Success at University may depend not only on how hard you work and study but also on your environment. Inappropriate accommodation could have an adverse impact on your efforts, so you need to think carefully about the type you require; it needs to reflect your preferred lifestyle and personality. Some of the factors you might want to consider are:-

Location

The City Campus is precisely that – close to the heart of the city. Victoria Park is adjacent to the academic campus in a conservation area. Though further from the city centre, it offers a more tranquil atmosphere in which to live. Fallowfield is fifteen minutes from the academic campus but is Manchester’s acknowledged student residential area, offering a thriving social scene.

Cost

Remember, ensuite facilities are more expensive than standard and standard with washbasin facilities.

Whether self-catered accommodation is cheaper than catered is for you to decide: you will either have to purchase and prepare your own meals in one type of hall or will have them provided and paid for in another.

Hall size

Would you prefer to live within a small or large community? Smaller halls of residence tend to be more familial enabling you to make friends quickly, but if your preference is for greater independence and a high level of social activity, then a larger hall may prove more suitable.

Hall facilities

Particular ones may be important to you, so you need to choose appropriately. For example, if you enjoy sports you may wish to be close to one of the University’s sports halls or sports grounds. Some halls possess libraries, music rooms, gymnasia and other facilities that you may wish to access. You may require car parking: car parking is not guaranteed and there is none at all at any of the City Campus halls (Provision will always be made however for Blue Badge holders).

Full details of hall facilities can be found on the relevant hall webpages, so check the information thoroughly before finalising your options.

Special requirements

Whilst the University can offer high standard specialised accommodation for students with disabilities, not all halls have adapted facilities. If you have specific disability-related requirements, you should contact the Accommodation Office before submitting your application in order to ascertain whether your preferred options have the necessary facilities.

Finally…

It is for you to decide which halls of residence are the most suitable. The guidance and advice of parents and friends may prove invaluable in the selection of your options, but ultimately it will be you, not they, who will be living in a hall of residence.

If you have any questions, queries or concerns about accommodation, contact the Accommodation Office who will be happy to help. Better still, visit the Open House event in March and see the University’s halls of residence for yourself. Each hall has its own webpage. Hopefully they will provide you with some idea of the types of residences on offer and enable you to make a more informed choice when you come to apply.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON TIER 4 IMMIGRATION RULE CHANGE - 6 APRIL 2012

The Tier 4 Immigration Rules change on 6 April 2012. So if you need to apply for a Tier 4 visa please note:

For more information on the new maintenance requirements and the financial evidence you need to provide, please see: The Crucial Guide