Seeing Manchester from a Different Perspective
I am a current third year student pursuing IT Management for Business at the University of Manchester, and unlike a lot of students, I’ve grown up in Manchester. As a lifelong Mancunian, and a big Manchester United supporter, I always thought I knew the city very well. However, moving into student accommodation exposed me to a completely different experience of Manchester. It was the first time I’d properly lived on my own, and it felt like a massive step towards independence.
Why I Chose Denmark Road
In both my first and second years of study, I lived at Denmark Road accommodation, a city campus site run by Sanctuary Students. Personally, the main reason I chose it was how central it is in the University’s campus. It’s within walking distance of the Alliance Manchester Business School, the library, and everything along Oxford Road, which made everyday life really convenient. The accommodation itself felt modern and well-kept, and having my own space made it easier to settle in. Especially in first year, being close to everything meant I could focus on adjusting to university life without worrying too much about travel.
Settling In: The Initial Challenges
That said, settling in during the first few weeks wasn’t as easy as I expected. I remember moving in and realising I didn’t know anyone and it felt quite intimidating at first. Even though I was already familiar with Manchester, living on my own was completely different. Suddenly your responsible for everything, from cooking to time management, and it can feel like a lot. At the beginning, it was a bit overwhelming, but once I got into a routine, things started to feel more normal.
Building a Social Life and Community
One of the best parts of living at Denmark Road ended up being the people. Sharing the accommodation with other students made it much easier to meet people naturally, whether that was through conversations in shared spaces or just seeing familiar faces around the building. I met students from diverse backgrounds and courses, which really broadened my perspective. Over time, it started to feel less like just accommodation and more like a community, which helped me become more confident and comfortable.
Life Around Denmark Road
Another big advantage is the location. Being right by Oxford Road means you’re always close to something happening. Whether it’s grabbing food after lectures, finding new study spots, or heading into the city centre, everything’s within easy reach. Living in this accommodation meant I didn’t have to rely much on transport which made student life feel a lot more flexible. Even though I grew up in Manchester, living in this area made me appreciate how lively it is from a student’s perspective.
What I Gained from the Experience
Living on my own definitely pushed me to grow up. I had to figure out things like budgeting, cooking properly, and staying organised alongside university commitments. It wasn’t always straightforward, but those are skills I know I’ll carry with me long after uni. It also changed how I see Manchester as it’s not just a home, but as a place full of opportunities and new experiences.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, living in accommodation has been a really important part of my university experience. It helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect, both personally and socially. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about studying in Manchester. Even if you already know the city, living here as a student is a completely different experience and one that’s definitely worth it.
Written by Zengani Kaonga, a current 2nd year ITMB student.
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