Wednesday 09-02-2022 - 13:21

So, you’ve decided to choose Manchester as your new study home - it’s a big place and it can definitely get a bit overwhelming – so here are our top tips for you to get to know the city.

 

Get to know the city's history

Manchester is an important city and has played a huge role in British history – but if history isn’t your cup of tea and you’d prefer a more fun way to learn - we recommend going to the People’s History Museum. The museum is full of interactive ways to learn and is completely free. They also do regular online talks that discuss important issues – this month is an LGBTQ+ history talk.

Source: Unsplash

 

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Find your niche

One of Manchester’s greatest assets is its ability to appeal to everyone. From live music venues to gaming arcades – the city is full of opportunities. We recommend you sign up to news updates from Manchester’s Finest, where you will receive regular updates that will help you put together a fun to do list.

We would also recommend joining a society – it’s a similar experience to the suggestion above, but you will have more of an opportunity to meet new and like-minded people in the process.

If you’re a charitable and outgoing person, then Volunteering might be a good option for you, too. You will get the chance to get to know and contribute to charities that represent the spirit of Manchester, whilst meeting new people along the way.

 

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Visit Manchester's neighbours

If you feel like you know Manchester well by now, why not visit the other cities scattered around the North? The best thing about the North is how many great locations are within such a short distance. Great cities like Leeds, Liverpool, Chester, and even picturesque places like the Peak District are all within a 2-hour train journey.

Visiting and exploring new places can help you find that sense of belonging within the North as well as giving you extra opportunities to explore other city’s history and culture. The International Student Group are planning a trip to Liverpool on 19 February, which anyone is more than welcome to come along to.

 

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Explore the outdoor spaces - but don't rely on the weather

Manchester is famous (or infamous) for its poor weather – so there’s a high chance that if you’re going to wait for a sunny day to get out and about – you might not actually get anywhere.

The best advice we can give is for you to get yourself an umbrella and get those steps in – it’s completely free and you’ll be able to explore some of Manchester’s hidden gems. Like Castlefield Bowl, it’s a beautiful outdoor space - perfect for meeting up with your friends come rain or shine. But, if you’re lucky enough to have some free time on a sunny day – we have already made a list of the best outdoor spaces in the city centre for you to visit.

 

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Find a piece of home in Manchester

We understand that it isn’t always about how great finding new things and experiences is, but just how great back home is, too – especially if you’re an international student. We know Manchester will never replace your home city, but there are lots of ways you can find a piece of home here with us – food being the main one. The city has an incredibly diverse food scene with a huge number of international restaurants – so you’re bound to find that little taste of home if you do some exploring.

We understand that adapting to calling a new city home can be daunting. Our advice is to embrace it, but take it one day at a time, and when in doubt – join groups and societies to help you along the way. Our International Student Group on Facebook has over 900 members, ready to welcome you with open arms.