The Grafton vs iQ Wilmslow Park: The Manchester Showdown
Two popular choices for University of Manchester students. One in the city centre, one in Fallowfield. Very different vibes, very different price points.
Let me cut through the marketing and show you the real trade-offs.
The Numbers At A Glance
| Factor | The Grafton | iQ Wilmslow Park | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💰 Price (from) | £170/week | £201/week | The Grafton |
| 📍 Walk to Uni | 4 minutes | 11 minutes | The Grafton |
| 🔒 Crime Nearby | 1 incident | 0 incidents | iQ Wilmslow |
| ⭐ Provider Rating | Dwell (3.4★) | iQ (2.7★) | The Grafton |
| 🎉 Social Scene | City centre | Fallowfield | iQ Wilmslow |
| 📊 Annual Cost | £8,670 | £10,251 | The Grafton |
The £1,581 Question
Over a 51-week contract, The Grafton saves you £1,581 compared to iQ Wilmslow Park.
That's a month's rent. Or a weekend away. Or a solid emergency fund.
In Manchester's expensive market, that gap is significant.
Location: City Centre vs Fallowfield
This is really about two completely different Manchester experiences.
The Grafton: City Centre Life
- 4-minute walk to university
- Surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops
- Walking distance to everything
- More "professional" feel
- Easy access to internships/jobs
iQ Wilmslow Park: Fallowfield Life
- 11-minute walk (or quick bus)
- The legendary student area
- More house parties, more chaos
- Cheaper nights out
- Classic "student experience"
The honest truth: Fallowfield IS the Manchester student experience. It's where the stories happen. But it's also louder, messier, and further from campus.
The Provider Difference (This Matters)
Dwell Student (The Grafton): 3.4★ Trustpilot
- Relatively newer provider
- Generally positive reviews
- Modern buildings
- Responsive maintenance (usually)
iQ Student Accommodation (Wilmslow Park): 2.7★ Trustpilot
- Massive national provider
- Mixed reviews
- Known for upselling
- Inconsistent experience
That 0.7-star difference is meaningful. Dwell has a noticeably better reputation.
The Social Trade-Off
Here's what nobody tells you:
Living in the city centre (The Grafton) means:
- Easier to study (fewer distractions)
- Better for career networking
- More convenient for everything
- But potentially missing the "classic" uni experience
Living in Fallowfield (iQ Wilmslow Park) means:
- You're in the heart of student Manchester
- Every night can be an event
- Massive student community
- But possibly harder to focus
The Verdict: Who Should Pick What
🏆 Choose The Grafton If...
- ✅ Budget matters (£31/week cheaper)
- ✅ You want the shortest commute
- ✅ Provider reputation is important
- ✅ You're career-focused
- ✅ You prefer convenience over chaos
🏆 Choose iQ Wilmslow Park If...
- ✅ You want the Fallowfield experience
- ✅ Social life is your #1 priority
- ✅ You don't mind paying for location
- ✅ Safest possible area matters most
- ✅ You're extroverted and thrive in busy environments
My Honest Pick
For value and practicality, The Grafton wins.
Better price, better location for academics, better provider rating. You save £1,500 and you're closer to everything that matters for your degree.
But here's the thing: If you're 18, it's your first year, and you want the FULL Manchester student experience - Fallowfield is where it happens. iQ Wilmslow Park puts you in the middle of it.
Just know what you're paying for.
View The Grafton → View iQ Wilmslow Park →
Prices are estimates from January 2026. Always verify current rates before booking.