Congratulations! You’ve secured an offer from the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA)! This is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to your hard work, creativity, and dedication so far. However, this is just the first step in your architectural journey. Offer Holder Days provide the perfect opportunity to gain an authentic insight into what life is really like as an architecture student and to help you decide whether MSA is the right place for you.

First things first, make the most of the chance to immerse yourself in the campus environment. MSA is uniquely shared between two universities: The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. This means access to an exceptional range of facilities and resources across both institutions. You’ll find specialist workshops such as woodworking, metalworking, laser cutting, and 3D printing, alongside extensive libraries, digital labs, and study spaces. Being part of two universities also means double the student unions, societies, and social opportunities, offering a rich social life and student experience beyond the studio.

A core component of the Offer Holder Day is the overview sessions. These are designed to introduce you to the course structure and the progression of work across the years. You’ll also get to see examples of student projects and a peek into the Manchester Student Society of Architecture (MSSA), the largest architecture student society in the UK, which plays a major role in student life through socials, talks, guest lectures, and socials.

Alongside these talks, campus tours will give you the opportunity to explore the architecture buildings and workshops in person. You’ll be able to see current students’ work pinned up or modelled in studios, offering a real sense of studio culture and daily life. Importantly, these tours are usually run by current students, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. This is perhaps the most valuable part of the day. Students the most honest resource you have. Ask about workload, contact hours, support systems, mental health provision, and how students manage time during busy submission periods. You can also ask about “Ateliers”, the design studios you join in later years, each with its own philosophy, tutors, and approach to architecture. Feel free to ask about the kind of studio briefs we get, assessment methods, or even the best places to eat, relax, or go out after a long day in studio.

Beyond the campus, take time to explore Manchester itself. The city is rich in industrial history and architectural significance. A walk through the vibrant Northern Quarter, the city centre, or along the canals before your journey back home will reveal another reason that makes Manchester an inspiring place to study architecture!

Ultimately, an Offer Holder Day is your best chance to gather as much information as possible, ask questions, and picture yourself as a student at MSA. Take it all in, but most of all, enjoy the experience. Congratulations once again on your offer, and best of luck as you take the next steps in your exciting architectural journey. Hope to see you at the offer holder day!

Written by Parth Jain.

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