first year guide

New students what to do and where to go?

You’ve arrived in a new city and this is your quick guide of much needed help. Starting university can be a challenge, particularly if you’re in a completely new environment, miles away from home.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

In Manchester we mainly run on our publicly Transport system by Bus or Tram or if you’re feeling really boujee – Uber!

Main bus routes into and out of the city centre are

192, 203, 201, 43, 42, 142, 143, 86, 85, 219

The System One bus passes - allows you to get any buses in Manchester; not just stagecoach or First buses.

FOOD PLACES TO SHOP

If you want to make your money stretch then places like Lidl and Aldi are your best friend.

If you’re in Fallowfield Sainsbury is the place to be or Wimmy Foods for African based stuff.

Alternatively, if you want more of your ethnic/world foods Asda in Hulme is a great option and the surrounding shops in the area. Worldwide Foods on the Curry Mile is also another option.

Longsight is another area that’s really good for different types of ingredients and seasons. Here you’ll find Appna Cash & Carry.

If you want all things African ingredients then Moston Lane is the place to go. The bus routes for here are 112, 117, 118, 52, 81.

BARBERSHOP AND HAIRDRESSERS

There’s lots of barbershops and hairdressers in Manchester, here are some that we have tried and can recommend.

Barbershop

  • Smokey (bottom floor of Primark City Centre)

  • Plugged in Barbers

  • In the Cut

  • HQ Barbers

Hairdressers

We have lots of hairdressers in KC and JCM, if you want any recommendations feel free to ask around!

  • Various places on Moston Lane, Manchester

Near Asda Hulme there’s also various hair shops, where you can buy hair products, skin care etc.

REGISTER WITH A DOCTOR/GP

You might be far from home and this is a great time to make sure you’re covered with your health. Fresher’s Flu is real and you want to be stocked up on vitamins and minerals.

ACTIVITIES AND LEISURE

We have 2 main shopping centres here. The Arndale or Trafford Centre. The Arndale is located in the city centre whilst Trafford Centre is a bus ride away on the 250 or X50 or you can get there by tram.

There is also Printworks and Great Northern if you’re an avid movie goer. There you will find The Vue or Odeon.

In the Arndale and Trafford Centre and the city centre at large you can find activities such as virtual reality gaming, bowling, mini golf, bowling, total ninja.

Manchester Art Gallery and Manchester Museum are free admissions.

Affordable Restaurants

These are some but there is a lot more

  • Soul and Surf

  • Rudy’s

  • Bunny Jackson

  • Cafe19

  • Almost Famous

If you sign up for UNiDAYS or Student Beans you can benefit off getting discount in several restaurants!

*Bonus point*

FIND A NEW HOBBY

In the spirit of trying new things, finding a new hobby or attending group activities is a great way to meet people, especially if you’ve just moved to the big city alone.