Choosing accommodation in Manchester can feel overwhelming at first, it’s easy to worry about making the right decision- but you really can’t go far wrong. Each area has its own appeal, and wherever you end up you’ll be surrounded by other students and plenty to do.
When I applied, I chose all my options in Fallowfield as I was drawn into its reputation as the main student area and a social hub. I ended up getting Oak House (which is now being redeveloped), but what I can say is that living in Fallowfield was the best decision I made, and I’ve spent both my second and third year here too in house shares with my friends.
With such a strong student population and lots of things going on, it was incredibly easy to settle in, meet people and feel part of a community. Its atmosphere makes it unlike anything I’d experienced before (in a good way)- it feels like a student town, you’re surrounded by friends, course mates, and people you’ll quickly get to know. There’s always something going on, whether that’s a casual night out, a trip for food, or just bumping into people while you’re out and about. It takes a lot of the pressure off the first few weeks because meeting people happens naturally.
Another huge advantage is how easy it is to get into the University. Coming from a rural area where buses might only come once an hour, this was a welcome change for me. In Fallowfield, you don’t even think about checking a timetable, you can just head to the bus stop and know one will be along within minutes. It makes getting to lectures, the library, or into the city centre simple and stress-free, although there’s still the occasional mishap of sleeping through your alarm and dashing to the bus stop 10 minutes before your lecture starts.
If you’re into fitness and sports like myself, the Armitage Sports Centre is on campus with a gym and multiple sports pitches for sports society training or the 5 a side football league. Then there’s Platt fields park nearby which is great for runs and has its own sports amenities like a basketball court and skatepark. Then there’s multiple gyms nearby, with the Armitage and its discount student rate, the Gym Group and Muscle Manor on the more premium end with everything you can think of (like a sauna). Knowing my gym is right on my doorstep makes it much easier to maintain a routine.
On top of that, there’s loads of places to eat and socialise. From quick and affordable food spots, kebab shops after a night out, student pubs like Squirrels, and restaurants on the curry mile, there’s always somewhere to go.
In the evening the pubs and bars are full of students either going for a few drinks and playing some pool, watching the footy or preparing for a night out. Wednesday nights are sports society nights and you’ll see loads of people out dressed in ridiculous outfits- the themes we’ve had with the Boxing Society this year include Despicable Me, British Icons and Pyjamas. Some of my favourite nights have been Sports socials, they’re usually situated in Fallowfield and might involve Pub Golf or the infamous pub crawl – the Didsbury Dozen, before a visit to the local club, 256 (which transforms from a nightclub on Wednesday night to serving breakfast Thursday morning).
A typical day living in Fallowfield is simple and social. For me, that might look like a trip to spoons for breakfast with my housemates, before walking to the bus stop and heading into Uni. Afterwards, I’ll head back to Fallowfield and go to the gym, play 5 a side or just relax for a bit at home. If the suns out like today- I’ll be going to Uttley House (part of the Fallowfield campus) to do a little studying and sunbathing in the massive garden. In the Evening it often turns into something social without much planning- maybe head to the pub to watch some football or just chill with your housemates at home. That’s what makes Fallowfield so enjoyable: everything is close by, easy going, and your day naturally blends study, socialising and downtime.
Written by Brandon, a current 3rd year BSc Management student.
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