Neighbourhood Guides

The Oxford Road Corridor is a vibrant area and is home to some of Manchester’s most iconic institutions:

🟧 The University of Manchester (Oxford Road Campus)

🟧 Manchester Metropolitan University (All Saints Campus)

🟧 Royal Northern College of Music

🟧 Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Just a short walk away, you’ll also find the MMU Birley Campus. The Corridor isn’t just about education—it’s a hub for businesses in health, professional services, and biomedical research.

 

Did You Know?

Manchester has been the workplace of some incredible minds, including:

🟧 Sir Ernest Rutherford – the father of nuclear physics

🟧 Niels Bohr – Nobel Prize-winning physicist

🟧 Alan Turing – pioneer of modern computing

...and many more!

 

Getting Around

The Oxford Road-Wilmslow Road is on one of Europe’s busiest bus routes. During peak times, expect longer travel times, so plan ahead!

 

Groceries and Food & Drink

Need essentials or just hungry? There are plenty of affordable options:

🟧 Co-op

🟧 Sainsbury's Local

🟧 Student Union food vendors

🟧 Independent cades and restaurants

🟧 Popular chains like McDonald's

 

Things to Do

Explore culture right on your doorstep:

🟧 Whitworth Park – a great spot to relax

🟧 Whitworth Art Gallery – founded in 1889, redeveloped in 2015, and dedicated to using art for positive change

🟧 Manchester Museum – recently reopened in February 2023 after a major transformation

 

Ardwick is a district located southeast of the City Centre and is home to the O2 Apollo Manchester, a grade II listed concert venue which regularly hosts some of the biggest names in music. The Nicholls Campus of UCEN/the Manchester College is located in Ardwick

Did you know that celebrated Victorian novelist Elizabeth Gaskell was an Ardwick resident? She lived with her husband, William, at 84 Plymouth Grove; a site which was restored and open to the public.

 

Transport

There are regular bus services to the City Centre and Piccadilly Station, and it is only a 15-20 minute walk to the universities. Ardwick station operates regular services to and from Manchester Piccadilly.

 

Groceries

🟧 Tesco Express – Esso

🟧 Nisa Local

 

Food & Drink

Ardwick has lots of fast food options, including McDonalds.

 

Things to Do

🟧 Take a skate around Ardwick Sports Hall, home of Manchester Roller Hockey Club.

🟧 Catch a concert at the O2 Apollo, open since 1938.

 

Leafy and historic Victoria Park is a designated conservation area in close proximity to both universities and the hospitals. It lies close to the amenities of the City Centre and other neighbouring district centres like Rusholme and Levenshulme. There are over 20 listed buildings in the area, including Victoria Baths, a heritage visitor centre based in a restored Victorian bathhouse. Both the Pakistani and Chinese consulate have offices in Victoria Park on Dickenson Road and Denison Road, respectively

Victoria Park is also home to the University of Manchester’s Victoria Park Campus

Did you know the leader of the suffragette movement, Emmeline Pankhurst, was a resident at 60-62 Nelson Street? This was the birthplace of the Suffragette movement.

 

Transport

There are regular bus services to the City Centre and Piccadilly Station, and it is only a 5-10 minute walk to the universities.

 

Groceries

🟧 Lidl

🟧 Tesco Express

🟧 Poundland

 

Food & Drink

Victoria Park has a wide selection of food and drink, including curry, Caribbean food, and Chinese takeaways.

 

Things to Do

🟧 Visit Victoria Baths, an Edwardian building widely recognised as Britain’s finest historic swimming pool.

🟧 Visit Gaskell House, former home of author Elizabeth Gaskell.

🟧 Take a trip to the Pankhurst Centre, the residence of iconic suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.

🟧 Stroll through Birchfields Park.

 

Hulme is located just south of Manchester City Centre and plays host to MMU Birley campus. Well connected to other parts of Manchester, Hulme was the site of one of the UK’s most ambitious urban regeneration schemes. Hulme is strongly linked with community empowerment; co-operative housing and business enterprise are major features there.

