Culture, Sport and Nightlife
Living in Manchester
This is UCFB
This is Manchester
If you’re heading to UCFB Manchester, you’re not just coming here to study – you’re moving to one of the UK’s most exciting and student-friendly cities. Whether it’s watching a derby at Old Trafford or the Etihad, catching your favourite artists at Parklife, or exploring Manchester’s buzzing food, music and nightlife scenes – this is a place where something’s always happening.
Manchester is known for its energy, diversity and culture. It’s affordable, easy to get around, packed with students, and full of opportunities – from sports and events to gigs, part-time jobs and internships. Basically, it’s the perfect place to spend your uni years.
Music, Events and Nightlife
Manchester’s Always On
Manchester has one of the most famous music scenes in the world – and as a student here, you’re right in the middle of it. The city that gave us Oasis, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, New Order, The 1975 and more is still a major live music hub.
Whether you’re into indie, house, hip-hop, pop or RnB, you’ll find it here:
- Parklife Festival at Heaton Park – one of the UK’s biggest music festivals
- Sounds of the City at Castlefield Bowl – a summer series of outdoor gigs
- Big-name artists at the AO Arena, Manchester Academy, and O2 Ritz
- Smaller venues like YES, Gorilla, Band on the Wall, and The Deaf Institute
And when it comes to nightlife, Manchester delivers – from student bar crawls and warehouse raves to rooftop cocktails and late-night food spots.
Gabby Ward
UCFB provided me with multiple opportunities over the years to work in the football and sports industry and this resulted in having an impressive CV upon graduating.
UCFB Graduate
ERDP Project and Operations Manager at The Premier League
Jessica Furness
UCFB gave me all the skills and support that I needed to set me up for my career. It was a great decision to join!
UCFB Graduate
Social Media Producer at Manchester City
Will Hobson
One of my roles is creating digital content for the BBC Sport social channels, and for the website. That will include working with Match of the Day, Football Focus, Final Score and other sports shows.
UCFB Graduate
Assistant Producer at BBC Sport
Rio Rosenberg
The lecturers, module leaders, everyone surrounding the university. I think they have all really helped me on my journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am now without what UCFB has given me!
UCFB Graduate
Women's Content Creator at Chelsea FC
Eat, Drink, Chill
Where Students Spend Their Time
Manchester’s food scene is affordable, diverse and full of hidden gems. You’ll find something for every budget, whether it’s a post-lecture coffee or a big night out.
Some local favourites:
- Grab ramen, burgers, bao or brunch at Hatch, Bundobust, Rudy’s, or Tampopo
- Try global street food at Escape to Freight Island or Mackie Mayor
- Explore the Curry Mile in Rusholme – famous for late-night eats
- Discover local cafes in the Northern Quarter and Ancoats
- Head to Afflecks Palace for vintage shops and indie food stalls
There are also loads of green spaces for a chilled afternoon – Whitworth Park, Peel Park, and Heaton Park, one of the largest in Europe.
This is MCR
The Football Capital of the UK
Let’s be honest – if you love football, there’s no better place to study than Manchester. The city is home to two of the biggest football clubs in the world, and you’ll feel that passion everywhere – from stadium matchdays to street-side debates.
Here’s just some of the things you can experience in the UK’s favourite student city:
This is MCR
Go to live matches at Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium
This is MCR
Visit the National Football Museum
This is MCR
Get involved with UCFB Athletic Union, guest lectures, and fan-led projects
This is MCR
Explore the city’s deep roots in football culture and innovation
This is MCR
A City built on Sport
But it’s not just about the Premier League. If you’re into other sports, Manchester has you covered:
- Lancashire Cricket and international fixtures at Emirates Old Trafford
- Manchester Storm at Planet Ice – top-tier British ice hockey
- Local football clubs with big followings like Stockport County, Oldham Athletic, Bury FC, and FC United of Manchester
Whether you’re supporting from the stands or aiming to work in the industry, Manchester’s a city where sport is part of everyday life – and you’ll be right in the middle of it.
Where You’ll Live
Mill Point
Unite Students provide Student Accommodation at Mill Point, to offer UCFB Manchester students vibrant, safe and centrally located student accommodation in the heart of Manchester. It’s right in the city centre – just a 10-minute walk to the UCFB Study Hub @ Piccadilly Place – and puts you close to shops, nightlife and public transport.
- All-inclusive rent with Wi-Fi and utilities covered
- Social spaces and study areas on site
- Safe and secure, with 24/7 support
- Easy access to tram and bus routes
This is MCR
Your City, Your Journey
Manchester is super walkable, but the public transport’s great too. With the Metrolink tram network, regular buses, and bike-friendly roads, getting to campus, events or the city centre is quick and affordable.
Plus, as a student, you’ll benefit from travel discounts and student passes across the city.
This is Your Career
Work, Study, and Build Your Future
Manchester isn’t just fun – it’s full of opportunities to grow your career and build experience. From part-time jobs to placements and networking, the city’s creative and sporting industries offer loads of ways to get involved.
- Intern with football clubs, events companies or media agencies
- Network at industry insight conferences, Q&As and career events
- Access graduate jobs across sport, business, media and more
- Get support through UCFB’s industry connections and career services
Whether you’re building experience on the side or planning long-term, Manchester is a brilliant place to take your next step.
This is Your City
Why Students Choose Manchester
Student City
Over 100,000 students live and study in Manchester, making it one of the UK’s most vibrant student cities.
Affordable Living
Manchester is one of the UK’s most affordable major cities for students, with budget-friendly accommodation, living costs, and student-friendly amenities.
Endless Culture
Discover Manchester’s non-stop cultural events, live gigs, exhibitions, and festivals – there’s always something happening for students and visitors alike.
Everyone's Welcome
Manchester is inclusive, diverse, and welcoming, creating a vibrant community where students from all backgrounds feel at home.
Opportunities Abound
Manchester offers a wealth of part-time jobs, internships, and graduate opportunities to help students kickstart their careers.
Food, Fun & Nightlife
Enjoy Manchester’s incredible food scene, buzzing nightlife, and countless activities and attractions all year round.
