For many students, areas like Fallowfield, Withington and Victoria Park are where Manchester starts to feel like home. You’ll be sharing these neighbourhoods with other students, families and local residents, all calling them home too.
You play an important role in helping make our neighbourhoods safe, inclusive and thriving for everyone.
Whether it’s dealing with a housing problem, putting the right bins out or keeping noise down late at night, this is a guide to help you make a big difference to your community.
Need help with your house?
Broken boiler? Problems with your landlord? Not sure what you’ve signed up to?
Manchester Student Homes offers free, independent advice for students renting privately. They can check your contract before you sign it, help resolve accommodation issues and explain everything from deposits and bills to your rights as a tenant.
Keep your street tidy
Overflowing bins, rubbish left on pavements and broken glass outside houses are some of the most common issues raised in student areas.
They can attract pests, create extra work for bin crews and have a real impact on the neighbourhood you call home. Take a few minutes to find out when your bins are collected and what goes in each one. If you’re unsure, Manchester Student Homes can help.
Keep your home safe
Student houses can be a target for burglars, especially at the start of term and during holidays. Many break-ins happen because doors or windows have been left unlocked.
Keep doors and windows locked and use any alarms available. You can also pick up free personal attack alarms, window alarms and light timers from the Manchester Student Homes Pod in the Students’ Union.
To report a crime, call 999 in an emergency, or 101 for non-emergencies.
Keep the noise down late at night
Most noise complaints are about shouting in the street, gathering outside houses or making noise in gardens after everyone else has gone to bed.
Your neighbours might be working early shifts, studying, caring for children or simply trying to sleep. If you’re heading home after a night out or having friends over, be mindful of the noise you’re making, especially later in the evening.
Complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour are taken seriously and can be reported to Manchester City Council.
Give something back
Every year, hundreds of students volunteer in communities across Manchester. From taking part in Big Volunteer Day projects in local neighbourhoods to supporting charities, schools and community organisations throughout the year. If you want to make a difference in your area, there are lots of ways to get involved.
And if you want to meet new people or make a positive contribution to the city, you can explore opportunities on the Volunteer Hub.