Lifestyle, Manchester, News

Manchester’s Best-Kept Student Secrets

0 501

By Thomas Rushton

Every major city across the country is rammed with students. As a student myself, just finishing my first year of University, I have learned of the many ‘secrets’ that Manchester has to offer us that can make our lives easier and save us some money. For example:

The number two bus

The ‘number two’ bus stops literally opposite my accommodation, so I was in on this secret from day one of University. Basically, this number two bus is a free service that runs in and out of the city centre. I thought everyone knew about this bus service, but to my surprise not many did. I would always say “I’m getting the free bus into town” and would get reactions such as “free bus? Why is it free?”.

This service is such a money saver for us students. We can also pay just £1 on the magic bus, which to be fair is nothing but, if you are anything like me and are in town all the time, it does add up in cost. Without these, we would have to pay a standard bus fare, which, price wise, depends on how far you’re travelling.

So, the tip for freshers is to keep your eyes peeled for the number two bus. It will save you a killing during your first year!

£1 Dominoes deals

Need I say more? The £1 Dominoes pizza is an absolute rarity that only happens every now and then. Fresher’s week is the start of this wonderful opportunity. Advertising for this is fairly quiet, so keep your eyes wide open on all Dominoes stores that you pass during Fresher’s. Trust me, you will know when this offer is on; the queue will be about seven miles long.

Although they only offer basic cheese and tomato or pepperoni, it’s still a luxury. I don’t mean to sound too dramatic but a pizza that usually costs about £12, you’re buying for a quid. Bargain.

Student lock-ins

Shopping centres hold what they call “student lock-ins”; this means that between certain hours on a certain date, students are (not literally) locked into the centre and the shops offer discounted products, some of which are really good. During the year, I visited the one that took place at the Arndale and left empty handed, yet when I visited the Trafford centre student lock in, I left with bags full.

Upon entry, you tend to go to the actual centre of the shopping centre; here, there will be numerous tables handing out wristbands and leaflets with all the discounts listed. These are seriously worth picking up, as they point out where is offering the best discounts.

In order to visit these “student lock-ins”, you have to register your name and university online. There will be links all over the Internet, so once you hear about one taking place, just Google it. I registered literally half an hour before going.

Overall, they’re definitely worth a visit. Who doesn’t love a bit of discount?

Thomas studies Multimedia Journalism and is currently beginning his second year at MMU. He enjoys socialising and loves trying new things whether it be visiting a new restaurant or visiting a new city he has never been to before. He enjoys this, as he likes to discover fun facts and say’s it always gives him something to write about. He has written non-stop about Manchester since he arrived last September to begin his first year of University.

About the author / 

aAh!

aAh! Magazine is Manchester Metropolitan University's arts and culture magazine.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • Fcukers @ New Century Hall gallery – bringing the party to Manchester

    Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fcukers headline a sold-out show at Manchester’s New Century Hall, in support of their long-awaited debut album, ‘ö’. Opening the night are Sydney-based Sleepazoid, whose hazy, atmospheric sound offers a sharp contrast to the headliners’ explosive energy. Their set feels cinematic and dream-like, serving as both a striking opener…

  • Q&A: DR DR on Manchester, Justin Timberlake and full-fat milk

    Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Hailing from Manchester and playing a sold-out show at Manchester’s Lion’s Den, with an imminent EP on the way, aAh! speaks to Fred Farrell (vocals) and Danny Atherton (bass) of Dr Dr. Did you start the band during Covid times? Is that where it all originated? F: It was…

  • Yellow Days @ Gorilla review – a night of cinematic neo-soul

    Featured image: Gary Walker Neo-blues soul artist Yellow Days, the stage name of Haslemere’s George van den Broek, returns to Manchester with his seventh album, Rock And A Hard Place, and a live show that proves just how far he has come.  Before he steps out, London-based act Brian Nasty warms the room up nicely,…

  • The Royston Club @ O2 Victoria Warehouse gallery: sending shivers down your spine

    Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch The Royston Club perform alongside Overpass and Permanent (Joy) at a sold-out O2 Victoria Warehouse. Welsh indie rock band The Royston Club, school friends who began playing together in 2017, now headline O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Touring second album Songs For The Spine, they generate an energetic sold-out…