International Student Accommodation in Manchester: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Manchester has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s top destinations for international students. Ranked 40th globally in the QS Best Student Cities rankings and voted the UK’s most liveable city by The Economist, this northern powerhouse combines world-class education with a legendary music and cultural scene.
The city is home to two major universities: the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Together they welcome over 80,000 students each year, making Manchester home to one of the largest student populations in Europe. Around 20,000 of these students are international, arriving from over 170 countries.
The student accommodation market in Manchester offers a wide range of options. Weekly rents typically range from £100 to £250, depending on location, room type, and facilities.
What sets Manchester apart is its combination of academic excellence (with 25 Nobel Prize winners associated with the University of Manchester), a thriving tech and creative industries sector, and excellent transport links to the rest of the UK.
The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students
When searching for student accommodation in Manchester, finding the right area is crucial. Here are four neighbourhoods popular with international students.
Fallowfield
The most famous student area in Manchester, Fallowfield, is home to around 30,000 students each year. The area sits approximately three miles south of the city centre and offers a vibrant social scene with pubs, cafes, and takeaways along Wilmslow Road. Regular bus routes connect Fallowfield to all university campuses in around 12 to 20 minutes.
Many University of Manchester halls are located here, and the area has a strong community feel. Average weekly rent ranges from £130 to £175, making it a popular mid-range option.
Withington
Just south of Fallowfield, Withington offers a slightly quieter alternative while maintaining excellent access to the same amenities. The area has a village feel with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants along its high street.
Students appreciate the more relaxed atmosphere while remaining well-connected to campus. Rent typically ranges from £100 to £150 per week.
Rusholme
Known as the Curry Mile, Rusholme is famous for having the largest concentration of South Asian restaurants in the UK. The area runs along Wilmslow Road between the university campus and Fallowfield, making it extremely convenient for students.
International students particularly appreciate the diverse food options and late-night eateries. Rent is typically £100 to £140 per week.
City Centre
Living in central Manchester puts you within walking distance of Manchester Metropolitan University and a short bus or tram ride from the University of Manchester. The Northern Quarter offers independent cafes, vintage shops, and live music venues.
City centre accommodation tends to be modern, purpose-built student accommodation with excellent facilities. The trade-off is higher rent, typically £150 to £250 per week.
Getting to Manchester as an International Student
Arriving in a new country can feel overwhelming, but getting to Manchester is straightforward.
Nearest Airports
Manchester Airport is the UK’s third busiest airport, sitting just 10 miles south of the city centre. It serves direct flights to destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. Most international students will fly directly into Manchester. London Heathrow (180 miles) and Birmingham International (80 miles) are alternatives with onward train connections if required.
From Manchester Airport
Direct trains run from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly station every 10 minutes, taking just 15 to 20 minutes and costing from £3 to £8. The Metrolink tram also connects the airport to the city centre in around 50 minutes for approximately £5. Taxis cost £25 to £35.
From London
Direct trains run from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly, taking around 2 hours 10 minutes with tickets priced upwards of £25 when booked in advance. National Express coaches take around 4 to 5 hours.
Getting Around Manchester
Manchester has excellent public transport. The Metrolink tram network connects key destinations, including both university areas, the city centre, and the airport. Buses cover the entire Greater Manchester area through the Bee Network. A weekly bus pass costs around £20, while a combined bus and tram pass costs around £41 per week.
The city centre is large but walkable, meaning many students cycle between their accommodation and campus. Oxford Road, which runs through the university district, is one of the busiest bus routes in Europe.
Universities in Manchester and Where International Students Live
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a Russell Group university and one of the UK’s largest single-site universities, with around 44,000 students from over 190 countries. The university is ranked 35th globally in the QS World University Rankings and holds a strong reputation among graduate employers, ranking second in the UK for employer targeting.
Founded in 1824 and counting 25 Nobel Prize winners among its past and present staff and students, Manchester has a proud heritage of ground-breaking research, from splitting the atom to isolating graphene. The main campus is located on Oxford Road, south of the city centre.
Many University of Manchester students live in Fallowfield (university halls and private accommodation), Withington (private housing), Rusholme (convenient location), or the city centre (modern PBSA). Campus facilities include the Main Library, Armitage Sports Centre, and the Students’ Union.
International student support is available through the International Office, which provides visa advice, orientation programmes, and ongoing support throughout your studies.
2026/27 Term Dates
Welcome Week: Monday 21 September 2026
Semester 1: Monday 28 September 2026 to Friday 29 January 2027
Semester 2: Monday 1 February 2027 to Friday 11 June 2027
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University welcomes over 44,000 students from more than 100 countries, making it one of the UK’s largest universities. Named Modern University of the Year 2026 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, MMU is known for career-focused courses and strong industry connections, with 91% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months.
The university holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework and has a triple-accredited Business School. Its main campus is in the city centre, with specialist facilities including state-of-the-art sports science laboratories and creative studios.
Students at MMU typically live in the city centre (walking distance to campus), Fallowfield, or Hulme. The university guarantees accommodation for all first-year students who apply by the deadline.
Cost of Living in Manchester for International Students
Manchester is cheaper than London, but it is one of the more expensive student cities outside the capital. Rent prices have risen significantly in recent years due to high demand. Cities like Liverpool, Sheffield, and Newcastle generally offer lower living costs if budget is your priority.
Accommodation (weekly)
Shared house: £120 to £160
En-suite PBSA: £160 to £250
Studio apartment: £200 to £280
Food and Groceries
Budget around £30 to £50 per week for groceries. Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl offer the best value. The Curry Mile in Rusholme offers affordable meals from £5 to £10.