Did you know that Hulme was also home to the first Rolls Royce factory, and the influence of this can be seen in street names throughout the area?

 

Transport

There are regular bus services to the City Centre and Piccadilly Station, and it is only a 10-15 minute walk to the universities.

 

Groceries

🟧 Asda Hulme Superstore

🟧 B&M

🟧 Co-Op

 

Food & Drink

Hulme has plenty of places to eat, including fast food chains such as KFC, independant cafe bar Kim's Kitchen and Caribbean takeaway Buzzrocks.

 

Things to Do

🟧 Z-Arts Centre – community creative space for young people.

🟧 Hulme Community Garden Centre – community initiative designed to bring locals together through gardening and sustainable food growing.

 

Just a short distance from the main university campuses, Rusholme is a vibrant district, home to the famous Curry Mile and Birchfields Park.

 

Accommodation

Off-campus accommodation is mainly made up of terraced houses, with some flats. The are also several private halls (also referred to as purpose-built student accommodation, PBSA) in Rusholme.

 

Transport

Rusholme has great bus connections on the ‘busiest bus route in Europe’, Bee Network Cycle Hire stations make bike hire easy.

 

Groceries

🟧 Worldwide Foods

🟧 Syriana Market

🟧 Manchester Superstore Rusholme

🟧 Venus Foods Supermarket

🟧 Tesco Express

🟧 Lidl

 

Food & Drink

There are lots of amazing restaurants along the ‘Curry Mile’ on Wilmslow Road, including Indian, Pakistani, Afghan, Persian, Sri Lankan and Lebanese cuisines.

 

Things to Do

🟧 Birchfields Park – local green space with a football pitch, exercise stations, playground and forest garden, as well as volunteering opportunities.

🟧 Alexandria Library – an independant charity bookshop offering books in a wide range of languages and hosting an art gallery and language classes.

 

Fallowfield is a vibrant suburb with a great mix of shops, cafes, bars and home to Platt Fields Park, where there’s always something to get involved with.

 

Accommodation

The University of Manchester’s Fallowfield campus is home to lots of university Halls of Residence. Off-campus there are lots of terraced houses and some flats in the area. Fallowfield has great bus connections on the ‘busiest bus route in Europe’ and Bee Network Cycle Hire stations make bike hire easy.

 

Groceries

🟧 Sainsburys

🟧 Wimmy Foods

🟧 Iceland

 

Food & Drink

🟧 The Mexican – excellent food and cocktails, as recommended by the Manchester Student Homes team.

🟧 The Battered Cod – the ‘best’ fish and chip shop in Manchester according to Robin who’s lived on Braemar Road since 1984.

🟧 Tzatziki’s – belting Greek chicken gyros, as recommended by Cooper (Manager of Manchester Student Homes).

 

Things to Do

🟧 Platt Fields Market Garden – regular events, cafe and volunteering opportunities.

🟧 The Fallowfield Loop – an off-road cycle path, pedestrian and horse-riding route from Chorlton-cum-Hardy through Fallowfield and Levenshulme to Gorton and Fairfield in Manchester.

 

Manchester City Centre is packed with incredible museums, galleries, and historic landmarks. Here are some must-visit spots:

 

🟧 Manchester Cathedral – stunning Gothic architecture

🟧 Manchester Art Gallery – free entry and inspiring exhibitions

🟧 Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) – interactive science and history

🟧 People’s History Museum – learn about democracy and social change

🟧 John Rylands Library – breathtaking neo-Gothic design

🟧 Central Library – perfect for study sessions

🟧 Manchester Town Hall – iconic Victorian building

🟧 Royal Exchange Theatre – unique theatre experience

🟧 National Football Museum – a must for sports fans

🟧 Chetham’s Library – the oldest public library in the English-speaking world

 

Shopping

🟧 Manchester Arndale – one of the UK’s largest indoor shopping centres, attracting over 45 million visitors every year.

