Deciding between studying in London or Manchester is a difficult choice; especially when it comes to evaluating the cost of living, social life, and overall student experience. Both cities offer a lot for students, but differ significantly in affordability, nightlife, safety, transport, and access to green spaces. With first-hand perspectives from students in each city, Mia in Manchester and Darcy in London, we will help you weigh up your options. Whether you prioritise budgeting, socialising, or career prospects, this comparison piece will highlight what makes each city so unique for students.
1. Is the cost of living better in London or Manchester?
Mia: When comparing two universities, money is a huge factor as we know studying is a huge investment. The weekly shop on Sunday when you’re super tired from a long weekend of clubbing is probably not your favourite part of the week. However, the amount of money you spend on these necessities definitely has an impact on your overall experience. As a student in Manchester but having previously lived in London, I can hands down say I find it so much less stressful buying necessities, food, healthcare products and paying for travel and nights out.
My weekly shop in Manchester usually comes to around £15-25 where I’m a big fan of meal prepping, batch cooking and coupons for various supermarkets and discounted food spots in the city.
The official UOM website offers insight into how much your monthly cost of living would be as a first year student based on 2024/25 data, totalling to an estimated £1,243.50. It’s important to take this with a grain of salt where this includes, takeaways, gift giving, clothes buying and mobile phone contrast where some things may be easier to budget or just not part of your current lifestyle at all and can bring this figure even lower or higher.
Check out UOMs official website for more sources and clearer breakdown to help you begin budgeting for your move to university or improve any habits from this year as we start making those resolutions!
Darcy: Living in London comes with a hefty price tag, and there is no way to sugarcoat it – it’s expensive. Rent is by far the biggest expense, driven up by the city’s limited housing supply.
However, when it comes to daily essentials, the cost can be manageable if you’re smart about your choices. Steer clear of doing most of your shopping at high-markup spots like Tesco Express, corner shops, or takeout restaurants, and you’ll find it’s not much different from other major cities.
2. Is nightlife better in London or Manchester?
M: Once I started going clubbing, raving and pubbing in Manchester, it changed my opinion about going out in London (I’ll be honest…I haven’t been out in London for a verrryyyy long time now). I found that the crowds of people up north were far more genuine – those around you were not opposed to a boogie even if you didn’t know them and just generally those chats in the smoking area culminated in so many new friends and experiences. There is such a variety for student events here ranging from fight nights to speed dating to drag bingo, and EDM raves and classic pop clubs that provide so many different social dynamics to engage in.
In terms of prices for night out, Manchester might be better for students where getting around is so important for safety. Ubers are much cheaper, everything is a bit more local and within 20 minutes of each other so you’re never far from home if something goes terribly wrong.
To me, Manchester nightlife is top tier. What can I say? My fave spots include The Garratt for two doubles for £5 and The Courtyard for sports event screening, cheap drinks and a large outdoor garden space.
D: I’ve never really been into the rave scene so can’t really comment what its like. However, one thing I have noticed is just how massive London is – it’s something you don’t fully appreciate until you’re actually living here. The city feels endless and this often comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to going out. Whether you’re heading to a late-night event or simply enjoying an evening with friends, getting home safely can often be a bit of an adventure. Long distances, late trains, and expensive taxis are all part of the experience.
That being said, one of London’s true highlights is its unmatched pub scene. Similar to the famous saying, ‘you’re never more than 6ft away from a rat’, you are certainly never more than 6ft away from a pub. The cosy, candle-lit ambience, the roaring fireplaces in the colder months, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere are really great.
Even if the city’s size can be overwhelming at times, it’s these little moments of comfort and community that make it all worth it. (Just be prepared to sip your extortionate pint slowly)
3. How safe/unsafe do you feel in each city?
M: Again I think the access to cheaper Ubers makes a world of a difference on a night out and feeling safe. In the city centre, I wouldn’t say it’s the place you want to find yourself at 3am, but it’s likely that there will be students around at the same time as you or you will never be far from a shop that’s open late, a bar with a bouncer that can help you get home and generally people out in the town who are willing to help you if you’re ever stuck.
