Featured image: Natasha Langman

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You have finally made it to the city of dreams to make your dreams come true – Manchester! The music capital of the UK has a lot to offer students, but as a fresher navigating the city can feel overwhelming and confusing – this is even the case for people who have stayed here for most of their life! We ask international students to share their top tips on surviving and thriving in your first semester.

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Tip 1: Avoid looking like a tourist

Always try to plan your travel routes before you head out to explore the city to avoid looking like a lost soul on Google Maps. It’s always wise to seek advice from locals and friends who have been travelling frequently in Manchester.

Buses can be a great way to get around, says third-year Creative Advertising Strategies student Zainab Bindarwala: “I’d definitely recommend buying the bus pass! I didn’t have to worry about each pound and could go everywhere without getting tired of walking too much.”

Zainab adds: “I did take guidance from my friends who helped me navigate the system. They recommended the Citymapper App so I could check the bus timings.”

If you’re commuting to campus, railcards are a great option as they give you a discount on your train ticket at a price of 30 GBP a year. If you are travelling by train, use the Trainline App to book tickets.

The only way to become an expert on the road is by going out! So become a less irritating version of “Dora the Explorer” and see what Manchester has to offer for yourself without looking vulnerable.

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Tip 2: Sort your cash out

If you do decide to exchange your currency for pounds (God forbid, because of the exchange rates), do pay a visit to Exchange Street where you will find several money exchange offices like Eurochange.

Cash is almost obsolete in Manchester, so create an account on Revolut and Monzo and your bank account will be up and running within 10-15 minutes. All you need is your passport, visa and a mobile phone and you will get your virtual card in no time. You can order a physical card for around 4 GBP.

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Tip 3 – Make your halls your home

Take the time to make your halls your home, as it’s where you’ll spend much of your time. Making your space comfortable and personalised can have a huge impact on your overall experience and wellbeing at university. Start by stocking up on essentials like kitchenware, followed by other decor which make you feel at home.

Urvish Kumavat joined Manchester Met this September. He says: “I walked into Tesco and bought a bunch of forks, knives and spoons for 4.5 GBP and a frying pan for 12 GBP. Tesco has it all!”

The best way to create a home away from home is by making your room feel just the way it did back in your hometown. This might be putting up posters, fairy lights, and framing photos of your family and friends.

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Tip 4 – Getting your diet up and running

Tesco, Asda, Aldi and Sainsbury’s are go-to spots for your groceries and daily essentials, offering a wide range of affordable products. Don’t forget to explore local shops near your accommodation as well – you might find unique items or better deals than you’d expect.

Aman Pathan joined Manchester Met this September and was greeted by a friendly landlord who got him off to a good start. Aman says: “He even picked me up from the airport and stocked up the freezer for me.”

Sharing his best food hack, Aman says: “Stock up on frozen foods, they are a lifesaver!”

Student Union Education Officer, Forum Yadav, encourages students to save money by mastering the kitchen. She says: “The most economical way to eat is to cook! You can save a lot of money by just cooking your own food. But you can always order in from Deliveroo too.”

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Tip 5 – Take advantage of student discounts

For student discounts, check UNiDAYS and Student Beans for discounts on major flagship brands! If you are sitting in a restaurant or pub and you want to know if you can get a discount, we have a life hack for you – Just ask! 

Take note of the notice boards in the front of shops and businesses advertising discounts you can take advantage of as a student. Keep an eye out for many events hosted by the university and The Union – most events will have freebies on offer.

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Tip 6 – Explore Manchester’s Cultural Menu 

If you are interested in staying in the loop with gigs, concerts, comedy shows and more, head to reliable sources like Visit Manchester, Creative Tourist and our very own aAh! Magazine. You can also visit websites like Eventbrite and Skiddle to stumble across local events across various categories.

Make sure The Union’s What’s On listings are on your radar too – there’s always something happening on campus you can get involved in.

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Tip 7 – Get a job!

Looking for a part-time job while studying? Sign up to the Jobs4Students mailing list. Run by the university, Jobs4Students helps students gain paid work experience while they study. It’s a convenient way to earn cash and build your skills without the hassle of long commutes or unsociable hours.

These roles are often tailored to student needs, meaning they understand your academic commitments and can offer flexible hours. Whether it’s working in one of the university cafes, supporting university events like open days, or working with various departments, Jobs4Students is a great starting point.

In addition to on-campus jobs, you can also find opportunities in the wider Manchester area. Online platforms like Indeed offer a variety of part-time roles in retail, hospitality and other industries which you can balance around your course commitments. But don’t forget to also explore local businesses and cafes, which often have openings suited to students.

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Tip 8 – Listen to the experts

If you’ve made it this far through our tips, congratulations! Now, for our final piece of advice: listen to the experts. We spoke to those who have been here for a while and know the ins and outs of settling into university life.

Leila Enoki, President of The Union, emphasises the importance of getting involved: “The best way to settle in Manchester is to put yourself out there! Meet different people and join various societies and clubs the university has to offer because that way you will not only grow as a student but as a human being as well! Making a versatile friend group is crucial because that way you can understand various cultures and get information regarding every field that you would want to pursue.”

We understand that moving to a new place, or even a new country, can bring new challenges and anxieties. Gracie Otley, Wellbeing Officer at The Union, offers reassuring advice: “The biggest life hack I can give to freshers is to stay positive. Things will definitely fall into place eventually.”