How important is the location of your university?
It’s important to choose the right location when applying for university.
The city you pick will be your new home for the next few years or longer! Different cities will give you unique student experiences.
You'll want to consider if the location is a good fit for you socially and will help you work towards your career goals. You'll also need to make sure it fits your budget.
In this blog, we'll delve into the various factors that make a university's location crucial. Learn more about what makes UCEN Manchester an ideal choice by reading our guide on Life in Manchester.
What do you need to consider about the location of your study?
Here are some things you might want to consider when choosing which city you’ll be calling home.
Will you find ‘your people’?
It’s important that the city you are considering for your study feels welcoming. Living somewhere that feels like a community makes all the difference.
If you're looking for a city with a community feel, you couldn't do much better than Manchester! A 2022 survey named Manchester the second friendliest city in the world.
In Manchester you’ll also find people with a diverse set of interests and hobbies, from a diverse range of backgrounds, giving you plenty of chances to meet ‘your people’.
Does the city let you follow your passions?
Even though you’re moving for university, you’ll want to make sure there is plenty to do when you’re not studying. There are endless things to do in Manchester, including:
- Nightlife
- Hiking
- Sports
- Museums and Art Galleries
- Theatre
Manchester's nightlife is very diverse, so you'll have plenty to do on a night out! Whether your ideal night out is a rave, clubbing or just a few quiet drinks at the pub, Manchester has you covered.
Is exploring nature more your scene? The Peak District is just a short train trip away. However, you don't have to leave Manchester to explore the outdoors. With Heaton Park, Chorlton Water Park, Fletcher Moss Park and many more green spaces on your doorstep, there are plenty of options to enjoy nature.
It's impossible to talk about life in Manchester without mentioning sports! You'll already know that we are home to two of football’s leading teams, but Manchester also offers a range of sports and activities, including cricket, rugby, cycling, and swimming. Keen runners will not want to miss entering the Great Manchester Run, Europe’s biggest 10k run.
Manchester is also a hotbed of culture, including art, music and theatre. Art students will find themselves inspired by the city's stunning art galleries, innovative museums and buzzing festivals. Are you a musician or love going to gigs? You'll find yourself at home in Manchester - after all, iconic bands like The Smiths, Oasis and Joy Division originated here.
Being one of England’s largest cities, there’s naturally so much to explore! Our Student Union at UCEN Manchester can help you meet friends with similar interests and make life-long connections.
Can you afford to live here?
Before committing to study in a new city, you’ll need to know you can afford to live there. Some cities are much more affordable than others. It’s not just rent you’ll have to think about either - the price of your weekly shop and transport will vary based on your city.
Manchester consistently ranks as one of the most affordable student cities in the UK. In fact, living in Manchester is around 32% cheaper than living in London.
One of the biggest perks of being a student is the range of offers and discounts available to you. Local eateries, nightlife and services often have deals to fit the budget of our large student population.
Will you find employment opportunities?
When planning your study, you will want to consider a city with ties to your chosen industry. Ensuring you are in the right location will make a huge difference when finding a job after graduation.
Manchester is home to industry leaders across many sectors, including:
At UCEN Manchester, we equip our graduates with the skills they need to find employment in their chosen industry. Last year, 95% of our students went on to work or further study within six months of graduating.
We also work with some of the UK's leading employers like Cisco, Palo Alto Networks and Open Eye Gallery. These partnerships mean we can offer specialist courses exposing you to a range of industries, world-class technical environments and like-minded learners.
From the moment you start looking at courses, to after you’ve earned your qualifications and for as long as you need, UCEN Manchester is here to help. Our FutureU team can help find the best pathway for you.
Where are you going to study?
When you're deciding where you want to study, location matters. University is an exciting time, and picking the right city will help give you the most rewarding experience.
Every year, around 100,000 people choose to start or continue their studies in Manchester. Think it’s the place for you?
Check out our UCEN Manchester courses and plan your next chapter!
