Moving to Manchester for university was exciting, but also a little overwhelming. Like many students, I was nervous about making friends, settling into a new city, and feeling at home away from home. Looking back, choosing to live in student accommodation was one of the best decisions I could have made.

During my first year, I stayed in Weston Hall, which is located next to Manchester’s city centre. The location made student life so much easier. I could walk to campus, explore the city, go shopping, meet friends for coffee, and enjoy everything Manchester has to offer without feeling far away from university life. Being so close to the city centre helped me feel connected, independent, and part of the wider Manchester community from the very beginning.

One of the best parts of living in student accommodation was the people I met. I shared a flat with students from different nationalities and backgrounds, which made the experience really special. Living with people from different cultures meant that every day felt like an opportunity to learn something new, whether that was through conversations in the kitchen, cooking together, or simply sharing stories about our home countries. It made my university experience feel much more international and open minded.

The common areas also played a big role in helping me socialise. At Weston Hall, the common room had games such as pool and table tennis, which made it much easier to meet people outside my flat. Sometimes, the simplest moments became the most memorable ones: playing a quick game after lectures, meeting someone new in the common room, or joining a group of people who were already there. These spaces helped create a sense of community and made the accommodation feel much more than just a place to sleep.
ResLife also made a big difference. It was reassuring to know that there was a team connected to the university that we could go to if we ever had a problem or needed support. Whether it was a practical issue in the accommodation or just needing to know who to speak to, ResLife always felt helpful and approachable. As a student living away from home, that support really matters.

The events organised by ResLife were especially useful for meeting people. One of my favourite examples was a pizza night, where I ended up meeting the group of friends I became closest to. Events like that may seem simple, but they can make a huge difference, especially at the start of the year when everyone is trying to find their place. Having opportunities to meet other students in a relaxed environment helped me feel more comfortable and confident.

What I appreciated most was knowing that these activities and support systems were organised by the university. It made me feel safe and supported. If I ever felt unwell, stressed, or needed to speak to someone, I knew there were people available to help. That gave me a lot of reassurance during my first year.

Overall, living in student accommodation helped me grow, make friends, and feel part of university life. Weston Hall gave me independence, community, and support all at once. For anyone starting university, I would definitely recommend living in student accommodation. It is not only a place to live, but also a place where you can meet people, build confidence, and create some of your best university memories.

Written by Martina Sancho Lopez, a current BSc Management student.

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