🟧 Explore nearby streets for independent boutiques and vintage shops.

 

Looking for a cool spot to hang out between lectures? First Street is one of Manchester’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, located between Oxford Road and Deansgate. It’s a modern, lively area packed with places to eat, drink, and relax.

 

The highlight? HOME – Manchester’s hub for cinema, theatre, and art. It’s the perfect place to catch an indie film, see a play, or explore contemporary exhibitions. Plus, there are plenty of cafés and bars nearby for a quick bite or a night out.

 

Spinningfields is one of Manchester’s most modern districts, developed in the 2000s as a hub for business, retail, and residential living. Its standout landmark is the Manchester Civil Justice Centre, an award-winning architectural icon.

 

Getting There

🟧 By Foot: About a 20-minute walk from the universities.

🟧 By Bus: Several services run to and from Spinningfields.

 

Groceries

🟧 Co-op Bridge Street– convenient for essentials.

 

Food & Drink

Spinningfields is known for its stylish dining scene:

 

🟧 Many restaurants are high-end, but you’ll find affordable bars too.

🟧 Revolución de Cuba – lively atmosphere and good deals

 

Things to Do

🟧 John Rylands Library – a must-see for its stunning architecture.

🟧 People’s History Museum – explore the story of democracy.

🟧 Seasonal attractions like outdoor markets and a popular winter ice rink.

 

 

Castlefield is one of Manchester’s most historic and scenic neighbourhoods. It’s the site of the Roman-era fort Mamucium and was designated the UK’s first Urban Heritage Park in 1982. With its canals, green spaces, and cultural venues, it’s perfect for a relaxed day out.

 

Getting There

🟧 By Foot: About 15 minutes from the universities.

🟧 By Bus: Well-connected by bus and tram. Close to Manchester Oxford Road and Deansgate stations.

 

Groceries

🟧 Tesco Express

🟧 Morrisons Daily

 

Food & Drink

Spinningfields is known for its stylish dining scene:

 

🟧 Independent cafés serving coffee and cakes.

🟧 Plenty of bars and restaurants for casual dining or a night out.

 

Things to Do

🟧 Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) – interactive exhibits and history.

🟧 Castlefield Bowl – outdoor concerts and live music.

🟧 Liverpool Road Station – the world’s first passenger rail station.

🟧 Factory International at Aviva Studios – cutting-edge arts and performances.

🟧 Chaos Karts – immersive go-karting experience.

🟧 Castlefield Gallery – contemporary art exhibitions.

 

 

The Green Quarter is one of Manchester’s newest districts, located on the northern edge of the City Centre near Victoria Station. It’s known for modern developments like the £800m NOMA project and One Angel Square, one of Europe’s most sustainable office buildings.

 

Getting There

🟧 By Foot: About 25 minutes from the universities.

🟧 Manchester Victoria Station offers easy access to the city centre and beyond.

 

Groceries

🟧 Co-op – Cheetham Hill Cypress Place for everyday essentials.

 

Food & Drink

🟧 A handful of restaurants and bars—look out for freshly made dumplings, pasta, and baked goods.

 

Things to Do

🟧 AO Arena – catch live music, concerts, and major events.

🟧 Angel Meadow Park – a peaceful green space in the city centre, perfect for relaxing outdoors.

 

 

The Northern Quarter is Manchester’s creative hub—think winding redbrick streets, converted warehouses, and a vibrant mix of independent shops, bars, and cafés. It’s the go-to spot for students who love unique finds, great food, and a lively atmosphere.

 

Getting There

🟧 Just a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly bus and train stations.

🟧 Free Bus service runs through the area for easy access.

 

Groceries

🟧 Aldi – budget-friendly essentials.

🟧 Sainsbury’s Local – convenient for quick top-ups.

