In the city
Discover the vibrant city life of Manchester and Salford, from the beauty of the Quays to the hustle and bustle of Spinningfields, the Northern Quarter and beyond.
We're based in the heart of Greater Manchester and just 2km from Manchester city centre, so whether you want to explore the buzzing nightlife of Manchester's Northern Quarter, enjoy a cosy afternoon with friends on campus, or explore Manchester's amazing shopping scene: you can experience it all whilst studying with us.
Watch our video below and discover why our students love the balance between campus and city living.
Six reasons why you'll love living here
You’ll be joining one of the largest student communities in Europe, with around 100,000 students across Greater Manchester. It’s one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the UK, with people from all backgrounds and countries coming here to live and study - and this is why you should join them.
1: Shopping
In Manchester city centre, the Northern Quarter is home to some of the best independent vintage and boutique shops, while Manchester Arndale is the place to find all of your high street favourites. Over at Salford Quays you'll find the Lowry Outlet Mall, including a Cadbury outlet store.
2: Culture
Looking for culture? You’ll find it on our doorstep: Salford Museum and Art Gallery is situated on campus, and opened in 1850 as the UK’s first free public library. In the city centre, you'll find an abundance of museums and art galleries to explore, including the National Football Museum.
3: Nightlife
Whether you're after sophisticated cocktails in Spinningfields, a fun and fabulous night out on Canal Street, or the chance to practice your putting skills at Junkyard Golf Club - you’ll find the nightlife here is second to none.
4: Food and drink
From quirky diners and cafes, to the famous 'Curry Mile' in Rusholme, you're spoilt for choice with where to eat in Manchester and Salford alike. In the city centre, indoor market Mackie Mayor provides quality food and drink from local producers and brewers, whilst Manchester's Chinatown serves authentic Asian cuisine. It's also the second largest Chinatown in the UK.
5: Music
You’ll never be stuck for gigs in the city; we attract a variety of musicians from all around the world to our stages, and if that’s not enough, summer music festival Park Life is also right on our doorstep – so don’t forget to pack your wellies!
6: The people
We hear time and time again from our students about what a diverse and friendly place Manchester really is, and that’s something we’re proud to admit. So, if you come to study with us, rest assured: you’ll feel right at home in no time.
How close is Salford to Manchester city centre?
We're only a short walk away from Manchester city centre, taking approximately 20 minutes to reach Spinningfields on foot from our main campus, Peel Park.
Travelling in and out of Manchester couldn't be easier, and with 98 train stations in the Greater Manchester area, you'll always be well connected to the city no matter where you are.
We even have our own train station - Salford Crescent - right on campus, which can take you into the heart of Manchester in just 10 minutes.
The 50 bus is also free for students, meaning you can travel between our Peel Park or Frederick Road campuses and MediaCity for free with your student ID; perfect if you're wanting to explore the Quays.
The Lowry Theatre
Named after Salford alumnus LS Lowry, the venue's three theatre spaces are used to put on a range of shows throughout the year, including musicals, opera, ballet, comedy and music, as well as the University's summer graduation ceremonies.
Shopping
Here you'll also find the Lowry Outlet Mall, with great bargains and discounts on high street brands (including a Cadbury chocolate shop). The mall also houses a cinema and a variety of restaurants.
Food and drink
Discover restaurants such as the Botanist and Wagamama, as well as coffee shops and bars for a post-lecture treat. The Alchemist also has a restaurant here, with breathtaking views overlooking the Quays. Make sure you also visit Central Bay, the Quay's new waterfront foodie destination with 20 different independent kitchens. microbrewery, live music and more.
Chinatown
Manchester's Chinatown is the second biggest in the UK and the third biggest in Europe, so if you're looking for authentic Asian cuisine, this is the place to go. You'll find a range of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Nepali, Vietnamese, Singaporean and Malaysian restaurants, as well as bakeries and shops selling everything from groceries to craft items.
Rusholme
Famous for its 'Curry Mile', Rusholme is a great place to find South Asian and Middle-Eastern take-aways, restaurants and world food markets, and is popular with students from local universities in Greater Manchester. The Curry Mile is not quite a mile long, but has a large concentration of Indian eateries along the neon-lit stretch of Wilmslow Road; so if you're looking for this type of cuisine, you'll want to try it out!
International café
Our Students' Union also host the International cafe, which provides a weekly gathering of peace, cohesion and cultural diversity. Open to students from home and overseas, the fun activities range from quizzes to karaoke, or just a time to hang out and chat together. It's a great way to meet new people and settle in to life in Salford and Manchester.
Manchester International Festival
The Manchester International Festival runs every two years, bringing cutting-edge art with an international outlook across a range of artistic disciplines. The festival takes place at a variety of venues within the city, from theatres and galleries to churches and car parks, and promises to bring an eclectic mix of dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking new work to the city.