If you’re one of Manchester’s students-to-be this autumn, we’re here to help make your move as smooth as possible. We’ve partnered with Dunelm to bring you a guide to the best places to socialise, study and make the most of your new city. Plus, we’ll show you where to pick up everything you need to turn your student accommodation into a space that feels truly your own, for just £60 and even get 10% off* so you can hit the ground running from day one.
From surprisingly affordable, stylish bedroom decor and bathroom must-haves, to kitchen staples and study essentials, Dunelm has your move-in check-list totally covered. What’s more, the Click and Collect service is a great way to make moving even more stress-free. Simply shop online ahead of time, then pick up your bits from your nearest Manchester store when you arrive. Alternatively, you can order online and enjoy 10% off your order and free delivery when you spend £60 or over*. But if you do fancy some IRL shopping, a number of Manchester locations have a Pausa cafe including Manchester Fort and Manchester Radcliffe where you can get lunch, a coffee, or a sweet treat to keep you going.
Coffee shops and study spots
Manchester Central Library:
If deadline season has caught up with you, Manchester Central Library is one of the best places in the city to hunker down and get some work done. With quiet study areas, free Wi-Fi and plenty of desks to spread out, it’s ideal whether you’re revising for exams or powering through coursework. Open until 8pm Monday to Thursday, it’s the perfect place for a full day of studying – so packing your lunch in this lunch box (available online & in-store) is an easy way to save money without interrupting your study session.
House of Book & Friends:
If libraries aren’t your thing, House of Books & Friends offers a cosier alternative. Part independent bookshop and part café, it’s the perfect place to settle in with a coffee and your laptop. Quieter than your average chain coffee shop, it’s ideal for getting some work done before rewarding yourself with a browse through the shelves. Whether you’re heading from lectures to the library or squeezing in a study session, keeping your laptop protected in a laptop case (available online & in-store) makes carrying it around the city that little bit easier.
John Ryland’s Library:
Often described as one of the most beautiful libraries in the UK, John Rylands Library is a must-visit for anyone studying in Manchester. Its breathtaking neo-Gothic architecture makes it one of the city’s most inspiring places to revise, read or simply escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours. And be sure to bring all of your Dunelm study essentials for the full set up, from notebooks to water bottles (available online & in-store).
Where to go out
42s:
you haven’t already seen it all over your social feeds, you will soon. Famous for its rainbow lit tunnel perfect for photo ops, 42’s is a Manchester institution and a rite of passage for many students. Expect indie rock, Britpop and singalong classics from the ’60s through to the 2000s, plus a lively atmosphere that keeps people coming back week after week.
Hidden:
If underground electronic music is more your scene, Hidden should be at the top of your list. The former industrial warehouse is just outside the city centre and plays everything from drum & bass, electronic and techno from big names and emerging DJs alike.
YES:
If you can’t decide between pub, gig venue or night club YES has you covered on all fronts. This four storey spot is a favourite with Manchester students thanks to its affordable drinks, pizza slices, rooftop terrace, live music and club nights.
Budget-friendly bites
Crazy Pedros:
Whether you’re fuelling up before a night out or hunting for a late-night bite, Crazy Pedro’s has your back. Open until 4am every day, the cult-favourite pizza spot serves huge New York-style slices and brilliant value deals, including 2-for-£12 cocktails and £2.50 slices during happy hour (5–9pm, Sunday–Friday), plus two slices and a soft drink for £6 at lunch.
This and That Café
One of Manchester’s favourite curry houses, This and That Cafe has been feeding students delicious Indian food since 1984. Head over and grab rice and 3 veg curries for just £6 per person, and rice and 3 meat curries for just £8.
Doug’s Hamburgers:
Need a burger fix? This spot has one of the best-value burger deals in Manchester. A classic cheeseburger costs just £6, while £9.95 gets you a burger, fries and a drink. Stop by on a Sunday when cheeseburgers are just £1.99 all day long.
Rainy day Activities
Junk Yard Golf:
When the inevitable Manchester rain rolls in, swap the outdoors for a round of crazy golf at Junkyard Golf. Students can get 50% off golf all day, every day with a valid student ID, making it the perfect excuse to take on the venue’s quirky themed courses without breaking the bank.
Manchester Museum
Entry at Manchester Museum is completely free, and inside you’ll find everything from towering dinosaur skeletons and Egyptian artefacts to one of the UK’s largest collections of natural history. If you’re feeling inspired, bring along this notebook (available online & in-store) to jot down ideas or notes as you explore.
Home arts centre
Whether you’re catching an indie film, the latest blockbuster or browsing the art gallery, this cultural hub has five cinema screens, two theatres, a restaurant and café all under one roof. Students can also get concession-priced tickets on selected events with a valid student ID.
Where to get your essentials
Before you start exploring all Manchester has to offer, making your new accommodation feel as homely as possible should be first on the agenda. But you’ll be glad to know you can find everything you need at Dunelm – from bedroom and bathroom bits to kitchen equipment. For your room, a supersoft mattress topper and bedding is a must for ensuring you get the best sleep possible, while a table lamp is a simple way to transform the ambience with lovely warm lighting.
Cooking with housemates is a great way to bond (not to mention a great source of home comfort!), so you’ll want to make sure you’re well prepared to make your favourite food and drinks. From sieves and peelers to pod coffee machines, rice cookers and mini air fryers, you’ll find everything you need to make cooking at uni as fun and as seamless as possible. And for the bathroom you can find overdoor hooks to hang your towels, collapsible laundry baskets, shower corner caddies all of which are available online, in app and in-store!
*With a code from Student Beans or UNiDAYS. Ends 12th Oct. Minimum spend £60. Full T&Cs here: https://www.dunelm.com/info/help/terms-and-conditions
