The reality of making it (or even thriving) as a postgraduate student in Manchester does not necessarily have to come with a massive financial burden.
I am Sneha, a global public health student studying at Manchester Met, and here I share the truth about how much I actually spend on a monthly basis. Thus, here I will discuss my monthly expenses as a student in Manchester:
Where I Live (and Why It Saves Money)
The place where I am currently residing is Deansgate Gate Square, which is situated in the center of the city. Location matters and I am taking full advantage of mine. Since I go to lectures, grocery shopping at Sainsbury’s Local, the gym, and visit my friends on foot, I do not use any public transport. Which means, that I save around £0–£10 each month. Plus, this allows me to get some exercise done and stay sane before meeting deadlines.
In addition to the gym, my accommodation offers free Internet, TV, laundry room, and study spaces; however, being a powerlifter, I need an actual gym space and equipment for this.
Choosing the right student accommodation in Manchester has also helped me make the most of living centrally.
My Realistic Monthly Expenses as a Student in Manchester (August)
Here I will show you how much I spent in August, except rent.
- Shopping/Groceries: £487.49
- Majorly Sainsbury’s Local, sometimes Lidl or Asda when there’s a deal. Yes, this might seem expensive, but it encompasses all household items, toiletries, and shopping for food that I prepare at home.
- MyProtein (1kg): £30
Absolutely necessary for my strength training regime.
- SIM Recharge: £10
It is kept simple with just data and phone calls, nothing much.
- Eating Out: £93
No drinking or partying here so this is my social budget. Coffee meetings with people, having lunch or dinner once in a while.
- Gym Membership: £25.99
Though I know that my PBSA in Manchester has a gym, I prefer the equipment that the actual gym offers for powerlifting. Money well spent on both mind and body health.
- Transport: £10
It would only be for infrequent times when I am leaving the city centre by tram or bus, but 95% of the time I will be walking.
Total (excludes rental costs): £656.48
You May Also Want to Read: My Favourite Places to Unwind After University in Manchester
Reasons Why This Budget Is Right for Me
- Not going out: Huge saving. Nights out in Manchester can easily cost up to £30-£50 per night if you’re going bar hopping or clubbing. I would much prefer to spend on groceries and the gym.
- Location is central: Deansgate means I can walk everywhere. I do not need to buy a monthly bus ticket (£50-£70).
- Cooking food: My meals are basic: rice, chicken, vegetables, eggs, bread and milk. Sometimes I prepare food in advance and freeze it. It’s cheaper and healthier than ordering takeaway every day.
- Student discounts: I always use my student card for discounts such as the gym, food (greggs), and transport.
Comparison with Average Student Budgets
According to the most common estimates, Manchester-based students spend between £900 and £1,350 per month in total (including rent). My expenses excluding rent amount to £650 – high for food shopping and dining out, but I do not compromise on proteins and mental well-being. Plus, the absence of drinking and partying habits significantly lowers my “social” monthly expenses as a student in Manchester.
Being more social and living further away from the city centre, you will have to spend more on transportation and eating out. The really frugal guys can lower food shopping to £150-£200 by buying exclusively in Lidl/Asda and preparing food at home.
Saving Money on My Monthly Expenses as a Student in Manchester:
- Walking and cycling: Central Manchester is quite small. It helps save on transportation.
- Meals at home: Cooking large amounts at once, using student-specific recipes, and choosing Lidl/Asda as your primary supermarket.
- Student discounts: Don’t forget to ask about them, and download UNiDAYS or Student Beans apps.
- Lower expenses on restaurants: I manage to keep it within £93, and you may lower it further if you really try.
- Think before choosing your accommodation place.
For students comparing options across student accommodation in UK, location can make a noticeable difference to everyday spending.
Concluding Remarks
One of the most affordable student towns in the UK, Manchester is a great place to live for people like me on a tight budget. Making good decisions about where you live, how you travel, what you eat, and how you entertain yourself is enough to keep your monthly expenses low. For me, spending only £650/month (rent not included) is possible.
If you are a student working on your budget, begin with the things you absolutely cannot do without (food, gym, and phone plan), and then work on reducing the rest. And the best piece of advice is – location to manage monthly expenses as a student in Manchester:
University Living can also help students explore accommodation options, while Canvas Manchester is one of the accommodation options students can consider when planning where to live.