 

Food & Drink

🟧 Mackie Mayor – a stunning Grade II listed food hall with multiple vendors offering everything from pizza to vegan dishes. Perfect for group hangouts.

 

Things to Do

🟧 Afflecks – an iconic indie shopping emporium with vintage clothing, quirky gifts, and even tattoo studios. A must-visit for students.

🟧 Queer Lit – Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ bookshop, hosting free events, workshops, and social groups. Great coffee and cake too!

🟧 Makers’ Market – artisan market featuring local businesses. Held on the second Sunday of every month—ideal for discovering unique food and art.

 

 

Located just next to the Northern Quarter, Ancoats is a trendy neighbourhood with a fascinating history. Known as “the world’s first industrial suburb”, it was once home to Manchester’s Little Italy. Today, it’s a regenerated hotspot famous for its food scene and cool architecture.

 

Look out for:

🟧 The Chips Building – bold, colourful post-modern design.

🟧 Daily Express Building – a Grade II listed art-deco gem from 1939.

 

Getting There

🟧 By Foot: About a 15-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens bus stop.

🟧 By Tram: Several tram stops nearby.

 

Groceries

🟧 Co-op

🟧 Ancoats General Store – doubles as a coffee spot.

🟧 Wing Yip Superstore – perfect for world foods, especially Chinese ingredients.

 

Food & Drink

🟧 Plenty of artisan bakeries for coffee and croissants.

🟧 Cute wine bars and cosy pubs for evening hangouts.

 

Things to Do

🟧 Take a scenic walk along the canal at New Islington Marina.

🟧 Explore the neighbourhood’s unique architecture and vibrant street life.

 

Withington is a thriving district with a diverse mix of cafes, bars and independent shops.

 

Accommodation

Off-campus accommodation is mainly made up of terraced and semi-detached houses, with some flats.

 

Transport

There are regular bus services to the universities, City Centre, and Piccadilly Station.  

Groceries

🟧 Sainsburys Local

🟧 Co–op

🟧 Withington Fruit and Veg – local greengrocers selling fresh produce, plants and delicious samosas!

🟧 Lentils and Lather – zero waste shop selling plants, fresh baked goods, homeware and groceries.

 

Food & Drink

🟧 Withington Public Hall Institute – social space offering drinks, pizzas and community events.

🟧 Cafe Blah – great cafe and community space with regular film and art nights!

🟧 Red Lion Pub – pub quiz every Wednesday!

🟧 Ice Shack – cosy cafe and community space with plenty of board games serving up fresh coffee and vegan ice cream.

🟧 Fuel – best vegan breakfasts and great gigs!

🟧 Dosa Xpress –incredible authentic south Indian food.

 

Things To Do

🟧 Withington Baths – non-profit community leisure centre with a recently-restored Edwardian swimming pool. Offers day passes and discounted student memberships.

🟧 Withington Walls – a community project that aims to brighten up Withington village through public art works. Explore the village through their artwork map!

🟧 Withington Library – a great off-campus study space.

 

Ladbarn is a small and vibrant suburb to the east of Withington village and Fallowfield district centre.

 

Accommodation

Off-campus accommodation is mainly made up of terraced and semi-detached houses, with some flats.

 

Transport

There are regular bus services to the universities, City Centre, and Piccadilly Station. The area is also served by national rail services at Mauldeth Road.

 

Groceries

 

🟧 Co–op

🟧 Ladybarn Food Store

 

Food & Drink

🟧 Good Faith – independent cafe that sells fab little sweet treats, bagels and sandwiches!

🟧 Sanskruti – best Indian food known to mankind (bonus points for being veggie-friendly!)

🟧 Kabul Bakery – serving freshly baked bread and bolanis, as well as a range of sweet treats.

 

Things To Do

🟧 Ladybarn Park – local green space with a skate park, tennis courts, bowling green and playground, as well as volunteering opportunities.

