Fun things to do in Manchester for Students

Moving to Manchester as a student can be overwhelming, there's just too much to do! But don't worry as we are here to let you in on all the most fun things to do as a student in the city. Check it out below!

Skiddle Staff

Date published: 14th Aug 2023

If you're a prospective student and the city of Manchester seems to be your destination for the next few years, then you're in for a treat as when it comes to fun things to do in Manchester for students, the city is absolutely teeming with awesome attractions and days out for you and your newfound pals.

Whilst there are loads of great cheap things and free things to do in Manchester, some of these aren't too tailored towards those at Uni. So, you may be a student looking for something to do in the day before a student night out this fresher's week (we also have a list of the best student bars and clubs for you to check out), or you may just looking for some pocket-friendly things to do to help you bed into life in the city, whatever the case, Manchester have you covered.

Whether it's shopping in the eclectic range of shops like Afflecks or the Northern Quarter vintage stores; seeing some live sets of comedy or jazz for a cut price in some of the city's most famous venues; or just exploring the local area and some of its natural beauty and green spaces. You'll find something here to do, and if you want to splash a bit of cash, then this list of the best thing to do in Manchester may also pique your interest.

So, have a scroll down and check out Skiddle's recommendation for fun things to do in Manchester for students!

Get lost perusing the many floors of Afflecks Palace

Image: Afflecks on Facebook

When: 10:30am - 6pm Weekdays, 10am - 6pm Saturdays, 11am - 5pm Sundays (opening times of vendors may vary)

Where: 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW

Unearth the ultimate hub of diversity that every Manchester student must experience; Afflecks Palace! This eccentric emporium isn't your typical shopping destination—it's a cult haven of treasures. Since 1982, this Northern Quarter gem has evolved into a hub for creative minds and indie vendors. From vinyl havens to retro fashion, K-Pop gems to collectable figurines, its maze-like layout promises surprises at every turn. Don't forget to leave breadcrumbs, as getting lost is part of the charm.

Adorned with iconic tile artwork, the building stands as a testament to artistic expression. Exploring its nooks is an adventure in itself, making it a must-visit spot for students seeking fun in Manchester without spending a penny. But we would pre-warn you, that such a task is hard, as there's just so much cool stuff!

Find tickets for events at Afflecks - HERE

Get some student-friendly laughs in at the Frog and Bucket

Image: Frog and Bucket on Facebook

When: Regular nights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with touring comics performing on other days

Where: 102 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LJ

Looking for a student-friendly, laughter-packed night in Manchester? Look no further than the Frog and Bucket! While the city does boast its own Comedy Store, and other comedy venues, the Frog and Bucket hold its own for us, thanks to its rich comedic legacy.

Thursday Night Live is where the action is. Picture this: four hilarious comedians, a lively host, and a night packed with laughs. All this entertainment comes at a wallet-happy price of just £15 – that's £3 per act!

Past performers include comedy heavyweights like Jason Manford, Dan Nightingale, and Johnny Vegas. With such top-tier talent, this spot is an absolute must-visit for students seeking a laughter-filled evening in Manchester.

Find tickets for events at the Frog and Bucket - HERE

Discover your regular student haunts at one of the many Beer Gardens and Rooftop Bars

Image: The Courtyard on Facebook

Where: Check out our lists below for all the best in the city.

Whilst as a student you’ll always be out to find the cheap pints, sometimes these can get boring, that's when we suggest you embrace the excitement in some of Manchetsers rooftop gardens and beer gardens that offer everything from stunning skyline views to canal-side chill vibes.

Whether you're kicking back with friends, enjoying the cityscape, or discovering sprawling outdoor hangouts, Manchester's got your back. And guess what? When you eventually stand up after some drinks, you'll realize the awesome time you've been having. Make your student life unforgettable by exploring Manchester's vibrant and lively side in its rooftop gardens and beer gardens.

Find our list of the best Rooftop Bars in Manchester - HERE

Find our list of the best Beer Gardens in Manchester - HERE

Enjoy some free jazz at Matt & Phreds

Image: Matt & Phreds on Facebook

When: Opening times vary, visit the website for more details

Where: 64 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LW

Welcome to Matt & Phreds, a captivating spot in Manchester's Northern Quarter, that any student with a sophisticated edge just has to attend. With an irresistible speakeasy vibe, this venue has been a hotspot for the city's finest Jazz nights for years. The best part? The music is on the house, though the drinks play by different rules!

Step inside and experience a range of vibes, from table-dancing grooves to contemplative whiskey-tinged melodies. It's a must-visit for cost-conscious students seeking unforgettable Manchester moments. While the tunes are free, fear not the bill – a variety of offers are here to save the day. So grab your newfound friends and dive into the jazzy fun at Matt & Phreds.

