Katie Witts is a Year 2 student on the BNurs Adult Nursing course at Manchester. Here, she runs through some of the key reasons why students might choose to study at Manchester.
There are lots of things to consider when you are making a choice about where you want to study and live for, potentially, the next 3 years of your life.
I have tried to summarise some of the aspects of being a student to try and help you learn about Manchester from the perspective of someone who is currently a student.
The University
The University of Manchester is one of the best universities in the country, with lots of famous alumni, from Benedict Cumberbatch to Professor Brian Cox. The facilities on campus are excellent, with modern equipment and plenty of places to study. There is a student commons open 24/7 and the library has thousands of books for all courses.
There are lots of cafes around campus that have food and drinks at student-friendly prices. The Student Union regularly holds events to get involved in, and there is free Wi-Fi available across campus.
As a student, you can access lots of free student support services for mental health and wellbeing. They understand the difficulties that can come with being a student, and can help with any existing learning requirements.
The city
Where to begin?! Manchester is a multicultural city that has a lot to offer. There are so many things to see and do so it is hard to name just a few.
The sports scene is obviously very well-know,n and there are lots of venues around the centre of town, which are prime spots for live sports streaming. There are plenty of easy ways to get to Old Trafford and the Etihad, as well as other sports venues across the city.
The nightlife and music culture in the centre is 24/7. There are lots of gigs and clubs in easy reach via public transport, and not too far from student accommodation, either. Annual events include Park Life, Aintree Races and concerts at the AO arena.
The public transport is excellent. Coming from a place where buses are basically non-existent, to me the public transport in Manchester is amazing. Trams can be used to go further from the centre, but the regular buses and cycle lanes are perfect ways of commuting.
When you are looking to go home, there are great transport links here too, with two main train stations. There are coaches to London and further south, which are very cost efficient. So, commuting home is never too much of an issue.
Food and drink places are within walking distance of just about anywhere you could possibly be. There is a range of cuisines and price points to fit everyone’s preferences.
The main student area of Manchester is Fallowfield. There is a range of bars and food places right by the student halls, and they are very close to the Curry Mile too. There are plenty of other students around, and it feels like quite a little community here. It is about a 30-minute walk from campus, but it is on a main bus route that has regular buses to and from uni.
As a student nurse, I have had the privilege of working in some of the best hospitals in the country. Manchester Royal Infirmary, The Christie and Wythenshawe are recognised as having some of the best facilities.
You will never be short of new places to explore around the city or parks on the outskirts. There are lots of opportunities to visit and experience new things, no matter what you enjoy. There is something for everyone!
The people
Mancs, as they often referred to, are (generally) lovely people. As a student nurse, I have worked in a range of hospitals across Greater Manchester. I have met lots of locals and all of them have been so welcoming to me. I have had some great experiences with people here, and I am very thankful to be able to say that.
The city is full of students from other universities nearby, and you will meet lots of new people whilst out and about. Fallowfield combines mostly students from Uni of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, with a few extras too.
Making your choice
Picking somewhere to study is difficult and can be overwhelming. Hopefully, I have managed to show you some of the things that make The University of Manchester stand out on your list of options, and answer some questions you may have had about the city. It might help to make a list of the pros and cons of your options.
Further things to consider are finances and cost of living, distance from home, hobbies outside of studies, future job opportunities and also the vibe you get when visiting.
Lastly, a little disclaimer. My experience is obviously going to be different than other people’s, but overall, I have felt comfortable and confident, and I am very grateful to be able to call Manchester my (second) home.
Learn more about the Manchester student experience and studying nursing at Manchester.
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