A new city, a new university, and a new chapter in your life all start with deciding where you will call home. If you are heading to the University of Manchester, you are in luck because the city is full of great housing options. No matter your budget or lifestyle, you will come across everything from shared flats full of energy to private student accommodation near the University of Manchester.

Finding the right place to live can completely change your student experience. It isn’t only about having a room with four walls but about creating a space that feels like home, helps you focus on your studies, and lets you enjoy your time in Manchester to the fullest.

In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about the University of Manchester student accommodation. You’ll get a closer look at some of the best places to live, what kind of facilities you can expect and how to manage your budget while you’re here. We’ll also walk you through a few of the most popular neighbourhoods near the university and share some tips on finding affordable student housing that still feels comfortable. By the end of the blog, you should have a clearer idea of which Manchester student accommodation really suits you best.

Why Choose Manchester for Your Studies?

Manchester is one of the UK’s most popular student cities, and for good reason. Home to more than 100,000 students across multiple universities, it has a reputation for being diverse, welcoming, and full of opportunities. At the heart of it all is the University of Manchester, a member of the Russell Group and consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide.

What makes Manchester stand out is how it mixes the old with the new. You’ve got historic gems like the John Rylands Library sitting right alongside modern research centres that push boundaries. The city isn’t just about studying either. Between the world-famous football clubs, buzzing nightlife, and a packed calendar of cultural events, there’s always something happening.

Types of Student Accommodation Near the University of Manchester

When it comes to finding a place to live as a student in Manchester, one size definitely does not fit all. Every student has different priorities. It can be the price, location, independence, or a sense of community. Luckily, Manchester has a wide range of student housing options to fit different lifestyles and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of accommodation you’ll find near the University of Manchester.

1. University Halls of Residence

ِAccording to the Education Policy Institution, Many first-year students start their journey in university-managed halls. These are often close to campus and provide a ready-made community, which makes them suitable for newcomers. They usually come furnished, include utilities in the rent, and sometimes offer catering options. Living in halls is a good way to meet new people, but they can be more expensive when comparing to shared private housing.

2. Private Student Halls

Private student halls work a lot like university-owned ones, but they’re run by independent housing providers. These buildings are modern and packed with extras, like on-site gyms, cinema rooms, cosy study areas, and even round-the-clock support if you need it. They’re more expensive.

3. Shared Student Houses (HMOs)

Shared student houses, often called HMOs, are a go-to for second- and third-year students. You will usually find them in lively student areas like Fallowfield, Withington, or Rusholme. Living with housemates can work out cheaper than halls since you are splitting rent and bills, and it also gives you more space and freedom. Plus, sharing a house gives plenty of social time with friends, late-night chats in the kitchen, and the kind of independence that comes with managing a home together.

4. Studio Apartments

If you prefer your own space, a studio could be the perfect fit. Everything is contained in one cosy spot with your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette all in the same unit. Moreover, studios around the University of Manchester offer a quieter lifestyle. They do cost more than shared housing, but a lot of people feel the extra privacy and independence make it worth it.

5. Private Flats and Apartments

Some students go for a private flat instead of the typical student housing blocks. It’s usually more expensive, and you’ll be the one sorting out bills, Wi-Fi, and all the boring stuff. Still, the trade-off is freedom. You get to choose the location, the style, and the atmosphere. It feels more personal, more like a home that actually reflects you rather than just another student room.

Popular Areas for Student Living Near the University of Manchester

One of the best things about studying at the University of Manchester is the wide choice of areas where students can live. Each neighbourhood has its own vibe, price range, and distance from campus, so the right fit really depends on the lifestyle you want.

Fallowfield

Fallowfield is the classic option for undergraduates. The area is full of energy, with cafés, takeaways, and plenty of affordable houses that students usually share with friends. It offers the quintessential student experience, although it can be very lively, which might not suit everyone.

Rusholme

Rusholme is known across Manchester for its famous Curry Mile. It is a favourite for students who want value for money, with endless food options and cheaper rents compared to areas closer to campus. Its location also makes it convenient for getting to lectures without being right in the middle of the bustle.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is often the place people turn to when they’ve had enough of all the noise in student-heavy areas like Fallowfield. It’s calmer here, a bit more low-key, but you still know you’re living in a student neighbourhood. The vibe is friendlier than serious, though not wild either. Postgrads especially seem to like it, probably because it gives them space to breathe while keeping the uni close enough that they don’t feel cut off.