Find tickets for events at Matt & Phreds - HERE

Find your new favourite grub spot at one of Manchester's best cheap places to eat

Image: Rudys on Facebook

When: Check the article below for more details on each restaurant

Where: Check the article below for more details on the locations of each restaurant

Calling all students in Manchester who are looking to either line the stomach before a night out or just have a delightful munch with your newfound uni buddies – guess what? Manchester's got your back! Brace yourselves for a whirlwind of cheesy toasted delights, globally acclaimed pizza creations, mind-bogglingly affordable £1 Tacos and Bao Buns, and so so much more. No matter if your student loan has been stretched thin, or it's looking healthier than usual, the list below is your go-to guide for scrumptious finds around Manchester. So, let the scrolling commence, just remember to keep your keyboard drool-free!

Read our article on the best cheap eats in Manchester - HERE

Go vintage shopping for all your student-aesthetic needs

Image: Blue Rinse on Facebook

When: Opening times vary for each shop

Where: All around the city (although most are in the Northern Quarter)

For all you students that fancy yourself trendsetters, then Manchester is the city for you! Get ready to dive into the city's vintage shopping scene and amp up your fits. Discover fashion treasures at COW and groove through the greatest hits of style at Blue Rinse. Suzie Loves Milo offers a quirky twist, while Bags of Flavor adds that extra spice to your outfit. Embrace the retro vibes, hunt for unique finds, and strut your stuff on campus with throwback looks that'll make you a fashion maverick. Be the best looking on campus (this can be quite hard in Manchester actually, but these shops will help you to try) and get yourself down to one of these vintage stores!

Get your shooting boots on and visit the National Football Museum

Image: National Football Museum on Facebook

When: 10am - 5pm Wednesday to Sunday

Where: Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG

Calling all new Manchester students who have a passion for football! Embrace your love for the beautiful game in the heart of Manchester, where four immersive floors await you, celebrating English football's rich heritage, all for free!

Engage in interactive challenges – test your skill against the virtual keeper's reflexes, with your penalty analyzed for speed, power, and precision, or take on the Match of the Day Commentary challenge on the virtual gantry. Dive into history through a vast array of exhibits tracing the game's evolution, from its humble beginnings to iconic moments like the 1966 World Cup. Marvel at the infamous stolen Jules Rimet Trophy, rediscovered by Pickles the dog, whose collar proudly stands as the museum's mascot. For Manchester's student footy enthusiasts, this free museum offers an unparalleled experience that captures the essence of the sport. A must-visit in the city for any football enthusiast!

Find tickets for events at The National Football Museum - HERE

Take a trip out to one of Manchesters' picturesque parks

Image: Heaton Park & Hall on Facebook

When: Most parks are open year-round

Where: Click on the links for each park to find out more!

If you’re a Manchester student with a penchant for the outdoors, you may be worried about moving to the urban sprawl but don’t worry, as Manchester has a huge array of public green spaces for relaxation after those studies.

Feel the vibes at Heaton Park, where big green spaces mean big adventures. Get your zen on at Fletcher Moss Park & Botanical Garden – it's like a nature spa. Craving a hidden oasis? Sneak into Mayfield Park for some chill time. And don't forget Alexandra Park – it's basically Manchester's outdoor living room. So, whether you're up for a picnic, a jog, or just some squirrel spotting, our parks have your back!

Engineer a day at The Museum of Science and Industry

Image: Museum of Science and Industry on Facebook

When: 10am - 5pm Wednesday to Sunday

Where: Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP

Calling all Manchester students! If you're seeking a city brimming with scientific and industrial legacy, look no further. Manchester, a hub for groundbreaking achievements like train innovation, atom splitting, and the birth of Alan Turing, stands tall in the realms of industrial and scientific progress.

You and your newfound Uni pals can delve into this rich history at the Museum of Science and Industry, where interactive exhibits and brain-teasing challenges await, catering to all ages. Don't miss the iconic first-ever inter-city railway and explore the five captivating museum buildings. You STEM students will have a field day, but if you aren't one, don't worry, there's still so much to learn and immerse yourself in. A must-visit in the city.

Find tickets for events at The Museum of Science and Industry - HERE

Feed your creative side at Manchester's art galleries

Image: The Whitworth on Facebook

When: Most art galleries are open daily, check individual links for more details though!

Where: Click on the links for each Art Gallery to find out more!

As a city with deep ties to creativity and art, there are more than enough creative places to go in Manchester, including art galleries. There's so much to see in the Whitworth Art Gallery, including sculptures, modern and contemporary art, historic fine art, and over 20,000 textiles, some dating back to the third century AD. Or check out Manchester Art Gallery for free. And if you head out of the city centre, you can also visit The Lowry.

Basically, Manchester is a city jam-packed with artistic culture and things to see, so make sure during your time here at Uni you check out all of what is on offer!

Check out our What's On Guide to discover more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.