Hello! My name is Ivan, and I am a final-year BSc International Management student at AMBS. When I first moved to Manchester, one of the biggest decisions I had to make was where to live. Now in my final year, looking back, I have experienced both university and private accommodation, which has shaped my overall student experience.

In my first year, I was assigned to Daisy Bank accommodation by the university, which was not my first preference. I had originally wanted to stay at Unsworth Park in Fallowfield because I had heard the social life there was really lively. While Daisy Bank was still a decent place to live, I did not really click with my flatmates, which made it harder to fully enjoy living there. It was also further away from campus, so I had to rely on a bus pass to get to lectures. That said, there were still positives, such as having a great restaurant nearby called Seoul Kimchi. Even so, the overall experience made me realise I wanted something more convenient and social for my second year. I decided to move into Canvas Manchester with a few of my mates, and it turned out to be a much better fit.

The main reason I chose Canvas was the opportunity to live with people I already knew. I realised how important it is to have a good social environment at home. The location was also a key factor. It is about a 15 to 20 minute walk to campus, and it is also close to PureGym, which fits well into my routine. While the price is slightly higher than some other options, I felt it was reasonable given the facilities and overall experience.

Canvas felt much more modern and comfortable compared to traditional student halls. Having an ensuite room gave me my own space, while the shared kitchen quickly became the centre of our flat. Most days, we would catch up there, have dinner together, or just talk about our day. It also became the main spot for pre-drinks before going out, which made it feel more social.

A typical weekday is quite simple. After lectures, I usually head to PureGym in the evening, sometimes alone and sometimes with my flatmates. On the way back, I often stop by Sainsbury’s for groceries. We do not eat out that often, maybe once a week at places like Pizza Express or Indian Tiffin Room, as we prefer to cook together and save money. Cooking and eating together has become a regular

part of our routine.

The walk to campus is also something I have come to enjoy. Depending on the day, it can either be a quiet walk on my own or a chance to catch up with friends. Sometimes I also ride my bike, which makes the journey even quicker. It is a good balance between being close enough to be convenient, but not too busy.

One of the best parts of living at Canvas has been the social side. Even small things like late-night chats in the kitchen or having meals together made a big difference. Compared to my first year, I felt like I had a much better balance between independence and social life. Of course, no place is perfect. The price might be a consideration, and it can get a bit lively at times, especially on weekends. However, for me, these are small trade-offs.

Looking back, living at Canvas in my second year helped me build a routine, strengthen friendships, and feel more settled in Manchester. Rather than recommending one specific accommodation, I think the most important thing is to consider what you want from your university experience. If you are more social and want to live with friends, somewhere like Canvas can work well. If you prefer a quieter environment or want to save money, a different option might suit you better. Overall, choosing the right accommodation can have a big impact on your university experience, and it is something I would encourage future students to think very carefully about.

Written by Yi Nok (Ivan) Lee, a current 4th year BSc International Management student.

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