Experience in Manchester, United Kingdom by Leif

What is it like to live in Manchester? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

A dynamic and vibrant city, compact but with easy links to other cities, countryside and international airport. Night life is varied from clubs to pubs, plenty of theatres, events and concerts. Chinatown, the Curry Mile are good for food whatever time of day and night. When your there as a student or intern there are plenty of cheap and free events from Pride to Manchester Day. Recommend visiting the museums and galleries but you need to get out of the city and onto the moors and explore the countryside.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Manchester?

Probably the best student city, smaller than London but better as its cheaper, everything is closer and easy to get to. With a large student population there is plenty of offers and student nights at various bars and clubs in the city. Study can be hard depending on your course but proximity to the city centre and friendliness of the people makes up for it.

How much does it cost to live in Manchester?

Depends on your expectations, there are plenty of properties where the walls are green, not painted but mouldy and cheap to rent to premium rental properties with fully serviced which are expensive. Food is reasonable, if you want a good Chinese or Indian food, go at lunchtime at get something from the lunch menu, often cheaper than eating in the evening. For beer, supermarkets are the cheapest, but if you want to go out, then midweek student nights are recommended to get your money to stretch further.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Manchester? Is there any advice you can give?

Property market is like a rat race in the UK, recommend only renting verified properties. Be cautious about paying up-front fees as some are taking advantage of the competitive property market. Single rooms are easy to pick-up, but the autumn term availability is low with many students reserving places from the previous academic year.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food from all over the world, the Curry Mile is good for a cheap curry, but only go to the busy restaurants. Chinatown is excellent for Chinese and Thai food. Korean, Malay, can be found. Nigerian to middle eastern, then the usual Italian chains exist on the high street. If your vegetarian the 8th Day is good.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Manchester?

The West Pennine Moors have an abandoned oriental gardens that look like something from middle earth, just a train and bus ride away. Manchester Museum at the university for the collections. The Chill Factore and leisure facilities at Trafford can cost a bit but you can easily spend the day there, then go shopping at the Trafford Centre. Get to the Comedy Store and get to grips with Northern humour.

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Is it good to eat out in Manchester? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Plenty of places to eat out. Chinatown, Northern Quarter and Curry Mile, are very popular. Didsbury is good in the summer sitting in a pub beer garden. But nothing beets a chicken kebab on naan bread after a drunken night out.

Is the nightlife good in Manchester? Where is good to go?

You have the comedy clubs to dance clubs, theatre to football. Manchester has almost everything to offer. Recommend the gay village for a chilled out night. Deansgate locks if you want to dress-up and pout like a trout. The Didsbury dozen, a student trial of endurance drinking in 12 different pubs.

If you like real ale and want to experience English pubs and public transport then do the ale trail - train from Hudisfield to Manchester and stop at each stop for the pub. Can get very busy on a Saturday.

What advice would you give future students heading to Manchester?

Enjoy it and get out of the city and see the North.