Transport
Manchester is larger than most cities, but the city has excellent public transport connections. A weekly bus pass costs around £21. The Bee Network pay-as-you-go system caps daily travel at £5 for buses or £9.50 for buses and trams combined. A 16 to 25 Railcard (£30 per year) saves a third on national rail fares.
Other costs
Gym memberships set you back around £20 to £30 per month, though university gyms and many PBSA buildings include fitness facilities. SIM-only phone plans start from £6 to £10 per month.
Realistic monthly budget
Most students spend between £1,100 and £1,500 per month in total. For visa purposes, you will need to prove you have at least £1,171 per month in savings.
Manchester saving tips
Download UNiDAYS and TOTUM for student discounts across hundreds of retailers. Take advantage of student nights at bars and clubs. Use the Too Good To Go app for cheap meals. Cook in batches with housemates. Manchester’s extensive bus network means most journeys can be made affordably.
Visa Services and Support in Manchester
UKVCAS Service Point
Manchester has UKVCAS centres where you can attend biometric appointments after submitting your online visa application. All appointments must be booked in advance through the TLScontact website.
eVisas and BRP Collection
From 2025, UK visas will be issued digitally as eVisas rather than physical BRP cards. If you applied before this change and need to collect a BRP, your university can receive it directly. Contact your university’s international student team for collection arrangements.
University Immigration Support
Both universities offer free visa advice from qualified immigration advisers. If you have visa problems, contact your university’s immigration team first, as they can liaise directly with UKVI on your behalf.
International Student Community in Manchester
Manchester has one of the most diverse student populations in Europe, with students from over 170 countries represented. It is believed that up to 200 languages are spoken in the city.
Nationality-Based Societies
Both universities run extensive networks of cultural societies. The University of Manchester Students’ Union hosts over 400 societies, including the African Caribbean Society, Arab Society, Bulgarian Society, French Speaking Society, and many more. MMU offers similar groups.
Global Food and Shopping
Manchester caters exceptionally well to international tastes. The Curry Mile in Rusholme offers the largest concentration of South Asian restaurants in the UK. Chinatown is the second largest in the UK, with authentic East Asian cuisine and groceries. The Northern Quarter has independent restaurants and international food options.
Where to Socialise
Popular student areas include the Northern Quarter for independent bars and live music, Deansgate for nightlife, and Oxford Road for student pubs and venues. Manchester has a legendary music scene that produced Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division, and The Stone Roses, to name just a few of its finest exports.
Banking, Healthcare, and Essential Services
Banking
Major banks with branches in Manchester city centre include Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Santander, and NatWest. To open an account, you will need your passport, student visa or eVisa, proof of UK address (tenancy agreement), and a university enrolment letter. Digital banks like Monzo, Starling, and Revolut offer quicker setup without branch visits.
NHS Registration
Register with a GP during your first week. You will need your Manchester address. Allow seven days for registration to process. For non-emergencies, call NHS 111 or use the NHS App. In emergencies, call 999 or visit Manchester Royal Infirmary A&E.
Police Registration
No longer required. The Home Office has repealed this requirement for international students.
Other Services
The main Post Office is on Spring Gardens in the city centre. For international money transfers, Wise and Remitly offer better exchange rates than traditional banks.
What Makes Manchester Special for International Students
Weekend Adventures
Manchester’s central location makes exploring Britain easy. The Peak District is 40 minutes away for hiking. Liverpool is 45 minutes by train. The Lake District is under two hours away. London is 2 hours and 10 minutes by train.
Local Attractions
Manchester offers world-class cultural institutions, including the Manchester Museum (free entry), the Whitworth Art Gallery, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Football fans can visit Old Trafford (Manchester United) and the Etihad Stadium (Manchester City). The John Rylands Library is an architectural masterpiece and free to visit.
Student discounts are widely available through UNiDAYS and TOTUM cards.
Career Opportunities
Manchester has the largest local economy in the UK outside of London, with a GDP of over £134 billion. Major employers include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, the BBC, AstraZeneca, and the NHS.
International students can work up to 20 hours weekly during term time. The University of Manchester is ranked second in the UK for graduate employer targeting, and both universities run placement and internship programmes.
Alumni Network
The University of Manchester is associated with 25 Nobel Prize winners, including Ernest Rutherford (Chemistry, 1908), who split the atom in Manchester, and Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov (Physics, 2010) for their discovery of graphene. Notable alumni include Benedict Cumberbatch (actor), Brian Cox (physicist and broadcaster), and Alan Turing (computing pioneer who worked at the university).
Manchester FAQs
What is a Mancunian, and will I understand the local accent?
Mancunian is the name for both the Manchester accent and the people of Manchester. The accent can be distinctive, but locals are known for being friendly and welcoming. You will pick it up quickly. Mancunians are proud of their city and happy to help visitors feel at home.
Can I get tickets to watch Manchester United or Manchester City as a student?
Both clubs have high demand for tickets, but there are ways to attend matches. Manchester United offers official membership (around £35) to unlock access to ticket sales. Manchester City tickets are also available through their membership scheme. Student deals occasionally appear for midweek or cup fixtures, and watching a match at the pub with fellow students is a classic Manchester experience.
Is Manchester a good base for exploring the UK?
Absolutely. Manchester’s central location and excellent transport links make it ideal for weekend trips. The Peak District, Liverpool, and North Wales are all within 90 minutes. The Lake District is under two hours. London is just over two hours by train. With a 16 to 25 Railcard saving a third on fares, you can explore Britain from Manchester.
Ready to Book Student Accommodation in Manchester?
Now that you have seen all that Manchester has to offer international students, it is time to explore our range of Manchester student accommodation options.
If you have more questions relating to more general international student topics, check out our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.