Transition from Mumbai to Manchester and doing my MSc in Sports Medicine has been one of the most drastic changes in my life. Student life in Manchester, with its busy schedule of lectures, working on a thesis, visiting the gym and constantly trying to get acquainted with additional material on the side, can be quite overwhelming from time to time.
However, I’ve managed to create my own routine, and I always visit some of below mentioned hidden spots in Manchester when I simply need to relax. I hope that if you are a student trying to understand student life in Manchester or simply typed “things to do in Manchester for students” in Google search, then this list may be helpful for you.
Coffee Shops To Feel Relaxed
After several physiology classes one after another or a difficult day in the laboratory, I do not head to my apartment right away. First, I visit one of the hidden spots in Manchester. And that is a coffee shop. My personal favorite at the moment is Just Between Friends Coffee located on Tib St. It is cozy, has Wi-Fi and charging points and, of course, serves one of the best flat whites in this city.
If you need to concentrate on writing or editing content, my recommendation would be 92 Degrees Coffee near John Dalton St. It is very popular things to do in Manchester for students who bring laptops with themselves, serves fresh roasted coffee and has this cozy but at the same time productive atmosphere. However, if you are looking for quiet place instead of noisy atmosphere, The Brewentists located on Cooper St is one of the most peaceful cafes that I’ve visited so far. It attracts a lot of students and has a “quiet” atmosphere – a rarity in the center of the city.
Finally, if you need to relax and find your own “hidden spots in Manchester”, I would recommend Atrium Coffee on St Peter’s Square, which is literally located inside office building. Its pour over is amazing.
Cafe and Restaurants for Comfort Food
Food culture of Manchester is one of the most underrated parts of student life here, in my opinion. At the moment, my favorite discovery is Society, a food court located in the basement of Barbirolli Square. It has Korean, Italian, Mexican and many other vendors under one roof and even outdoor seating near canal, which is perfect if you have a sunny evening after long clinical placement.
If you prefer something less crowded, Common on Edge St is a great option to enjoy delicious New York style pizzas in colorful and cozy bar that looks as if it is miles away from typical student strip. For meeting with friends and having a proper dinner, my favorite hidden spots in Manchester is Kro Bar on Oxford Rd. It is affordable, has a lot of university students, serves Danish-inspired comfort food and has beer garden on warm days.
Places for Manchester Nightlife
Student life in Manchester does not necessarily involve visiting nightclubs every weekend. In my experience, some of the best evenings were simple bars with nice drinks and great company. I particularly like North Bar at Circle Square. You can tell bartenders about your taste preferences and they will make an off-menu cocktail for you. Their alcohol-free options are also one of the best that I’ve tried so far, which matters a lot if you are training hard and need to control your macros, like I do.
Another great place to check out is Pixel Bar near Thomas St. Two cocktails for £13 with a student card and trivia night atmosphere every weekday are a great way to spend evening in Manchester. Finally, Atmosphere near Salford is an example of classic bar, which Manchester residents would recommend for students to unwind after university. It has cheap pints, good food and students who have just left the university, just like you.
Parks for Relaxation and Walking
As a result of running and lifting weights, I rely on green spaces more often than some might imagine. One of my favorite hidden spots in Manchester for relaxing and thinking is Saint John’s Gardens, which is located near Deansgate. It is very peaceful, has enough benches and is perfect place to come to after a stressful day of clinical readings. Parsonage Gardens is smaller but similarly peaceful place, and its cherry blossom trees make even a five minute break relaxing.
A Word About Student Accommodation in Manchester
I live in Canvas Manchester River Street Tower at the moment, and I can honestly say that this has helped me relax after university. My residence is situated in the heart of the First Street neighborhood, which is only a short walk away from major universities in the city, so I am not far from lectures. However, at the same time I am close to both Northern Quarter and Oxford Road, which are locations of most of the places that I’ve mentioned above. On-site gym has saved me on days when I did not feel like going somewhere to train, and studying spaces downstairs come in handy if my room seems too crowded for work.
Since I work as a global ambassador for University Living, I am asked questions about student accommodation in Manchester often. My personal recommendation would be to choose the accommodation, which is located close to your university and, ideally, to a few places from the list above. Being a ten minute walk from a nice coffee shop and park significantly changes your day, and I have experienced it thanks to my current accommodation. While choosing accommodation from abroad, University Living is a good platform to shortlist verified properties without viewing them personally.
Conclusion
What I really like about student life in Manchester is the fact that you do not need to choose between hustle and relaxation. You can have a productive coffee session, a dinner with friends, a relaxed drink or even a peaceful walk in a park, all within about twenty minutes from each other.
