We asked five students at The University of Manchester for everything they wish they knew before starting their course. Find out about their favourite spots in the city, advice on making friends in your first week and tips on what to do if you’re feeling nervous.
Aurora
What would you say to someone who’s feeling nervous about starting university?
Don’t put too much stress on yourself because it can be so overwhelming in the first week. When you see that there’s over 300 societies and so many activities going on every day, it was a bit stressful because I just wanted to take part in everything. Just take your time and you will figure out what you like the most in the end.
Where’s your favourite place in Manchester that everyone should visit?
My favourite place in Manchester is Manchester Art Gallery because I’m really into art, paintings and statues. At first, I went there just because it’s free entry and it was amazing. I recommend everyone who first comes to Manchester to fit it in. You won’t regret it.
What’s a piece of advice you wish you had when you started university?
Make the most of your time. Uni life is so cheerful, joyful and so short. It’s much shorter than you can ever imagine. Once you’ve done your exams, you’ve done your dissertation, then everything’s done and you have to leave.
Irene
What would you say to someone who’s feeling nervous about starting university?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions — and that’s what ambassadors are for. They are wearing those purple t-shirts. Ask questions if you’re stuck and they will be happy to help.
Where’s your favourite place in Manchester that everyone should visit?
I really like this cafe called Pollen in Ancoats. There is a marina there with boats and I really love that place. Check it out on the weekends and a sunny day.
What’s a piece of advice you wish you had when you started university?
Don’t give yourself too much pressure — everyone is different. It might take you a week, might take you a month, might take you a year. It doesn’t matter because you know the city is here for you to explore anytime when you feel comfortable.
Jacob
What would you say to someone who’s feeling nervous about starting university?
Make sure to stay in contact with your friends from home because it’s quite validating to hear that other people are going through the same thing. Oftentimes it’s difficult to talk to your flatmates or people you meet in the first week immediately about how you’re actually feeling because sometimes that’s just a bit of an awkward conversation, so make sure you have someone to talk to.
Where’s your favourite place in Manchester that everyone should visit?
Manchester Art Gallery because it was one of the places I went to before I started uni. There’s a sense of comfort because I visited once with my parents and then once by myself on my offer holder open day. Also, it’s quite a nice place to go by yourself. I’m also gonna be really basic and say Rudy’s, but genuinely it’s the best pizza in Manchester, if not the UK.
What’s a piece of advice you wish you had when you started university?
My personal tip from welcome week would be to start good habits early. In my case, before I got here, I was looking at the freshers week schedule and I was like, “I want to go to this thing and I want to make sure I’m in the right place at the right time.” So for me, that was making sure that everything was in my calendar. Make sure you’re leaving before 9:30am if you need to be in for 10am if you live in Owens Park cause otherwise you just won’t get on the bus.
Maansi
What’s a piece of advice you wish you had when you started university?
Go out as much as you can in Welcome week. I think it can be very difficult to stay active if you’re feeling homesick, so you might just want to stay in, but I promise if you just go out, keep yourself a bit busy and try to make new friends, it would be so much better for you and it really helped me.
Where’s your favourite place in Manchester that everyone should visit?
To eat, I go to this place which is called Fluffy Fluffy Pancakes. It has got amazing pancakes. I think the first time I went there I got obsessed. But if you’re looking for something in Asian cuisine, there’s the Curry Mile which I go to for Indian food as well.
What would you say to someone who’s feeling nervous about starting university?
Go to either the University Instagram page or the YouTube and check out maybe vlogs or content from students who are there. Then you shift your focus from everything you have to manage, to looking at how those people are living their lives. You can just see that they’re having so many experiences and instead of worrying about settling in, you will just know that those experiences are there for you too.
Ella
What’s a piece of advice you wish you had when you started university?
Say yes to everything. When your flatmates ask you to go out and do something, go! Even if it’s not exactly your thing, it’s good to get out of your room and try new things. And if your flatmates aren’t your cup of tea then venture outside. You’re lucky because everyone will be looking to make friends so just say hello.
Where’s your favourite place in Manchester that everyone should visit?
Bunny Jackson’s is the best place to go for food! My boyfriend and I love it for a cheap date nights whilst also being able to get out of the typical student zones.
What would you say to someone who’s feeling nervous about starting university?
I would say it’s normal to feel sad, homesick or nervous about meeting new people but just remember that absolutely everyone is in the same position as you. The people you see who look like they’re living their best life are also just as nervous as you! It’s all about pushing yourself and making uni what you want it to be. I was very nervous to be in a big city alone after spending my whole life in south Wales but pushing myself has been the best thing I’ve ever done; it has opened up so many opportunities to me. You never know the outcome until you try.
For loads more tips and behind-the-scenes from current Manchester students, make sure to join our official Instagram Broadcast: ‘Manchester offer-holders 2025 ✨’ where you’ll find more tips, advice and exclusive content.