So you’ve decided to study in Manchester? Good choice. It’s got the perfect mix of top-tier unis, buzzing student life, and let’s be real—it’s way more affordable than London. But before you get swept up in the excitement of moving abroad, there’s one big thing you need to figure out first: where are you going to live?
Finding the right student accommodation in Manchester doesn’t have to be stressful. You’ve got loads of great areas to choose from, different housing styles, and price points to match every kind of budget. Whether you’re the social type who wants to be where the party’s at or someone who’d rather chill in a quieter spot, Manchester’s got your back.
Let’s break it down, nice and easy.
Why do so many students choose Manchester?
First off, Manchester is a proper student city. Like, there’s over 100,000 students here, and it shows—in a good way.
- You’ve got The University of Manchester, Manchester Met, and Salford Uni all close by.
- The nightlife is unmatched (ask anyone who’s been to Warehouse Project).
- Public transport’s decent and cheap—no need for a car.
- Plus, you get big city vibes without the massive London price tag.
Basically, it’s got everything you need to enjoy uni life without going broke in your first month.
Where should you live in Manchester as a student?
Alright, so this depends on your vibe. Want a crazy social scene? Prefer something quieter? Here are the main student areas:
Fallowfield
- Proper student central—everyone lives here in first year.
- Loads of pubs, cafés, takeaways, and parties.
- Easy bus to uni (around 20–25 mins).
- Shared houses and uni halls are super common here.
Rusholme
- Right next to Fallowfield and home to the famous Curry Mile (yep, it smells amazing 24/7).
- Cheaper than some other areas.
- Good mix of students and families, so it’s a bit more chilled.
- You’ll find older houses here—some are gems, some need a bit of love.
Withington
- Quieter but still has good coffee spots and a cool local vibe.
- Usually preferred by second or third-year students.
- Feels more relaxed and grown-up, tbh.
- Still close to Fallowfield and campus.
City Centre
- All the action’s here—clubs, shopping, libraries, you name it.
- Rent’s higher, but the convenience is unreal.
- Great if you’re studying at Salford Uni or a postgrad who wants your own space.
- Most places are modern and super secure.
What types of housing are available?
Manchester’s got pretty much every kind of student home you can think of. Here’s what you’re working with:
- Uni halls – Perfect if it’s your first time living away. Social, easy, and basic.
- Private student halls – Think en-suite rooms, gyms, study lounges, sometimes even games rooms. Bit pricier, though.
- Shared student houses – Super popular from second year onwards. Split the bills, cook together, argue over cleaning. It’s a rite of passage.
- Studios or 1-beds – Great if you want privacy or just hate sharing bathrooms (understandable). Usually more expensive.
Websites like University Living can really help. They’ve got trusted listings and help you book without weird landlord drama.
How much does student housing in Manchester cost?
Let’s talk numbers (don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple). Here’s a rough monthly cost in 2025:
- Shared house (Fallowfield/Rusholme): £450–£600
- Private hall room: £650–£800
- Studio in city centre: £900–£1,200
Some places include bills. Some don’t. Always double-check what’s included—especially heating in winter (it gets cold).
What’s the cost of living in Manchester overall?
Okay, so once you’ve sorted rent, what else are you paying for each month?
- Groceries: £120–£150 (stick to Aldi or Lidl to save)
- Bus pass: About £35 a month
- Phone bill + internet: £20–£30
- Gym: From £20 (or just jog in the park for free)
- Takeaways + fun stuff: £50–£100, depending on how wild your weekends are
So, excluding rent, the average cost of living in Manchester is around £250–£350 a month. Pretty affordable for a UK city, right?
When should you start looking for accommodation?
Honestly? The earlier, the better. The good ones go fast. If you’re starting uni in September, start looking by March or April.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Use verified platforms like University Living
- Check what’s included in the rent
- Always look at recent photos and student reviews
- Budget realistically—don’t forget about bills
- Don’t just follow your mates. Your needs might be different!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it depends on what matters most to you. Living in Manchester as a student is exciting, affordable, and surprisingly easy to figure out if you start early. Whether you prefer a buzzing student hub like Fallowfield or a quiet, modern studio in the city centre, there’s something for everyone. The city’s waiting—and your next big chapter starts with the right place to stay.
