Manchester is one of the OG student cities in the UK. Why?
Spend just 10 minutes walking through this loveable Northern destination, and it’s easy to see why.
Manchester welcomes every walk of life. Into art and music? There’s a vibrant creative scene waiting for you. Big history nerd? You’re in the world’s very first industrial city. Die-hard sports fan? Two legendary football stadiums are chanting your name.
Discover a corner of culture to suit every student in this characterful city. Whatever university experience you’re looking to have, there’s a neighbourhood to match it,
So, where are the best places for students to live in Manchester?
Let’s talk you through it.
Fallowfield – the typical move
A move to Fallowfield is the Manchester student rite of passage.
Located in the south of the city, Fallowfield is a microcosm of UK student culture. Here, you’ll be surrounded by fellow coursemates, and within walking distance of all the typical student haunts. With shops, bars, restaurants and university buildings just a stroll away, the convenience of Fallowfield makes it an appealing option.
However, there are a few drawbacks.
Student accommodation in this area has a pretty bad reputation for being low-quality and outdated, especially when compared to newer developments in the city centre. Yep, we’re talking the classic student house horrors: mouldy walls, worn-out furniture, and kitchens that are long due a facelift.
Looking for an ensuite room? You may be hard pressed finding that here. If you’re choosing to live in Fallowfield, you’ll need to be prepared to share your living spaces with others.
While Fallowfield is still a popular place with a popping social scene, there has been a noticeable exodus in recent years. Manchester students are flocking to the city centre for a taste of the city’s wider culture.
Average commuting time from Fallowfield
To University of Manchester: 14 minute bus, 30 minute walk
To Manchester Metropolitan University: 18 minute bus, 50 minute walk
To Manchester City Centre: 20 minute bus, 1 hour 15 minute walk
Withington – relaxed and removed
A little further south than Fallowfield, Withington is a small yet charming suburb.
With a quintessentially British high street lined with bars, restaurants and thrift shops, Withington offers a slower-paced student lifestyle.
But that peace does come at a price.
Living in Withington usually means a longer commute to campus. Be ready to rely on buses to get around the city and to factor transport costs into your daily budget.
Being far out from the city may make spontaneous plans harder to make, especially during peak hours. This does cause some students to feel detached from the energy of Manchester, and crave being closer to it.
Average commuting time from Withington
To University of Manchester: 22 minute bus, 55 minute walk
To Manchester Metropolitan University: 28 minute bus, 1 hour 6 minute walk
To Manchester City Centre: 40 minute bus, 1 hour 35 walk
Circle Square – modern student living
Want to be near all the action?
Circle Square is one of the most exciting areas of Manchester to live in as a student. The area has quickly become a real hit with students and locals alike, thanks to all the new bars, cafes and restaurants.
The Circle Square lifestyle is modern, sophisticated and well-connected. That means no commutes or waiting in line for the bus. Get to where you need to be on foot, in no time.
Standing tall in the centre of it all, you’ll find Vita Student Circle Square.
Right on the border of Oxford Road, Vita Student Circle Square brings the city’s student culture to you. With five-star amenities including a 24/7 gym, weekday breakfast, private dining rooms and bookable study spaces, you have everything you need both inside and on your doorstep.
Whether you’re a University of Manchester student or attending Manchester Metropolitan University, Circle Square offers convenience that’s hard to beat.
Average commuting time from Circle Square
To University of Manchester: 10 minute walk
To Manchester Metropolitan University: 3 minute walk
To Manchester City Centre: you’re in it!
First Street – the up-and-coming student hotspot
This is the place everyone’s talking about.
First Street is experiencing a real surge in popularity. If you’re a Manchester student looking for somewhere that’s a little more chilled but still well connected, this could be the perfect option for you.
This friendly neighbourhood is constantly evolving, with new cafés, bakeries, bars and cultural spaces opening all the time. Live close to the scenic canals of Castlefield, perfect for walks, coffee dates and post-lecture drinks in the sun
And where better to live in this thriving district than Vita Student First Street?
Here, you’re just a stone’s throw away from Oxford Road, all major universities and the city centre. With an all-inclusive set up, Vita Student First Street takes away all the added stress of student life, giving you more time to study and soak up the energy of this exciting neighbourhood.
Average commuting time from First Street
Distance to University of Manchester: 12 minute walk
Distance to Manchester Metropolitan University: 8 minute walk
Distance to Manchester City Centre: you’re in it!
