Welcome to our University of Manchester Guide. Find out more about this leading UK University including the best courses, tips on nights out, official information, placing to stay when visiting and more. Could this be the Uni for you?

If you’re studying for A-Levels or considering furthering your education as a mature student, you’ll no doubt have a list of potential universities to consider. To help you decide if Manchester is the city and campus for you, and give you a break from poring over the Times Higher Education guide, make yourself comfortable and settle in for our insights into the University of Manchester.

Find out more about the University of Manchester:

University of Manchester

Overview of the University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is celebrated all over the world thanks to its research power and advanced materials available to students and faculty. This establishment produces a constant conveyance of employable graduates, as you’d expect from a member of the prestigious Russell Group.

Found in the city centre, this is one of the oldest universities in the UK. It contains everything you’d expect to find in such an icon of higher education, such as a stellar library, fantastic computer laboratory, and all the scientific apparatus that an academic could hope for. The campus is also home to the Manchester Museum, though this is closed for refurbishment until 2023.

There is a good reason why this university consistently soars toward the top of world rankings and remains one of the most established centres of learning in the UK. Domestic and international students alike will find plenty to love at this establishment.

History of Manchester University

The University of Manchester was originally two separate institutes – the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (aka UMIST) and Victoria University of Manchester. Officially, the establishment has existed since 1824. It may not the first British university, but this institute is among the oldest 10.

These two sites operated independently but harmoniously for some 100 years before merging under the guidance of the prestigious Russell Group in 2004, forming one university – the largest in the UK at the time, and among the biggest in the world.

Development of the university has continued since this grand opening, welcoming students from the UK and all over the world, climbing up the official rankings and becoming a byword for academic excellence to students everywhere.

What is the address of the University of Manchester?

The official address of the Manchester University is:

Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL

Map of the University of Manchester

Below is a map of the University of Manchester:

How to get to the University of Manchester

The university is ideally positioned in a central location in Manchester.

The way to get to the University of Manchester are:

  • By train – the campus is just a five-minute walk from Piccadilly station, which in turn is just two-and-a-half hours from London.
  • By road – the University of Manchester can be reached by car through the following roads:
  1. M62
  2. M602
  3. M60
  4. M6
  5. M56
  6. M67
  • By air – International students can fly into Manchester airport, which is around 30 minutes away from the university site.
  • On foot – the University is accessible on foot and it’s located in the centre of the city.
  • By Bus – Manchester is well connected with an efficient bus network, so you can get to the university in this way.
  • By Tram – Manchester has its famous tram network and this is another great way for students to get around.

What are the top courses at Manchester University?

There are many schools, colleges, and universities in Manchester, some of which specialise in particular subjects, but the pursuit of academic excellence in the city really revolves around the University of Manchester.

If students are interested in engineering or science, in particular, this is an ideal place to further your personal and academic development. The teaching at the university places it among the top of world rankings, and certainly within the UK. Employable graduates are especially likely to come from the following fields.

Manchester’s top courses are:

  • Foreign languages
  • Modern computer science
  • Physics and astronomy
  • Business and marketing
  • Engineering
  • Accountancy
  • Humanities (most notably sociology)

Explore the courses available to UK-based and international students at the university and decide if the establishment will meet your own need for personal development. As the university is ranked and rated so highly by countless independent sources all over the world, it’s likely that it will do so. If that’s the case, make Manchester your most targeted university.

Where is the Manchester Students Union?

The students union at the University of Manchester is found on-site, on Oxford Road. The building and its occupants are dedicated to furthering social change and social responsibility among students and faculty alike, in addition to offering support to students with any academic or personal concerns. Be sure to check in with this vital element of student society.

What are the best Manchester student nights?

As well as a wide range of shops all over the city – Manchester is arguably second only to London in terms of UK retail therapy – students can also be treated to a wide array of clubs and nights out.

The university itself will programme a range of nights out and entertainment, but domestic and international students can also indulge in frivolity in the city. After all, the student experience is not just about academic development!

If you’re keen to take a break from the library and practice some of the social sciences, any of the following bars and clubs welcome the business of students.

What at the best student pubs in Manchester?

Pubs and clubs go hand in hand with life as a student. The nightlife in Manchester is legendary thanks to the emergence of various music scenes over the years, but sometimes you may just want a quiet night in the pub. None of these locations will be as peaceful as the university library, but they boast business models geared up for students:

  • The Thirsty Scholar
  • The Courtyard
  • 532 Bar and Kitchen
  • The Ape and Apple
  • The Footage

After the travails of COVID, any pub in England will appreciate your support. These are the watering holes that are ranked highly by students and former staff of Manchester University, though. They’re the perfect place to take a break from academic pursuits.

Where are the best places to eat for students in Manchester?

While the city of Manchester is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants and fine dining experiences, eateries that possess this prestigious award will likely be far outside the average student budget.

Thankfully, there are affordable places to eat close to the university grounds, especially if you’re a fan of street food. Domestic and international students alike will be thrilled to experience world dining experiences such as:

Of course, you’ll find these restaurants – and others – ranked on a site like TripAdvisor. Part of the fun of student life in a new city is discovering the perfect places to eat and drink, though.

What are the Halls of Residence for the University of Manchester?

Part of the student experience is finding somewhere to live. Unless you live in Manchester, you’ll likely need accommodation in the city. This is especially important for international students, who need to live somewhere safe if they cannot fly home for the major holidays.

The University of Manchester has over 20 halls of residence, which are the ideal environment for any student. The dorms in these halls are rented privately, so you’ll need funding if you’re going to stay within, but they will help you form a community with your fellow students and enjoy access to local shops and other amenities.

What famous people went to Manchester University?

