Top 6 student areas in Manchester

As Manchester is so diverse and has such a lot to explore and get stuck into, students live in many different neighbourhoods across the city. There are lots of different student areas in Manchester, each with their own attractions and character. Whether you want to be close to your university, favour a lively social scene, or are prioritising affordability, Manchester has something to suit your needs. 

Choosing your next home? Here are six of the best student areas to consider when looking for student accommodation in Manchester.

1. Didsbury

Although Didsbury is slightly further out from the city centre, it’s well connected. You can hop on the bus or train and be in the centre of Manchester in less than fifteen minutes. Plus, as Didsbury is a vibrant and buzzy student area in Manchester, you’ll quickly find that living there is worth the extra travel time. 

Didsbury highlights:

• The Didsbury Dozen: Living in Didsbury, you can’t miss out on the infamous Didsbury Dozen pub crawl. Following this crawl will show you some of Didsbury's best drinking spots, and makes for the perfect night out with friends.
• Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens and Didsbury Park: These tranquil green spaces are ideal for a peaceful stroll or even studying outdoors in the summer months.
• Convenient shopping: With ALDI, Tesco, Co-op, and Boots all within walking distance, you'll have all the shops you need to pick up any essentials close by.

2. Fallowfield

Fallowfield is a popular student area in Manchester, particularly among those attending the University of Manchester. It's a lively area with a strong student community, making it easy to meet new people and get involved in university life.

Fallowfield highlights:

• Proximity to universities: It takes just twelve minutes on the bus to get from student accommodation in Fallowfield to the University of Manchester and twenty minutes to get to Manchester Metropolitan University. Fallowfield is also home to the University of Manchester Fallowfield campus, making it the ideal area for you to live if you have classes there. 
• Wilmslow Road: This bustling street is lined with pubs, cafes, and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Make sure to check out The Friendship in or NEST for a drink and grab a pizza at HAUS. 
• Platt Fields Park: Head to this large green space to relax with friends, exercise, or join one of the many events held there.

3. Hulme

Hulme has gone through significant regeneration in recent years and is now a vibrant area with plenty to offer students. Its central location and range of amenities make it a convenient and attractive option for student housing.

Hulme highlights:

• Brooks Building: Manchester Metropolitan University’s Brooks Building is located in Hulme, making the area extremely convenient for Manchester Met students. The award-winning Brooks Building is home to the Faculty of Health and Education, the Movement Unit, and Birley Kitchen.
• Convenient location: When you live in student housing in Hulme, you’ll be within walking distance of your university. It takes less than 15 minutes to walk to both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University’s main campuses.
• Food and drink: There are plenty of options to explore in Hulme. Don’t miss Kim’s Kitchen & Bar, a popular spot for students to grab a bite. 
• Hulme Retail Park: With B&M and Asda Superstore, you'll have all your essential shopping needs covered.

4. Manchester City Centre

Manchester city centre is the perfect place for those who want to be right in the heart of the action. This area offers unparalleled opportunities for entertainment, nightlife, culture, and dining. With so much to explore, you never need to hit up the same spot twice!

Manchester city centre highlights:

• Walkable distance to universities: It’s only a 20-minute walk from student accommodation in the city centre to both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University - so you never need to get up to early to make those 9ams!
• Nightlife: The city centre has a brilliant nightlife scene with clubs and bars to suit all music tastes and vibes. Try the Freemount and Junior Jacksons for a quirky bar experience, or head to Warehouse Project, an unmissable event in Manchester.  
• Cultural attractions: Looking to soak up some culture? Visit the Palace Theatre to watch a show, check out the exhibitions at Manchester Art Gallery, or learn something new at the Science and Industry Museum.
• Eating, drinking, and shopping: Manchester city centre is packed with restaurants, pubs, cafes, and shops to explore. Start at Bundobust for some affordable vegetarian Indian streetfood and end at Ramona’s for a delicious cocktail. 

5. Rusholme

Rusholme is a favourite among students due to its affordability, convenient location close to the University of Manchester, and vast selection of enticing restaurants. 

Rusholme highlights:

• Convenient transport links: Rusholme is less than a 15-minute walk away form the University of Manchester. You can also easily access Manchester Metropolitan University and the Northern Royal College of Music via bus. The journey takes less than 15 minutes!
• Curry Mile: Who could talk about Rusholme without mentioning the Curry Mile? Running down Wilmslow Road, the Curry Mile is the largest concentration of Asian restaurants in the UK. You’ll find delicious Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan flavours on this street, with some restaurants staying open as late as 1 am or 2 am. This is a must-visit for foodies!

6. Withington

Withington is a well-connected student area in Manchester that combines the best of suburban and urban living. It’s a great area for students looking for a quieter environment while still maintaining easy access to the city centre.

Withington highlights:

• Transport links: Student accommodation in Withington is just a twenty-minute bus ride away from the University of Manchester and twenty-five minutes to Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Northern College of Music.
• Dining options: There is a wide selection of restaurants and cafes to enjoy in Withington. Try Toast for a spot of brunch and a morning coffee, or head to Thyme Out Food Co. to tuck into some fresh, locally-sourced dishes. If you’re vegan, Withington is a must-try area, with Herbivorous serving up vegan comfort food and Lotus Plant Based Kitchen offering authentic vegan Chinese cuisine.

Our guide to student areas in Manchester

There are lots of student areas in Manchester to choose from, each with its own unique appeal. Whether you prefer the vibrant nightlife of the city centre, the student community feel of Fallowfield, or the budget-friendly options in Rusholme, there’s a neighbourhood to suit every preference. 

Explore these fantastic student areas in Manchester to find the perfect place to call home while at university.