Safety on nights out is also our own responsibility of course when it comes to drinking and keeping within our limits. I will say London and Manchester aren’t that far apart in terms of the classic ‘Roadmen type’ you may come across between Piccadilly and Fallowfield, and phone snatching to keep your wits about you, no matter where you end up.
D: I completely agree with Mia—unfortunately, no matter where you go, there always seem to be bad people around, and this is especially true in busy student cities like London. Phone snatching is a huge problem here and can happen so quickly that you don’t even notice until it’s too late. That’s why it’s so important to stay alert, particularly in crowded, touristy areas like Buckingham Palace, Soho, or even on the outskirts of your university campus.
Being a woman in London also comes with its own set of safety concerns. One of the best things you can do is avoid taking shortcuts through back streets, even if it seems like a quicker way home. Instead, stick to well-lit streets where there are shops and other people around. I know getting an Uber isn’t always the most affordable option, but sometimes it’s worth spending a bit extra to get home safely—especially after a night out drinking. It’s always better to prioritise your safety over saving a few pounds.
4. What are societies like at either uni?
M: Manchester student societies are some of the most varied I have ever come across. Manchester can be known for having some pretty smaller and more ‘jokey’ societies like ones dedicated entirely to Cheese and Wine, Minecraft and Taylor Swift (no hate just unique!). We’re also pretty well known for our sports societies ranging from Netball to Dance to Korfball and MMA. There is opportunity across Manchester for competitive society involvement as well as those that just want to relax and make some new friends in the mid-week.
Societies are pretty subjective it depends really what you want to get out of them, but I do love that there is so much encouragement for students to set up their own niche groups. In particular, the support of the Student Union societies in Manchester have become a core tool for building leadership skills, project management and creative outreach among students that want more out of their uni experience than just a degree. Manchester societies have helped me network in more ways than one through Underground Electronic Music and events, sending me some photography gigs as well as academic connections in the world of student journalism.
Read more on my tips and experience of joining a student society here in Manchester.
D: University societies are a great way to immerse yourself into student life, and to familiarise yourself with other students who will either become great friends or just a friendly, familiar face dotted around campus. A lot of the sport societies are super social, but they can also be quite cliquey so keep that in mind.
If you fancy something a bit less social where you can share common interests in a safe environment, there is always something there for you. And if there isn’t…you can make one!
5. What is it like getting around London and Manchester as a student?
M: Manchester Bee bus network offers travel one way for as little as £1.80, with student travel passes coming in clutch. Buses are similarly frequent to those of London’s big red buses and take you pretty directly from student areas like Fallowfield, Withington and Ardwick into the city centre. I will say London has a great variety of bus destinations however, it is generally a bigger city so if you’re looking to explore, do day trips outside of the main city or jump on the tube or national rail for a quick day trip to the local country, London is all accessible.
It’s hard to use transport to judge if London or Manchester is better for students. Price-wise, I’d definitely go with Manchester as even without passes and discounts it’s far lower. Although thinking about the variety and how much space there is to use and explore via well-connected transport networks, London could take the cake there. I do get nostalgic getting to take the tube again after spending a whole semester up North.
D: The London transport network is undoubtedly the best in the country, offering a (mostly) regular, on-time, and reliable service. However, this convenience comes at a cost – especially for tube journeys which can add up quickly when commuting to university, heading out for a night out on the town, or simply getting around the city.
The good thing about London buses are that they are a capped for £1.75 so you can take unlimited journeys for an hour. This works as a cheaper substitute for taking the tube, however getting around by bus does take so much longer due to London’s horrendous congestion issues so do make sure you leave enough time to get to places via bus.
I also think the bus, at the right time of day (i.e. not during rush hour) is quite pleasant and with a good playlist or enjoyable book you can definitely romanticise your life in the big smoke.