City Centre

Living in the city centre puts you right in the heart of Manchester. You will be surrounded by shops, nightlife, and cultural spots, all just a short walk away. Accommodation here is usually private and more expensive, but it is a great choice for students who want modern housing and the ultimate convenience.

Oxford Road Corridor

The Oxford Road Corridor is basically the heart of student life in Manchester. It stretches right past the University of Manchester and Manchester Met, so you’re surrounded by study spots, libraries, cafés, and loads of cultural places. If you live here, you’re pretty much in the middle of everything. It’s busy and lively, and you can walk to campus without even thinking about transport.

Budget-Friendly Student Accommodation Near the University of Manchester

If you’re looking for affordable and dependable housing near the University of Manchester, here are some options that offer good value, handy locations, and availability you can easily check through Casita:

Private En-Suite Rooms:

• Moss Court (Moss Lane East): From £166 per week, furnished en-suite rooms with utilities included. About a 12-minute walk to campus. Communal laundry, Wi-Fi, bike storage, and a lounge.

• iQ Manchester Gardens and iQ Lambert & Fairfield House: Approx. £219-£228 per week, including bills. Modern facilities like gyms and study rooms. They are within a 20-minute walk from campus.

• The Chapel (Upper Brook Street): Studio apartments starting at £315 per week, fully furnished, with private kitchen and bathroom. Around a 15-minute walk to the university, ideal for postgraduates or those seeking privacy.

  
  

Shared Housing in Student Neighbourhoods:

• Westpoint Chester Road: From £205 per week, this premium option has furnished flats and studios. Shared kitchen, bathroom, and lounge. Convenient bus routes to the University of Manchester.

• Manchester Student Village South: From £184 per week, flats and studios. Each unit has a communal kitchen and lounge. Only a four-minute walk to campus, balancing privacy and community.

• iQ Kerria Apartments: From £282 per week, single rooms in furnished apartments with a kitchen and bathroom. About a seven-minute walk from the University of Manchester. Ideal for students who prefer a quieter neighbourhood with good transport links.

• iQ Fletcher House: From £305 per week, furnished rooms with shared kitchen facilities and studios with private bathrooms. Around an 11-minute walk to the University of Manchester. Close to local shops and restaurants, and perfect for students wanting a mix of independence and community.

Tips for Choosing Accommodation

Know Your preferences

Decide what matters most: social life, student vibes, or location. This will help you narrow down options fast.

Budget Wisely

Include utilities, Wi-Fi, and other living costs, not just rent. Budget-friendly options like Moss Court offer good value.

Check Amenities

Gyms, study rooms, lounges, and bike storage can improve day-to-day life. Studios or en-suites give more privacy, while shared flats offer community.

Research the Neighbourhood

Fallowfield is lively, Victoria Park is calmer, and the city centre is convenient. Check transport, shops, and cafés nearby.

Read Reviews

Casita provides verified student feedback to help avoid surprises.

Book Early

Popular options fill fast. Watch deposit deadlines and contract dates.

Virtual Tours Help

If you can’t visit in person, virtual tours give a good feel for the place.

What Students Say About Us

Vaishnavi Karde (5★) – “Had a really good experience with Casita. With its and Sambhav's help, I was able to secure accommodation in Manchester!”

Your New Home Near The University of Manchester

Picking the right student accommodation can shape your time at uni. Maybe you’re drawn to Fallowfield for its lively social scene, the city centre for convenience, or somewhere quieter like Victoria Park. Whatever your style or budget, you’ll find something to suit you.

Manchester has plenty of options, from university halls to private studios, shared houses, and modern apartments. The key is planning ahead, weighing your choices, and thinking about what matters most to you, so you end up somewhere that actually feels like home.

No matter what you choose, living near the University of Manchester puts you close to campus, local shops, and everything the city has to offer. Start checking out your options and make the most of student life in one of the UK’s most exciting cities.