Upon graduating from the University of Manchester, you will join the rankings of some illustrious alumni. Famous faces from the world of science to attend this campus include:

  • Professor Brian Cox
  • James Chadwick
  • Arthur Eddington
  • Henry Moseley
  • Andre Geim
  • Ernest Rutherford

If you’re more interested in the arts, the University of Manchester has also formed the foundation of many careers in this field, including:

  • Ben Elton
  • Jennifer Saunders
  • Benedict Cumberbatch
  • Jack Whitehall
  • Parineeti Chopra

As you’ll see, whether your fundamental interests lie within physics, performance, or indeed anything else, the University of Manchester can act as the foundation of a hugely successful career. Many of the most famous people in the world were once students in Manchester.

Hotels near The University of Manchester

If you’re visiting the University for an open day, or are paying a visit to friends or family members that study at the University of Manchester, you likely won’t be able to stay on campus. Thankfully, the university is located near the city centre, so you will not struggle to find private accomodation.



Booking.com

Being a major city, Manchester is home to countless options for Air BnB. Alternatively, if you prefer a formal hotel, your accommodation options include:

Really, though, any hotel in central Manchester will serve you well when seeking access to the university. Shop around on a popular travel site and you’re sure to find accommodation that will match your needs and budget – including the limited funds available to students.

Top Manchester Students Discounts

Popular Questions about the University of Manchester

We have discussed a range of factors pertaining to the University of Manchester, but you may understandably have more questions about the campus and establishment. With this in mind, let’s review some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this bastion of higher education.

Is the University of Manchester hard to get into?

Applicants to the University of Manchester will be expected to uphold the exemplary standards that have helped this campus gain such world renown. As the University of Manchester has a reputation for sculpting the minds of future high fliers, you’ll need to study hard and perform well at A-Level to qualify for acceptance.

The good news is that, if you’re prepared to put in the work to gain acceptance to the University of Manchester, you will not be punished financially. This is considered one of the more affordable locations for higher education in England, especially given the prestige of the University, and various scholarships are available each year to help with funding. International students can also benefit from the latter.

What is the University of Manchester known for?

The University of Manchester is best known as the home of groundbreaking, high-quality research and innovation in engineering and the sciences. If you’re interested in astronomy, for example, you’ll find the Lovell Telescope in the campus observatory – once the biggest such instrument in the world. The University of Manchester also boasts countless celebrated academics within its teaching departments and alumni, including Nobel prize winners. Check the university’s website for more information on its rich history.

What is the acceptance rate of the University of Manchester?

The University of Manchester is considered moderately selective, with an average acceptance rate somewhere between 55-59%. Like all top universities in the UK, the course you’re looking to study will likely impact your chances of a successful application.

Overall, though, you’re likelier to succeed in your application if you score if you have 135 UCAS points or higher – the equivalent of two As and a B at A-Level. Naturally, though, you’ll still need to impress at your interview!

What is the current University of Manchester world ranking?

As of June 2022, the University of Manchester is ranked at #9 in the world by the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings – #2 in the UK and Europe. Overall, Times Higher Education places the campus in the top 50 universities across the world in the rankings devised by the Sunday Times.

Can I view the dormitory close to the University of Manchester before booking?

Yes, will make an appointment to review a potential dorm or other accommodation before you commit to a longer-term residency. The dorm that you’ll be staying in when you visit the campus may be occupied by a student that is still studying. If that is the case, you will be shown around a comparable alternative that lets you understand what to expect without disturbing other students.

Can I get a dormitory close to the University of Manchester?

Yes, the university has over 20 halls of residence in and around the campus. Staying in such a location is a great way to form a community with other students that can offer friendship and support. These dorms are available on a first-come, first-served basis though, so if you are interested in reserving one, start the process as early as possible.

In which subjects is the University of Manchester best?

The University of Manchester boasts 24 subjects in the top 10 of university world rankings. These include:

  • Multiple foreign language courses, including French, German, Italian, Russian and Eastern European Languages
  • Dentistry, Nursing, and Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics
  • American Studies, Asian Studies, and African and Middle Eastern Studies
  • Music
  • Computer Science
  • Theology and Religious Study
  • Sociology
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Marketing
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Manufacturing and Production Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering
  • Materials Technology
  • Accountancy and Finance
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Town and Country Planning and Landscape Design

Is the University of Manchester good for international students?

UK universities are the envy of the world, and Manchester is no exception. International students from any country are very welcome in Manchester, with accommodation and academic support available to ensure that international students enjoy the best university experience possible.

How does The University of Manchester compare in the university ranking to all other universities in Manchester?

There are ten higher education establishments in Manchester, which offer varying levels of prestige. The University of Manchester is often considered the finest, as it’s the biggest and most established.

Most students and academic staff consider this campus more illustrious than, say, Manchester Metropolitan University or BPP University. Some of the other sites may offer a superior academic experience for students looking to learn a particular vocation, though.

The Royal Northern College of Music and Manchester School of Architecture, for example, may be a better choice if you have a clear and direct career ambition that correlates to these fields. Overall, though, if you say that you studied in Manchester, this is the university that people will think of.

Summary of the University of Manchester

One of the world’s leading universities in the fields of arts and science, alongside an admirable dedication to social responsibility and city centre location, ensures that the University of Manchester is among the top British universities that anybody should consider.

If you’re serious about a career in the sciences, especially physics, this locale should shoot to the top of any potential list of targeted universities. This establishment has well-earned reputation as one of the most innovative universities in the world, making it hugely popular with domestic and international students.

This does not mean that only applicants with an interest in hard science should consider the University of Manchester, though. The campus has plenty to offer students of all stripes, as well as a welcoming community. If you’re seeking an environment in which you can gain a stellar academic education as well as enjoying an unforgettable student experience, give serious consideration to the University of Manchester.

Other British Universities

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