By Zahra Arshad
Photography: Hala Al-Ghanim

Your first couple weeks at university can be a daunting experience. As a Fresher, you are overloaded with offers, ads and recommendations and it can be hard to find great food that fits your budget. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of great places on your doorstep to choose from.

Manchester will never leave you bored as there is literally something for everyone. We break down our favourite student friendly places to grab a quick bite.

1. Greggs

Situated in the heart of Oxford Road, is everyone’s favourite cheap lunch. Enjoy a coffee and savoury snack for a sweet £2. Greggs also offers fresh sandwiches and hot bites, including pizza slices and pasties.You can also reward yourself for showing up to your 9am lecture with a pack of donuts to share.

2. Subway

The home of the tasty sub where you make the rules from choosing your own bread, down to the filling. You can make your quick snack a meal deal by adding a drink and a packet of crisps as well. Feeling healthy? Opt for a salad and choose your own fresh ingredients.

3. Café Nero

The place to be after a long day. It’s finally time to treat yourself, so sit down with a hot drink and relax. Not in the mood for a hot beverage? You can also choose from a variety of cold drinks. In the mood for some hot tasty food? Check out their mouth-watering paninis, toasties and wraps for a post-lecture pick-me-up.

4. Pizza Co.

In the mood for pizza, but had enough of Dominos? Try Pizza Co. instead, which is also literally on your doorstep, just across All Saints Campus. They don’t just do pizza either! Choose from fried chicken, wings, burgers and wraps to vegetarian options such as veggie pizza, burgers and lasagne, you will be spoilt for choice. And with such prices under a tenner, who wouldn’t give this place a try?

5. McDonald’s

It has to go on the list because, well, who doesn’t love a good McDonald’s every now and then? The ideal place to eat when your feeling homesick, lovesick, dissertation-sick, or you just fancy something to quick to eat that satisfies your hunger and won’t put you out of pocket.

6. Frurt

Surrounded by fast food, you can get fed up of eating at the same places again and again. Not feeling like another take out for lunch or deciding to be healthy today? Frurt is the perfect choice when you’re craving something sweet.

7. Archie’s

One of the most well-known places in Manchester, Archie’s is most famous for their fabulous shakes and delicious desserts. In the mood for something savoury? Check out their wraps, wings, or the nachos and choose from a range of fries and veggie options.

8. Starbucks

Located in the ideal place a short walk from campus, Starbucks will satisfy student coffee lovers or, if you’re like me, and prefer a good old hot chocolate – they’ve got your back too. The place for those that don’t like to have the same drink twice in a month; Starbucks is home to over 87 drinks. They also have a selection of savoury to sweet foods to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice.

9. Popolino’s

Tired of the same pizzas again and again and want to try somewhere new? Then you should try Popolino, the place to go if you want to spend little on a tasty pizza. With prices under £6, you can’t go wrong.

10. Costa

You can’t go wrong with this cozy place. Fancy something hot and tasty, try the new pasta boxes. For those with a sweet tooth,you can grab a slice of cake. You will have a tough time choosing something whether sweet or savoury, but you will never go wrong.

11. Falafel Express

What was once known as the Marriott’s Café is now THE place to go for a healthy snack. Falafel Express is now entirely vegetarian (all vegan food, actually). It’s actually very busy at times and has queues out the door. Now the people in Manchester can enjoy their falafels and fresh juices at a reasonable Price of £2.50.

12. Babylon

Probably not the healthiest pick, but who cares! With pizzas, shawarma, burgers, chicken wings and fried chicken under £3.50, you’ll have a hard time choosing.