6. Diversity and inclusion statistics?
M: Manchester has a very clear vision for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, some statistics can be found on their main page such as: 19% of our staff are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background. 22% of our staff are international. 52% of our staff are women. Within our community of more than 44,000 students, we welcome 14,800 international students from more than 170 countries.
My experience at Manchester has been that there is a great range in representation between the staff and student body. I really like how a lot of student societies, political movements and gender and sex-related issues are encouraged to be brought up among students and staff. It is a very reflective environment where there is always acknowledgement for areas of improvement too, so I feel the relations between staff and students foster this open environment.
Manchester in itself is very vibrant city with a rich history of BAME networks and I see this reflected on campus as well as in interpersonal areas such as friendship groups and societies open to people’s desire to learn about others and non-exclusivity in membership
D: As a languages student, I’m particularly fascinated by how language reflects the incredible diversity of people in London. According to a study by Queen Mary University, over 300 languages are spoken in the region—a true testament to the multicultural fabric that defines the UK’s capital. This diversity is equally evident within the student body at UCL, where 48% of students come from international backgrounds. To put this into perspective, it far exceeds universities like York, where international students make up 13.3% of the cohort.
It’s worth noting, though, that UCL is the second-largest university in the UK, with around 52,000 students. Naturally, this large size contributes to its diversity. While being part of such a massive institution can feel overwhelming at times (and, honestly, a bit intimidating if I think about it too much), it’s also an incredible opportunity. Being surrounded by people from so many different cultures and perspectives is something that truly enriches the university experience and reflects the global nature of London itself.
7. What are the libraries and studying atmospheres like?
M: Studying and having those quiet spaces is crucial when working towards your degree. Housemates are too loud? Everyone suddenly wants to host pres on a Wednesday night and you have an essay due tomorrow? There is no shortage of spaces to study both in the day and through the night. Shout out Ali G (Alan Gilbert Learning commons) open 24/7 and basically was my home for most of exam season last year. Study rooms, single persons cubbies and group working spaces are available all across campus but I also like that there is variety in setting.
Sometimes Ali G is the spot if I need some harsh lighting to keep me awake and there’s no shortage of plug sockets around. The main is really pretty in some areas like the grand staircases, purple section and the bookshelves can really trick your brain into that academic weapon mindset. I can definitely romanticise my life looking onto the green areas through the purple and orange section windows so I do love Manchester for that.
And if you really want to romanticise life ohhhh myyy gosh go to the John Rylands Library. Incredible, that’s a picture of it above, enough said. Cafes are also available on campus in abundance if you’re on the go and need a bite while you write. Overall the studying atmosphere in Manchester is great for students looking for a good balance between studying on the go and pulling a hefty cram sesh.
D: UCL is part of the University of London group, which includes institutions like LSE, KCL, Imperial, and Brunel noted as some of the best unis in London. Together, they form a trust of universities, allowing students to share resources such as libraries and common spaces. This is a definite bonus, as it opens up access to an incredible range of study environments. In fact, during exam season, you could explore a new library every day if you wanted! Beyond the atmosphere of these spaces, this collaboration means you have access to an extensive collection of books and resources. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in one library, chances are it’ll be available in another.
Adding to this, Mia’s point about 24-hour study spaces is spot on. The Student Centre, which is central to campus, is a hub for students and has everything you might need: showers, cafés, vending machines, private study rooms, and even prayer spaces. Honestly, you could pretty much live there if it came to that!
When it comes to libraries, here are some of my favourites:
- Senate House Library (University of London): A beautiful and historic library with a fantastic collection.
- UCL Main Library: The History section is a personal favourite, as is the atmospheric Law Reading Room.
- UCL Archaeology Library: Perfect for a change of scenery, and they have some really cool plants that make it a relaxing place to study.
