The best freshers’ events in Manchester

Whether you’re a complete newbie to Manchester or a returning student, it’s time to get ready for the first week at university. Before studies start, you have the perfect opportunity to make new friends and have some fun. But where to start? It can be overwhelming when you look for things to do, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. That’s where we can help. So, here are some of the best freshers events in Manchester happening in 2023!

Before you get to University

Avoid Scams

First things first, you need to ensure that the events you pay for are legitimate. You might find people in freshers group chats advertising events you haven’t heard of anywhere else, and it’s likely that whatever wristband they want you to buy doesn’t exist. The best place to look for tickets or wristbands is the official Student Union website of your university. You can find the events schedule for each major university in Manchester below. For students at the University of Manchester, click here and here. Students at Manchester Met, click here and here. Students at the University of Salford, click here.

Freshers’ events hosted by Universities

Freshers fair

All week long, each university will hold their own freshers fair. Here, you’ll be able to find information about student accommodation, events and more. Usually, there are some freebies available, so get down to your fair for a free slice of pizza! There’s also the boring stuff like highlighters, planners and pens, but they’ll come in handy for saving money on stationary further down the line.

Society fairs

One of the best ways to make friends at university is by joining a society. In the first few weeks, you’ll find out about all the different groups you can join at the society fair. From burlesque to musical theatre, the options are endless. Students at the University of Manchester can find societies here, MMU students here, and University of Salford students here.

Tours of the city

If you’re new to the city, there’s lots to explore. What better way to do so than through a tour around Manchester? These open up around September and are usually cheap to sign onto. You’ll get led around places like Oxford Road and the City Center to become an expert on where to go in Manchester before you’ve even been anywhere.

The best freshers’ events in Manchester

1. F*CK ME It’s Freshers – 21st September, Vision Club

Toxic every Wednesday at the Factory

Students have famously claimed Wednesday nights, and the Factory knows this. With concession tickets for students, it couldn’t be a cheaper night out than at the club with your new friends (after pre-drinks, of course). Every Wednesday, you can grab yourself a ticket for the Toxic event which takes place every week. They separate the club into three different bar environments, with a mix of Indie, Hiphop, House, RnB and Dance music. This is a great place to go on a night out, but if you don’t drink or going clubbing isn’t your vibe, there’s plenty more on this list for you!

Everyday events at Cargo

Cargo is another student hotspot known for hosting foam parties, rodeo bulls and surf simulators. Even better, drinks are as cheap as £1.50! Again, there are concession tickets for students, saving you money. There are events on every day, from manifest Saturdays to bottomless brunch, so there’s plenty for you and your new mates to do. We hope you liked our pick of the best freshers events in Manchester. Check out our list of 15 fun sober things to do during freshers for more ideas.