience. Everything is all so new, and you are so far from home in a place where – more often than not – you have no idea where to start.

Without parents and long-term pals to pull you through your first taste of real adult life, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Figuring it out starts with exploring and understanding the city, continues with taking the pressure off, and ends with looking after yourself (and unfortunately, your bank account) is the key.

I just started my fourth year of studying in Manchester and I can honestly say they have been the best years of my life, but here are 13 things that would have been hugely helpful if I knew them before I started.

The clubs in Manchester know you are here, and they are all competing to make their student night the best (and the cheapest). Hot Mess Wednesdays at Revolution may be the most popular, but you don’t have to treat it like a tradition; 256, 42s and loads more are home to some great student nights if you want to break the chain.

5. Student nights

The clubs in Manchester know you are here, and they are all competing to make their student night the best (and the cheapest). Hot Mess Wednesdays at Revolution may be the most popular, but you don’t have to treat it like a tradition; 256, 42s and loads more are home to some great student nights if you want to break the chain. | Google

It is very easy to get yourself wrapped up in a spending cycle when you find yourself suddenly in a big city with so much freedom and what seems like everything to do, but just be careful. A little bit of budgeting goes a long way, try not to get carried away with unnecessary purchases and set some money aside each week.

6. Be money savvy

It is very easy to get yourself wrapped up in a spending cycle when you find yourself suddenly in a big city with so much freedom and what seems like everything to do, but just be careful. A little bit of budgeting goes a long way, try not to get carried away with unnecessary purchases and set some money aside each week. | Unsplash

Life comes at you fast and it can be hard to budget constantly while trying to maintain a social life and studying, even with a student loan. But to me, the benefits of having a job soared far beyond its financial side. I made my best friends here and when I met them my university experience really started.

7. Get a job

Life comes at you fast and it can be hard to budget constantly while trying to maintain a social life and studying, even with a student loan. But to me, the benefits of having a job soared far beyond its financial side. I made my best friends here and when I met them my university experience really started. | Unsplash

You now find yourself in a city centre and every other car you see is an Uber, so it is easy to fall into the habit of booking one every time you have somewhere to be. If you can use public transport or walk, try your best to – your bank account will thank you. A few trips here and there will not hurt but the fees add up eventually and before you know it you have spent hundreds of pounds on travel alone.

8. The devil works hard but Uber works harder

You now find yourself in a city centre and every other car you see is an Uber, so it is easy to fall into the habit of booking one every time you have somewhere to be. If you can use public transport or walk, try your best to – your bank account will thank you. A few trips here and there will not hurt but the fees add up eventually and before you know it you have spent hundreds of pounds on travel alone. | Getty Images

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