The world’s first industrial city, Manchester, is a major economic, sports, and educational hub situated in Northwest England. Manchester is also home to the world’s oldest museum and houses some of the top universities in the UK, namely, the University of Manchester and the University of Salford.
As a result, thousands of students come to Manchester every year to pursue higher education. This ultimately leads to an increased demand for student accommodation in Manchester. Now, choosing the right property turns out to be a nightmare for some students. Therefore, in this ultimate student guide, we shall try to find answers to some important questions and also the top 5 most affordable properties for students in Manchester.
Why Live Near the University of Manchester?
The University of Manchester is a Russel Group institution and one of the top universities globally, according to QS World Rankings, making it the first choice for international students. Moreover, staying close to the university provides innumerable benefits that have been listed below:
- UoM is strategically located at a walkable distance to lectures and libraries
- Students get easy access to Oxford Road, student hubs, and public transport
- Staying closer to the university leads to lower commuting costs and a better student lifestyle
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Overall, staying closer to the university saves time and money, and provides access to some of the major areas in the city. Thus, making life easier every day!
Top Affordable Student Accommodation Options Near the University of Manchester
There is a plethora of options for students to choose from when it comes to student housing in Manchester. However, we’ve sorted out the top 5 options near the University of Manchester to boost convenience for students.

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Uninest Flexi Stays 01
Uninest Flexi Stays is one of the best properties for student housing in Manchester and is located on Blackfairs Road. The property is a hot pick among students and is known for its gorgeous views and great connectivity to public transit systems in Manchester.
Here is what the property has to offer to students:
- Located at just 2 miles away from the University of Manchester.
- The rent includes utilities like water, electricity, and gas bills.
- Other facilities include a Ping-Pong table, a communal area and a fully equipped gym.
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MSV (Manchester Student Village)
The Manchester Student Village is another property that is absolutely loved by students and is generally sold out as soon as it is open for bookings. The property is located at Lower Chatham Street and offers a wide range of utilities and facilities to students. Let’s have a look at it in brief:
- The property is located at just 1.2 miles away from the university
- The rent includes electricity, gas, water and internet bills
- Students get to use an entertainment room, a games room, a terrace and a grocery store as well.
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Piccadilly Point
The third property on our list is the Piccadilly Point. Situated on Berry Street, this property offers spectacular views of the city and is one of the best properties in terms of cost-to-facilities ratio. Students absolutely love the facilities provided, and the staff is as wonderful as the property is! Let’s see what else Piccadilly Point has for students:
- Located just 0.70 miles away from the University of Manchester
- Rent includes electricity, water, gas and Wi-Fi bills
- Students enjoy using a fully equipped gym, a vending machine, a printing machine, and a social space for recreation.
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The Grafton
The next property on our list is The Grafton, which is situated on Grafton Street. This property is the closest to the University of Manchester and provides excellent
connectivity to major public transit stops. The Grafton is famous among students because of its proximity to the University and the spacious rooms.
- Situated at just 0.20 miles away from UoM
- The rent is inclusive of utilities like electricity, gas, water, heating, and Wi-Fi bills.
- Students also get to use a lounge area, separate parcel room, onsite maintenance and a common dining area
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Kincardine Court
The last property on our list is the Kincardine Court. As the name suggests, this property is located at Kincardine Road and is also very close to the University of Manchester. Students love to stay at this property and the best part is, the neighbourhood is surrounded by cozy cafes, supermarkets, and local shops, ensuring everything you need is just around the corner. Let’s see what else they have to offer:
- The property is located is just 0.23 miles away from the University of Manchester.
- Rent includes utilities like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi bills.
- Students can use a cinema room, special study pods, an outdoor area, and a breakfast bar.
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Rent Expectations Near the University of Manchester
Manchester is quite an affordable city when compared to other major cities in England or Great Britain. Students can expect to pay around €600 to €1000 per month for some of the top student properties in Manchester, while the national average for student accommodation in UK is around €1000 to €1500 per month.
However, rent in Manchester depends on a variety of factors that have been listed below:
- The major factor that drives property rent is the location. The more prime the location is, the higher the rent is!
- The type of accommodation also affects the property price, with shared apartments being the most affordable and studio apartments being the most premium and luxurious.
- Some properties include utility bills like electricity, water, and gas bills in the rent too. The type of facilities and utilities provided also determines the cost of an accommodation.
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The overall cost of living in Manchester is also very affordable. Although your lifestyle is the main driving factor of the cost of living in a city, students can expect to live
comfortably in Manchester in well under €1000 a month! To get a better estimate on the cost of living in Manchester based on your lifestyle and preferences, use a Cost-of-Living Calculator!
Tips to Find Affordable Student Accommodation in Manchester

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There are many mistakes students make while choosing a student room in Manchester. There are several things that students must keep in mind to avoid any issues in the future!
- Start Early: Start searching 3–6 months in advance to get the most options and to unlock early-bird discounts. The most ideal time to book a property is as soon as you get the Letter of Acceptance from the university.
- Consider shared apartments: Shared homes are the most affordable type of student apartments in Manchester and cost almost half the price of a studio apartment.
- Check the rent inclusions: Some properties include utility bills like electricity and water bills in the rent, while some don’t. Make sure to check this as utilities may cost you upwards of €200 per month in Manchester.
- Book through a verified student accommodation platform: There are various platforms that help students find the best accommodation based on their preferences. University Living is one such organisation that helps students choose their home away from home!
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Conclusion
Manchester is a famous city in the UK and is indeed one of the top destinations for students to pursue their higher education. There are plenty of options available for students to choose from, and therefore, just keep this guide in mind, and there is nothing to worry about!
Choose the right property that balances your budget, proximity to the university, and comfort. Don’t forget, booking early unlocks special prices and early-bird discounts. At the end, choose a reputable platform to ensure stress-free bookings and post-arrival support.