Top 12 Budget Things To Do in Manchester

As a student living in a brand new city it can be difficult to know where the best places are to go. When you need downtime away from uni or when there are events being held across Manchester that are right up your street.

There are lots of free things to do in the city, involving art and culture, which would suit the interest of students with different tastes and interests. 

As a student you will always looking for things to do in Manchester and the city does not disappoint. Here are our top picks for free things to do and places to go in Manchester for students.

Explore Manchester

 

Manchester is a great city to go to and there are so many free things on offer for the explorers out there. You can relax in the City Centre at Piccadilly Gardens, watch and listen to the street performances that are on offer or even just have a wander around the boutiques in The Northern Quarter.

The best thing about exploring is that you can go where you want to suit your tastes. If architecture is your thing then check out Castlefield. If you prefer the hustle and bustle why not head to the City Centre? 

There are a number of ways to walk and travel around the City Centre of Manchester on a budget. Check out studentmap.co.uk for their article on student travel in Manchester to see more places to visit!

Manchester Markets

There are a lot of markets taking place in Manchester throughout the rest of the year. Some are year round events and others are more seasonal, such as the Manchester Christmas market. Manchester Christmas Markets are great if you’re on a budget, you can wander round and take a look for free, only paying for things they want. It can’t be missed and is a must attend for students in the festive season.

Check out more here! Manchester markets.

National Football Museum

The National Football Museum relocated to the Urbis in 2012 and has now become even bigger and better than before.

It contains art inspired by football, football memorabilia, interactive exhibits and so much more!

It’s worth a look whether you support a different team to your mates or aren’t even a footie fan at all, there’s a little something for everyone.

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)

There is so much to do at this museum with exhibits constantly changing. The museum will really give you a feel for how Manchester used to be and discover how the buildings in Manchester today have got to where they are.

You and your friends and family could easily spend the day inside the museum. You can see where it is along with more information at Student Map’s Museum of Science and Industry listing, check them out at studentmap.co.uk

Urban Heritage Park

Castlefield is a great area of Manchester to take a stroll around. You can take a look at the reconstruction of a Roman fort, see the world’s oldest railway or even have a gander at the first ever industrial canal.

Even though they aren’t free, Castlefield is home to some nice bars where you can have a nice drink to cool off (alcoholic or otherwise) and reward yourself on all the studying you’ve been doing since uni started. The park is also a great place to take your family and friends to from back home when they come and visit you for the weekend.

This area is especially ideal if you are living off a budget, because it’s free! The park is bustling and lively during the summer months and lots of students like to go there for a BBQ and a tanning session when the weather is just right!

Imperial War Museum North

The museum offers free entry and there is so much on offer, what’s not to love? It is a must for most students during their time at universities in Manchester. The museum has lots of exhibitions on throughout the year and there is plenty to keep you entertained, especially if you have a keen interest in recent history.

For more information take a look at the Imperial War Museum on studentmap.co.uk listing for more information.

Manchester Art Gallery

 

The Manchester Art Gallery has finished its highly expensive refurbishment and has now re-opened its doors. The gallery is now twice the size and there are lots of exhibits going on throughout the year. If you have a bit of cash left over from your student loan or wages there are special art pieces on show in an extra gallery for around £8 otherwise it’s completely FREE, a magic word all students long to hear when on a tight budget!

Check out the Manchester art gallery listing over at studentmap.com for directions.

Manchester Museum

This museum is located right in the middle of the University of Manchester campus and so will not be too hard to find. It is just down the road from the student union and across from the big silver “baked bean tin” building.

The displays here are changing all of the time as well as displays that are on all year called Prehistoric World, Living Worlds, Live Animals and the Solar System.

The John Rylands Library

If you have a love/passion for reading and ancient architecture then this is definitely the place for you. The library has recently been refurbished and has many books and ancient manuscripts in an idyllic setting.

Don’t get it confused with the University John Rylands library. It is simply just The John Rylands Library.

People’s History Museum

This museum is a great way to see 200 years of history in the city of Manchester and is perfect for those studying History or who have a fascination with learning about the past. The museum starts with the Peterloo massacre of 1819 and takes you through the industrial revolution and into the thriving and cultural city that Manchester is today.

For opening times and more information check out our listing for ‘The people’s history museum’.

Parks (Platt Fields)

When it’s a sunny day in Manchester (which, as we all know, is quite rare!) it can be nice to visit a park and the best one for students is Platt Fields Park in the heart of Fallowfield.

There is plenty of space for a cheeky BBQ, picnic and is also home to a lake. There are also tennis courts and a concrete 5-a-side football pitch if you fancy a group kick around.

Platt Fields Park also has a BMX track and a cool skate park for students who don’t enjoy football to check out.

Whitworth Art Gallery

There is rarely a student in Manchester that doesn’t attend the Whitworth art gallery at least once in their time as a student. The gallery’s location means that you can pop in between lectures or when it’s finished.

Whitworth Art Gallery exhibitions change throughout the year and include some of the greatest pieces of modern and traditional art. Take a look at the Student Maps listing for the Whitworth Art Gallery for opening times.

Go To Your Mate’s House For The Day

If none of the above places sound enjoyable then there is nothing better than going round to a friend’s flat/house and simply chilling out. There are a lot of fun things you can do for free at a friend’s. If you don’t know them already you can use it as an opportunity to get to know their housemates. Some of your friend’s housemates may be on your course but aren’t in your social circle and you haven’t had the chance to chat to them yet.

You can even turn a chilling out day into a study day, as sometimes studying with other people can help you be more productive. They don’t even need to be on your course! Just being surrounded by other students in the same position as you can help take the pleasure of uni work off you (as well as an alcoholic beverage or two!)

Unfortunately we don’t have a listing for your friends’ houses; you’re on your own with that one!

Click here to take a look at Luxome® properties!

We hope you have enjoyed reading our article ‘Top 12 budget things to do in Manchester!’