Wednesday 11-09-2024 - 09:00

As-salamu’alaykum, Namaste, Sat Sri Akaal and welcome!

Stepping into a new city can stir up a mix of excitement and uncertainty, especially when it comes to finding your way around. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide tailored specifically for South Asian students experiencing Manchester for the first time!

We’ve got you covered on everything from discovering cultural hotspots and finding your community here at Manchester Met.

 

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For a Cultural Experience:

 

The Curry Mile

Why not dive into the city’s vibrant South Asian culture by visiting Rusholme, famously known for it’s ‘Curry Mile’ on Wilmslow Road.

Manchester's Curry Mile has the largest concentration of Asian restaurants in the UK including Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi.

Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious food and soak in the lively atmosphere.

 

Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Manchester hosts numerous events celebrating South Asian heritage.

Don’t miss Diwali celebrations at Platt Fields Park or the vibrant Eid festivities on Wilmslow Road.

During Welcome Week, The Union even hosts it’s very own Culture Fest.

Here you can try food and drink from all over the world and discover the beauty of traditional crafts and cultural performances from our societies.

 

Connect with South Asian Student Societies

At The Union, we have over 130 clubs and societies, many of which cater to South Asian students. Here you can meet new people and celebrate your culture.

Here are some you might be interested in:

• Islamic Society

• Bangali Society

• British Asian Society

• The Taal Tribe - The Indian Dance & Events Society

 

Can’t see anything you're interested in? Have a look here for more info on societies and how you can even start your own.

 

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Support Networks:

 

Support Services

Whilst being at uni is an exciting time, it can come with challenges. But don’t worry! The Union and Uni have a range of support services to help you.

The Advice Centre at The Union offers support in areas including housing, money, academic issues, sexual misconduct and more.

Have a look here for what Manchester Met can do to support you during your time at uni.

 

Build Your Community

Reach out to fellow South Asian students and alumni. Whether it’s for advice, guidance, or just a chat, connecting with your community can make your time here richer and more enjoyable.

 

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Exploring Beyond Manchester:

 

Hidden Gems

Manchester has more to offer than just its city centre.

Why not explore the street art in the Northern Quarter? or even visit Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden in Didsbury.

 

Day Trips

Take advantage of Manchester’s proximity to other Northern cities and attractions.

Liverpool, Chester, and the Peak District are perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.
 

 

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Top Places:

There’s so much in Manchester, so it’s impossible to fit all our recommendations into one list. So, here are just a few of the best places for food and clothing.

 

Restaurants

• Dishoom, 32 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BT

• MyLahore, 14-18 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5TQ

• Akbar’s Restaurant, 73-83 Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4NQ

• Indian Ocean, 252 Middleton Rd, Manchester M8 4WA

 

Food Shopping

• Manchester Superstore, 127 Ayres Rd, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 9NR

• Worldwide Foodstores, 401 Great Western St, Rusholme, Manchester M14 4AH

 

Clothing Shopping

• Junaid Jamshed, 217-219, Wilmslow Rd, Rusholme, Manchester M14 5AG

• Alankar House of Sarees, Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5TQ

• Farooq Fabrics, 175 Wilmslow Rd, Rusholme, Manchester M14 5AP

• Islamic Life, 11-13, 6 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5TP

 

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Places of Worship & Community Centres:

 

Mosques

• Manchester Central Mosque, 20 Upper Park Rd, Manchester M14 5RU

• The British Muslim Heritage Centre, College Rd, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 8BP

• Masjid Al Furqan, 42 Great Southern St, Manchester M14 4EZ

 

Gurdwaras

• Gurdwara Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib, 12 Sherborne St, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M3 1FE

• Dasmesh Sikh Temple, 98 Heywood St, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M8 0DT

• Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurdwara, 15 Monton St, Manchester M14 4LS

 

Mandirs

• Gita Bhavan Hindu Temple, 231 Withington Rd, Manchester M16 8LU

• Radha Krishna Mandir, Brunswick Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 4QB

• Sree Durga Mandir, 667-669, Stockport Rd, Longsight, Manchester M12 4QE

 

Churches

• New Hope Fellowship Church, Tatton St, Manchester M15 4EQ

• Freedom House Church, 5 Premier Rd, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M8 8HH

 

Community Centres

• The West Indian Community Centre, West Indian Organisation, 74 Carmoor Rd, Manchester M13 0FB 

• Pakistani Community Centre, 481 Stockport Rd, Longsight, Manchester M12 4NN

• Manchester Islamic Centre, 5 Sidney St, Manchester M1 7HB 

 

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We hope this guide helps you feel at home in Manchester!

Written by: Rahmeen and Kaynat

 

Interested in how else you can make the most of Manchester? why not have a look at our other articles:

• Moving to Manchester: Your Guide to the City

• A Black Students Guide to Manchester

• Days Out in Manchester

 

If you would like to write a guide to Manchester for your ethnic group, get in contact with Jaymie, our BAME project manager.

Check out the BAME Ambassador Instagram page for regular updates about events.