8 reasons why Manchester is a great place to study

With its rich history of innovation, world-class education, and vibrant cultural and sports scene, Greater Manchester offers the perfect blend of academic excellence and exciting city life. Home to over 100,000 students, this dynamic region is more than just a place to study—it’s a place to thrive.

From cultural icons and legendary music to cutting-edge industries, Manchester inspires ambition and promises unforgettable experiences. You’ll find endless opportunities to learn, connect, and create while making connections with people from around the world and laying the groundwork for your career.

1. It’s a city for students

Manchester’s massive student population creates a unique energy that’s felt throughout the city and surrounding areas. Oxford Road—home to three universities—is a bustling student thoroughfare, and Fallowfield, just a short bus ride away, offers a dedicated student hub with halls of residence and housing, making it feel like its own vibrant village. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at one of the city’s street markets, exploring quirky cafés, or taking advantage of student deals at restaurants offering cuisines from around the globe, the city truly caters to student life.

And then there’s the Northern Quarter of Manchester where you’ll find vintage shops and tea rooms—it’s hard not to love. Simply wander around and take in the amazing array of street art, or make the most of some of the shops, on offer. You can spend an afternoon getting lost in Affleck's Palace, the ‘emporium of eclecticism’ where you can explore so many quirky, independent shops. The Northern Quarter is also a hub of great cafés, bars and restaurants – have tea and cake at Sugar Junction or enjoy the buzzing atmosphere at Mackie Mayor. For the cat lovers out there, you can now also experience Manchester’s first Cat Café.

2. It’s home to excellent universities

Greater Manchester is a global leader in higher education, home to institutions that combine rigorous academics with real-world opportunities. 

The University of Manchester is renowned for groundbreaking research, from splitting the atom to the discovery of graphene, while Manchester Metropolitan University blends innovation with hands-on learning, connecting students directly to industry.

Creative minds thrive at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), where students pursue performance and musical excellence. For those passionate about media and creative industries, the University of Salford’s MediaCityUK campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and direct links to employers such as the BBC and ITV. 

Meanwhile, the University of Bolton focuses on practical, career-driven education, supported by an emphasis on employability and personal growth. Adding to this dynamic landscape, University Academy 92 (UA92), based in Old Trafford, offers innovative courses with an emphasis on character development and employability. 

Manchester’s universities are more than just places to study—they’re launchpads for global careers, offering internships, placements, and collaborations with leading industries to ensure students graduate ready to shine. 

3. It’s a vibrant city full of culture and creativity

Manchester’s cultural legacy is legendary, making it the perfect place for students seeking inspiration. This city gave the world bands like Oasis, The Smiths, and Joy Division, and its music scene is almost unrivalled. Whether it’s a packed gig at the Co-op Live— the UK’s largest entertainment arena—or an intimate night at Band on the Wall, you’ll find the city full of music and plenty of opportunities to enjoy it. 

‘When I’ve been to the pub here, there is often live music’, says Sabrina from Italy, who is studying at RNCM. ‘It is not a tradition I’m used to, and I appreciate that so many talented bands and musicians are performing in Manchester and across the rest of the UK. Whenever I go to a pub here, I listen to folk tunes. I’m completely in love.’ ‘Manchester is also a really vibrant, cultural city’, she says. ‘It’s a bit like a little London in the way that it has everything you want in terms of pubs, restaurants, and cultural activities, but it’s not as huge. It has all the things you’d want that you’d be able to find in a big city without having to live (or pay to live) in one.’

Art lovers will also be enchanted by Manchester’s creative spirit. For a taste of history and innovation, visit The Whitworth Art Gallery or the Science and Industry Museum, where Manchester’s industrial past meets its pioneering present. The city’s festival calendar is another highlight. From the colourful and energetic Manchester Pride celebrations to the globally renowned Manchester International Festival, there’s always something happening to bring the city to life.

4. You’ll find a diverse and welcoming community

People from Manchester—known as Mancunians—are famous for being friendly and welcoming, and that hospitality extends to the city’s thriving international student population. It’s estimated that there are around 41,000 international students in and around Greater Manchester, so wherever you’re from, you’ll be sure to meet an incredibly diverse range of people and cultures. 

Greater Manchester is celebrated as a melting pot of cultures where international students are warmly welcomed and supported. With areas like Rusholme’s ‘Curry Mile’ and Chinatown, you can enjoy global cuisines and connect with traditions from all over the world. Whether it’s celebrating Eid, Diwali, or Lunar New Year, Manchester’s multicultural spirit ensures you’ll feel at home while experiencing something new.

Katiana, from the US, who’s studying at the University of Manchester, shares, ‘Manchester is incredibly diverse, and there’s something here for everyone. It’s easy to meet new friends and discover new things to do, whether through university clubs or just exploring social media for local activities. The city’s vibrant atmosphere makes it accessible for anyone wanting to dive into new experiences.’

5. Start building your future during your studies 

Living and studying in Greater Manchester isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about building a future for yourself. The city is a centre for industries shaping the world’s future, from digital innovation to health sciences and advanced materials. Universities here work closely with these industries, giving students opportunities to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills employers are looking for.

At RNCM, for instance, students can audition for the professional experience scheme, which connects them to world-class orchestras. Sabrina from Italy, who is currently studying at RNCM, says: ‘I will play with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra as part of my work placement. It’s something in my life that I never thought could have been possible.’

This connection between academia and industry ensures that graduates who have studied in Greater Manchester are ready to succeed, whether they dream of joining a global organisation, pursuing ground-breaking research, or founding their own businesses.

6. It’s a city where life is an adventure

People from all around the world choose to study in Greater Manchester. Not just for the world-class education but also for the renowned sports scene. It’s hard to utter the word ‘Manchester’ across the world without football being mentioned. Home to both Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs, and their equally famous home stadiums, when in Manchester, you’re at the centre of an iconic football legacy. 

However, it’s not just football that you can experience in Manchester. Spend a day watching cricket at Lancashire Country Cricket club or see the Sale Sharks in action in a Rugby Union game. Manchester’s 2002 Commonwealth Games legacy means you can experience the Manchester Aquatics Centre, the Regional Athletics Arena, the National Squash Centre and Manchester Velodrome.

7. It has great transport links

Manchester is a city that keeps you connected. While it’s known for the iconic Magic Buses that trundle along Oxford Road—one of the busiest bus routes in Europe—its ‘Bee Transport’ network offers so much more. The city’s expanding tram system makes it quick and easy to navigate Greater Manchester, whether heading to a lecture, somewhere new or even across town to the airport.

Travelling further afield is just as simple. Manchester is only two hours from London by train, giving you access to the capital’s countless attractions. Manchester Airport, one of the UK’s busiest, offers flights to 199 destinations worldwide, making it the ideal base for exploring Europe and beyond.

8. You’ll have access to the beautiful natural surroundings

Manchester’s location provides unbeatable access to some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes and dynamic cities. A short trip will take you to the breathtaking Peak District National Park, famous for its rugged moorlands, scenic walking trails, and opportunities for rock climbing and caving. Lyme Park, a stately estate on the edge of the Peak District and easily accessible by train, offers a slice of history and stunning grounds to explore.

If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, Chatsworth House—another magnificent stately home just a little further afield—will feel like a dream come true, as it’s been featured in various adaptations of Pride and Prejudice.

But it’s not just the countryside on your doorstep. Northern powerhouses like Liverpool, Leeds, and Sheffield are all within an hour of Manchester by train, offering even more opportunities to explore vibrant city life.

With fantastic transport links and access to some of the UK’s most stunning locations, Manchester gives you the best of both worlds—city living and outdoor adventure.