Hi everyone, I’m Abby, one of the postgraduate SALC ambassadors. I have been studying at the University of Manchester for almost four years now. I completed my undergrad degree in BSc International Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response and I’m now studying a part-time master’s degree in MA Humanitarianism and Conflict Response. Manchester has honestly become a home away from home, enticing me to continue my studies here and I am excited to tell you some of the things I love about the city that have made me stay!  

First and foremost Manchester is famous for its music scene, creating a brilliant nightlife to enjoy when taking a break from my studies. I have enjoyed being able to see my favourite artists on my doorstep at the many large venues such as the Manchester Academy, Albert Hall and the Etihad Stadium where I got to see Coldplay! There are also some smaller venues where you can see student gigs such as Night and Day café in the Northern Quarter or Fuel in Withington. If you’re more into DnB, Garage and techno, Hidden and XLR are great clubs where you can support student DJs too. Some more of my favourite nightclubs for a great night out also include Factory 251, 42s, and of course Manchester’s famous Gay Village! 

Another thing I love about Manchester is its amazing range of cafés, restaurants and bars. Northern Quarter has a range of great places to grab a drink and a bite to eat, there are also some great places to eat along curry mile as you go further towards Fallowfield, with my favourite being Chit and Chaat, as well as Didsbury being a favourite for restaurants! I also enjoy heading into cafés to study with friends. Some of my favourites being Café Blah and Fuel in Withington. In addition, if you need to grab food amidst a study session on campus, the Student Union has some great food kiosks as well as The Market, along with there being cafés such as Bold Street Coffee and Takk on campus where I also enjoy doing work.  

Lastly, I also love the location of Manchester. There are plenty options that can take you out of the city for fun trip away. The Peak District is easy to get to by car or train, as well as the Lake District (where I’m from!) being a great place for a day trip or a weekend away. In addition, it’s easy to go to Liverpool, Chester, York and even London for example, having great connections to explore other areas of the UK. I also love that I can take a bus or tram to the airport when I finish exams and take a well-deserved holiday! 

Overall, Manchester has a lot to offer, more than I can fit into this blog! Coming from a small town in the Lake District, the shift to city life was a big jump but I have only felt at home here. I have also had the chance to meet some amazing people. With there being such a diverse community here you are bound to fit in! I have also luckily stayed in the city alongside many close friends I have known since my first year who also call Manchester home! 

Thanks for reading. I hope this blog has helped you in your decision to study here, I know it was a brilliant decision for me! 

Written by Abby Cowperthwaite, a Humanitarianism and Conflict Response MA student

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