An Overview Of The Student Nightlife In Manchester

Manchester boasts the biggest student nightlife population in the U.K. (outside of London) and attracts thousands of new students enrolling each year at its three huge universities. As one of the UK’s most diverse cities, there are many unmissable spots from world-class clubs, live music venues, cocktail bars and pubs which makes visiting Manchester a unique nightlife experience. This overview of the most popular establishments for students will be especially helpful for those that want to experience the best spots in Manchester City Centre and beyond.

Oxford Road & First Street

Unofficially known as the ‘Student Quarter’ due to the overwhelming amount of students from surrounding universities and colleges, this area is notably home to venues such as the O2 Ritz, Manchester Academy, HOME, Deaf Institute and the Palace Theatre. Ultimately one of the best spots for student nightlife, Oxford Road – which starts at St. Peter’s Square and ends at Manchester’s Famous ‘Curry Mile’ – runs for two miles and has many student-friendly bars and clubs. Some well-known and popular venues for students include Fahrenheit, The Font, Big Hands, Gorilla, KRO Bar and Revolution Oxford Road – the latter is famously the first Revolution Bar to ever open in the UK.

Manchester Piccadilly

From old traditional pubs, modern up-and-coming bars and even indoor golf courses, Manchester Piccadilly is another top nightlife destination for students and is home to the city’s best nightclub The Warehouse Project which is located underneath Piccadilly Station on Store Street. The area is diverse and there are many of Manchester’s best multi-genred, student-friendly bars such as Fifth Nightclub (or Fifth Ave), They’re Made in the 90’s, Piccadilly Tap, Chez Mal Bar, The Green and FAC251.

The Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter is similarly known for it’s great selection of student-friendly bars and is renowned for it’s free-spirited and bohemian venues. This area has bars that are suited for any type of night out and some of the most popular nightlife venues for students are Walrus and Tusk, Mint Lounge, MoHo Live, Apotheca, Black Dog Ball Room, The Pencil and Pen and The Foundry Project.

Deansgate

Deansgate is another popular destination for students and is home to some of the cheapest student night outs in Manchester. The most popular bars on the stretch with plenty of deals are The Venue, 42s, Manchester235, Manhatta, The Liquor Store and Revolucion De Cuba. Deansgate Locks, at the end of the main road, is one of the most frequented nightlife areas where bars like Revolution, Baa Bar and Lola Lo are located.

The Printworks

The Printworks is a thriving entertainment complex situated on Withy Grove near Manchester Arena and is among the most popular nightlife destinations in Manchester. The venue is home to the Hard Rock Cafe, the Bierkeller, O’Neills and The Seven Stars as well one of the U.K.’s top party destinations Tiger Tiger. This nightclub has eight individual music-themed rooms and student nights are hosted by MMU every Wednesday.

Fallowfield

Outside of Manchester City Centre, Fallowfield is another great alternative for student nightlife. Many students live in the area, as there are plenty of living spaces in either university halls or private accommodation, and some of the surrounding bars are specifically for students. The best bars here are the underground Red Rum nightclub, The Font, Fallowfield and 256 Wilmslow Road.

Manchester is essentially one of the hottest nightlife destinations in the U.K. and with over 2,000 bars to choose from you won’t be short of places to go! What are your thoughts on the nightlife in Manchester? Please let us know in the comments about your experiences in this city.