🟧 Ladybarn Community Hub – community space with lots of regular clubs and events. The Hub has lots of volunteering opportunities, including helping with their new community garden.

 

Didsbury is a suburban area of south Manchester lying on the north bank of the River Mersey. Well served by local buses and the Metrolink (tram), Didsbury is accessible to most parts of Manchester. Burton Road, one of the district centres in West Didsbury, is renowned for its independent shops, restaurants and bars, and the annual ‘Westfest’; a celebration held each year for the independent spirit of the local area.

Did you know that Carol Ann Duffy, a resident of Didsbury and a Professor of Contemporary Poetry and Creative Director of the Manchester Writing School at MMU, is the first woman, Scottish person, and openly LGBT person to hold the position of Poet Laureate in the UK?

 

 

Transport

There are regular bus services and Didsbury is served by no fewer than four stops on the East Didsbury-Rochdale Town Centre line of the Metrolink.  

Groceries

🟧 Aldi

🟧 M&S

🟧 Co–op

🟧 Tesco Express

🟧 Fresh Save Fruit & Veg

 

Food & Drink

🟧 The Art of Tea – cafe bar and bookshop offering cakes, speciality teas and community events.

🟧 Hikari Koffee – a japanese–inspired coffee spot offering a wide range of seasonal and staple drinks, alongside freshly baked buns, babka, and cookies.

🟧 A Front For Something – an eclectic cafe serving great coffee and classic breakfasts.

🟧 The Third Eye – a family–run Nepalese and Indian retaurant boasting a wide range of vegan options.

🟧 OKitchen – a Japanese and Korean eatery hosting a large cocktail menu and live music.

🟧 The Great Kathmandu – an award–winning Nepalese Tandoori restaurant offering a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options.

🟧 Pubs – Didsbury is host to a huge number of excellent pubs, ranging from The Station which serves 'the best Guinness in Manchester', The Railway which hosts regular quiz nights and live music, to the Didsbury which serves a range of pub grub in its cozy rustic space. There are no shortages of great places to try out!

 

Things To Do

🟧 Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens – part botanical garden and part wildlife habitat, was the founding location of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and is now the largest wildlife charity conservation organisation in Europe.

🟧 Didsbury Library – a great off–campus study space.

🟧 The Didsbury Dozen – get dressed up with your friends and attempt the Didsbury Dozen, a pub crawl taking in the many pubs and bars in Didsbury.

 

Levenshulme is largely a residential area with a number of shops, pubs and antique stores, one being the Levenshulme Antiques Village which is housed in a former police station. Levenshulme is renowned for its markets and bustling community feel. The area also hosts the Annual Levenshulme Festival and is home to Levenshulme Swimming Pool.

Did you know that tourists make visits to Levenshulme railway station since the 'news' broke of "The Street with No Name"? This is a 160-year old street that has yet never had an official name.

 

Transport

There are regular bus services to the universities, City Centre, and Piccadilly Station. Levenshulme railway station is only one stop from Manchester Piccadilly, one of the main termini for services to London and elsewhere in the UK.

Groceries

🟧 Tesco

🟧 Asda

🟧 Plus a wide range of greengrocers and bakeries along Stockport Road!

 

Food & Drink

🟧 Station South – cycle cafe, bar, bike workshop and urban community garden based in a former train station.

🟧 Sips & Dips – a delicious Lebanese spot serving freshly baked breads, colourful dips and sweet treats.

🟧 Long Boi's Bakehouse – a neighbourhood bakery known for its range of savory and sweet treats.

🟧 OverDraught – craft beer and cocktail bar hosting a range of community events including comedy nights.

🟧 Klondyke – a large social club hosting a variety of events.

 

Things To Do

🟧 Cringle Park – a much loved and thriving community park 7km from the city centre.

🟧 Highfield Country Park – a large country park perfect for a cycle or still on a sunny day.

🟧 Take a dip or hit the weights at Arcadia library and leisure centre.