How to choose an English language school abroad
Every year, thousands of students pack their bags, wave goodbye to their loved ones, and enrol in a language...
English
Choose to learn English in Manchester and you will live in one of the UK’s most exciting, welcoming, and student-friendly cities. Manchester is buzzing with music, football, history, and culture, and is more affordable than other major cities, such as London. You’ll quickly see why students from all over the world fall in love with this place.
Manchester is one of the UK’s largest student cities, home to at least five major universities and a student population of around 100,000. That means nearly one in ten people you’ll meet in the city is a student! Manchester, therefore, has a young, friendly atmosphere wherever you go. With around 27,000 international students already studying here, Manchester is a highly welcoming destination for people from all over the world. For English learners, this makes it the perfect place to practise English in real-life situations, make friends from different countries, and enjoy the countless cafés, music venues, sports events, and student-friendly activities that keep the city lively day and night.
Here’s your Manchester student guide so you can make the most of your time in the city without breaking the bank. From neighbourhood highlights to student nights out, cheap eats to cultural musts, we’ve got you covered.
Manchester United and Manchester City are two of the biggest football clubs on the planet. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the hype, catching a game at Old Trafford or the Etihad is unforgettable. Even if you don’t get a ticket, the atmosphere in the pubs and fan zones is electric.
Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division, and The Stone Roses: Manchester is the birthplace of some of the most iconic music legends. The city is alive with concerts, underground clubs, and cool record shops. From massive arena concerts to indie bands at small venues, music is in Manchester’s DNA.
Students love Manchester’s incredible museums and galleries. The Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Museum, and The Whitworth are very popular, and all have free entry. You can also explore the People’s History Museum and discover how Manchester helped shape modern Britain.
Compared to London or other major UK cities, Manchester is much kinder to your wallet. Rent, food, and nights out are cheaper, leaving more money for travel and experiences. With plenty of budget supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Asda, you can eat well without spending much.
The Metrolink tram system connects the whole city, and students can get discounted bus passes for unlimited travel. Manchester is also highly walkable, with most major attractions within easy reach of one another.
From the Manchester International Festival and Pride to Parklife and the famous Christmas Markets, this is a city that knows how to celebrate. There are plenty of free events, so you’ll always find something fun and interesting to do.
Manchester is home to thousands of international students. Wherever you go, you’ll find language exchange groups, student nights and people ready to make new friends.
Known for its street art, vintage shops, and quirky cafés, the Northern Quarter is where creativity thrives. Think independent coffee houses, record shops, and laid-back bars.
Eat: Try Rudy’s for one of the UK’s best pizzas or grab a veggie feast at Earth Café.
Do: Browse Afflecks, a maze of indie shops selling everything from retro clothes to handmade jewellery.
Shop: Vinyl Exchange and Piccadilly Records are musts for music lovers.
Deansgate is packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants, while Castlefield offers canal-side walks and Roman history.
Eat: Head to Dimitri’s for Mediterranean eats or sample budget-friendly bites at food markets.
Do: Explore Castlefield’s Roman ruins or catch a gig at Deansgate Locks.
Shop: Great for mainstream shops and big high-street brands.
Running through the university area, Oxford Road is alive with students, cheap eats, and live music.
Eat: Try a curry from Rusholme’s famous Curry Mile, where you’ll find some of the best South Asian food in the UK.
Do: Watch a gig (concert) at the O2 Ritz or check out the free exhibitions at The Whitworth.
Shop: Use affordable international supermarkets and plenty of budget-friendly cafés.
If you’re after something quieter, Didsbury offers you green parks, cosy pubs, and a village vibe that’s just a short tram ride away.
Eat: Check out Rudy’s (yes, another branch!) or head to one of the many pubs for a classic UK Sunday roast.
Do: Visit Fletcher Moss Park or relax in a café with a book.
Manchester is one of the best places to try British classics and world food on a budget.
Classic UK dishes: Fish and chips, a full English breakfast, and Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding are all must-eats.
Curry Mile: Rusholme’s Curry Mile is legendary. Come here for delicious, cheap, and filling meals.
Street food: Check out Mackie Mayor, a trendy food hall where you can try dishes from independent vendors.
Cafés: Manchester is full of cosy cafés perfect for studying or hanging out. Try Ezra & Gil or Foundation Coffee.
Transport: Get a student bus pass or a System One travelcard for unlimited travel on buses and trams.
Groceries: Shop at Aldi, Lidl, or Asda for the best value. Markets like Arndale Market also offer cheap eats.
Student nights: Many bars and clubs offer discounted entry and drinks on midweek nights. Don’t miss £1 pint nights or karaoke sessions.
Discounts: Always carry your student card. From cinemas to shops, you’ll save money everywhere.
Free fun: Take advantage of free entry to museums, art galleries, and outdoor festivals.
If you’re ready to study English in Manchester, EC Manchester is here for you. Our language school is right in the heart of the city, so you’re never far from its football stadiums, music venues, shops, and all the wonderful student life. With small class sizes, qualified teachers, and a friendly international mix of classmates, you’ll get the support and confidence you need to take your English ability to the next level. We have new English courses starting every Monday, so whether you’re here for one week or one year, EC Manchester is the perfect English school to learn, live, and explore this fantastic city.
Manchester has everything you need for an unforgettable study abroad experience. Football, music, culture, food, nightlife, and friendly people make it one of the best student cities in the world. And the best part? You can enjoy it all on a student budget.
Ready to take your chance? Study English in Manchester with EC and make this city your home. Your adventure is waiting.
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