University of Manchester Accommodation: Worth the Premium?
Let's address the elephant in the room: Manchester is expensive.
At £241/week average rent, it's one of the pricier student cities in the UK. Only London, Edinburgh, and Bristol cost more.
But here's the thing - thousands of students still choose Manchester every year. Are they wrong? Let me break down the data.
The Numbers
- Properties near University of Manchester: 56
- Cheapest room: £150/week
- Average rent: £241/week
- Total Manchester properties: 56+
Manchester vs Other Cities
| City | Average Rent | vs Manchester | |------|--------------|---------------| | Sheffield | £104/week | Save £137/week | | Liverpool | £137/week | Save £104/week | | Nottingham | £150/week | Save £91/week | | Manchester | £241/week | - | | London | £347/week | Pay £106 more |
Over a 51-week contract, you're spending £12,291 on rent in Manchester. In Sheffield, that's £5,304. The difference (£6,987) could pay for a lot of experiences.
Why Manchester Costs More (And Why Some Don't Care)
The Bull Case for Manchester
Career opportunities: Manchester has the biggest economy outside London. Media, tech, finance - it's all here. BBC, ITV, Boohoo, The Hut Group, hundreds of startups.
Nightlife: Let's be honest. Manchester has one of the best nights out in the UK. Northern Quarter, Deansgate, Oxford Road - there's something every night.
Music scene: The Warehouse Project, Band on the Wall, YES, countless venues. If you care about live music, Manchester delivers.
Football: Two Premier League clubs. Enough said.
Graduate retention: Many students stay after graduating because the job market is strong.
The Bear Case
It's expensive: Everything costs more. Rent, nights out, food.
Quality varies wildly: Some Manchester properties are overpriced for what you get.
Alternatives exist: Liverpool is 30 minutes away with similar vibes and lower costs.
My Top Picks for UoM Students
Best Value: iQ Wilmslow Park - From £150/week
The cheapest I found near UoM. iQ Student Accommodation (2.7★ on Trustpilot).
Location: Fallowfield, the classic student area. About 20 minutes to campus by bus.
My take: At £150/week in Manchester, you're getting a deal. Not fancy, but functional.
Mid-Range: Unite First Street - £180-220/week
Newer Unite development, better facilities than older buildings.
Location: City centre, walking distance to Oxford Road campus.
My take: If you want city centre living without the absolute premium prices.
Premium: Vita Student - £250+/week
Vita Student (3.1★) - the premium option.
What you get: Modern rooms, rooftop terraces, cinema rooms, gyms.
My take: Only if budget isn't a concern. The experience is good, but you're paying a lot.
Understanding Manchester's Geography
Fallowfield (Student Central)
- Most students live here
- 15-20 minute bus to Oxford Road
- Cheaper than city centre
- All the student essentials nearby
Rusholme (Curry Mile)
- Just north of Fallowfield
- Amazing food scene
- Slightly cheaper
- Diverse neighbourhood
City Centre (Premium)
- Walking distance to campus
- Highest prices
- Best for nightlife access
- Can feel less "studenty"
Didsbury (Further Out)
- Nicer area, more residential
- 25-30 minutes to campus
- Good for those who want quiet
- Fewer students
The Manchester Premium: Is It Worth It?
Let me do some maths for you.
3 years in Manchester:
- Rent: £12,291 × 3 = £36,873
- Higher living costs: ~£2,000/year extra = £6,000
- Total extra vs Sheffield: ~£28,000
That's significant. But here's what you might get for that premium:
- Better graduate job prospects in certain fields
- Network connections in a major city
- Life experiences and social scene
- Industry proximity (if relevant to your career)
My verdict: If you're studying something where Manchester connections matter (media, fashion, music, tech), it can be worth it. If you're studying something equally offered elsewhere, the premium is harder to justify.
What Reddit Says
"Manchester is expensive but honestly the experience is worth it. I had job offers before graduating because of the connections I made."
"Came from a small town. Manchester changed my life. Wouldn't trade it for savings."
"I'm broke constantly. Worth it? Ask me after I graduate and see if I get a good job."
Mixed views - but that's genuine. It depends on what you value.
My Bottom Line
Manchester is expensive. That's undeniable.
But it's also a genuinely great city with career opportunities, culture, and a student scene that few places match.
Book Manchester if:
- Your career benefits from the city (media, music, fashion, tech)
- You genuinely want the big city experience
- Budget isn't your primary constraint
- You'll actually use what the city offers
Consider alternatives if:
- You're funding yourself entirely
- Your course is offered at cheaper universities
- You want to minimize debt
- You're not bothered about nightlife/culture
Browse Manchester properties →
Prices verified December 2025