8. Which city is best when it comes to career and networking opportunities?
M: Manchester student career support has given me a great deal of guidance as I start thinking more seriously about life in second year. Their careers connect tools like the CV pathways offers free CV checking and a really detailed breakdown to help you feel confident when it comes to marketing yourself for employers and setting up projects for the summer and after graduation. Their appointments with career specialists are bookable right up to the last minute. It’s ideal for when you’re having one of those random mental breakdowns about life and just want to outline your vision and get some support and clarity on what your next steps should be.
I know London can be intimidating to people because it’s so big and often we’re told it’s the ‘place to be’ if you want to ‘make it’, but I found that Manchester offered a slower paced environment. I felt more permitted to experiment in areas such as local music events, arts classes, journalism for myself, as well as STEM projects always popping up to help you get your foot in the industry. I would really recommend Manchester for people that want to explore their options a bit more. Even my friends have agreed we feel like we can try new things just for the sake of it really- that’s the best way to find the tools you need to do whatever it is you want to after your uni experience.
D: UCL has a very similar careers approach. They send out weekly newsletters with jobs that are tailored towards your preferences and there is an office which you can visit if you would like an in-person chat rather than an online call. It is very much true that London has so many opportunities, especially in the world of internships and post-grad jobs (which I rapidly approach) and you really should take advantage of all of these whilst you are there.
But also do put it into perspective; connections / networking (a word which strikes fear into me) is rarely done nowadays in person, so do make use of the online platforms such as LinkedIn and Bright Network which can put you on the right track for the post-uni world.
9. How accessible are green spaces, parks, and recreational areas in each city?
M: Even though it’s a ‘city’, I think Manchester is unique in that you can slip away from the hustle and bustle really easily. The tram can take you into the greener parts of Greater Manchester quickly for camping, hiking or just some fresh air and a picnic.
Or there’s so many options for parks close to the centre too. A local favourite being Platt Fields where watching the ducks is therapeutic enough to avoid actually having to pay for therapy itself. In second year a lot of us moved out to Victoria Park as it is positively gorgeous in the autumn with the redbrick and leaves falling – it doesn’t feel like Manchester city centre at all. We are in walking distance from parks, gyms, swimming centres, running tracks and the Whitworth Gallery too.
The Whitworth Gallery is mostly free and can be such a nice getaway even if you only have to walk 20 minutes to get there among the reddish trees. They offer loads of events, workshops, free exhibitions and classes that can help blend that green space and recreation you need when you’re tired of going to Arndale and window shopping in the loud crowds. I find it super easy to take myself on little walks and park dates for low cost things to do in the city and love that neighbourhoods like Victoria Park exist to break up the brutalist atmosphere of Oxford Road.
D: London is the BEST for green spaces. It often feels like a bit of a paradox as many people envision London as this huge concrete jungle that is always grey, rainy and lifeless. but honestly, this is far from the truth. My favourite parks are:
- Hampstead Heath – especially for open-water swimming in the summer, and for the lido in the winter!
- Regents Park – great for running and for celeb spotting. Rumour has it you can even spot Paul Mescal running away from his one night stands there
- Highgate cemetery – seems very macabre to visit a cemetery but it is a very peaceful and leafy spot
- Peckham Rye + Dulwich Park – a bit further South for us North Londoners but there are some really cool cafés and bars around there to to visit after a long weekend walk.
Ultimately, the choice between London and Manchester depends on what you value the most in your university experience. London offers unmatched diversity, career opportunities, and iconic green spaces (where you may spot someone famous) while Manchester stands out for is affordability, community-focused student life, and a vibrant nightlife scene. At the end of the day, both cities provide exceptional academic and social experiences, so take time to consider your priorities, do further research, and definitely plan ahead. But rest assured, whatever you choose, both cities promise an exciting and enriching university journey.
I am a final year student at University College London (UCL) studying BA French and Spanish. I have just returned from an amazing Year abroad in Paris and Madrid. However, there really is no place like home and I am excited to return home to London and explore more exciting opportunities!
