The cheapest places to live in Manchester for students include Fallowfield, Rusholme, Withington, Longsight and Hulme. Fallowfield is popular for its student community and shared housing, while Rusholme offers convenient access to the University of Manchester, local shops and affordable dining. Withington appeals to students seeking a quieter residential environment, Longsight is worth exploring for budget-friendly rentals, and Hulme offers convenient access to Manchester Metropolitan University and the city centre.
Finding affordable student accommodation in Manchester involves more than comparing rent. Utility bills, transport costs, room type, distance to campus and tenancy length all affect the total cost. This guide compares average weekly rents across these five areas, recommends affordable student accommodation options in each neighbourhood, and explains their proximity to major universities. It also shares practical tips to help students find suitable accommodation and reduce their living costs.
Cheapest Student Areas in Manchester at a Glance
The most affordable areas for students in Manchester include Fallowfield, Rusholme, Withington, Longsight and Hulme, ranging from £150 to £240 per week. Withington and Longsight have some of the lowest rents, while Fallowfield is another option for students seeking budget-friendly housing. Rusholme offers affordable local dining and easy access to the University of Manchester, while Hulme is worth considering for students at Manchester Metropolitan University who want to live close to the Birley Campus. The table below compares weekly rent ranges and typical journey times to both universities, helping students identify which neighbourhood best fits their budget and commute.
| Neighbourhood | Average Rent (PPPW) | Distance to University |
|---|---|---|
| Fallowfield | £155–£205 |
UoM: 15–20 mins by bus MMU: 20–30 mins by bus |
| Rusholme | £165–£215 |
UoM: 10–15 mins on foot MMU: Accessible on foot or by bus |
| Withington | £150–£180 |
UoM: Approx. 15 mins by bus MMU: Approx. 25 mins by bus |
| Longsight | £155–£185 |
UoM: Short bus commute MMU: Short bus commute |
| Hulme | £170–£240 |
UoM: 10–15 mins on foot or by bike MMU: 5–10 mins on foot to Birley Campus |
5 Cheap Areas to Live in Manchester for Students
Fallowfield
Fallowfield is one of the most affordable areas for students in Manchester, ranging from £155 to £205 per week. Located south of the city centre, it is approximately 15–20 minutes by bus from the University of Manchester and around 20–30 minutes from Manchester Metropolitan University. Fallowfield is particularly popular with students because of its established student community and lively social scene. Wilmslow Road runs through the area, offering a wide choice of budget-friendly restaurants, cafés, takeaways and convenience shops. Students can also find supermarkets, pubs and leisure facilities nearby, making everyday errands and socialising easy without travelling into the city centre. Regular bus services connect Fallowfield with both universities and central Manchester. Its mix of shared student houses, local amenities and convenient transport makes it a practical choice for students who want to keep living costs manageable while enjoying an active student lifestyle.
Rusholme
Rusholme is a budget-friendly area for students in Manchester, ranging from £165 to £215 per week. It is particularly attractive to students at the University of Manchester, whose main campus is around a 10–15-minute walk away. Manchester Metropolitan University is also accessible by bus or on foot, depending on the campus. Rusholme is best known for the Curry Mile on Wilmslow Road, where students can find a wide range of South Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants, takeaways, cafés and food shops. This concentration of affordable dining options can help students manage everyday food costs without relying on expensive city-centre venues. Regular buses along Wilmslow Road also provide convenient connections to the universities and Manchester city centre. Rusholme is a good fit for first-year students who want to live close to campus, as well as budget-conscious students who value convenient access to food and local amenities.
Withington
Withington is a more relaxed alternative to Fallowfield, ranging from £150 to £180 per week. The area lies south of Fallowfield along Wilmslow Road, around a 15-minute bus ride from the University of Manchester and approximately 25 minutes from Manchester Metropolitan University. Unlike the busier student hub of Fallowfield, Withington combines a residential atmosphere with an established local high street. Students can shop for groceries, visit independent cafés and restaurants, and access everyday services without travelling into central Manchester. Its mix of shared houses and local amenities makes it appealing to second- and third-year undergraduates who want more independence and a quieter home environment while staying connected to university life. Withington is also worth considering for postgraduate students who prefer a neighbourhood feel over a predominantly student-focused social scene.
Longsight
Longsight is one of the top choices for students prioritizing lower housing costs, with average rents ranging from £155 to £185 per week. As a predominantly residential neighbourhood adjoining Rusholme and Ardwick, it offers exceptional local value along Stockport Road. A notable highlight is the famous Longsight Market on Dickenson Road, where students can buy affordable everyday goods and fresh groceries without paying city-centre prices. Regular bus services along Stockport Road conveniently connect the area to central Manchester. While travel times to the University of Manchester and MMU require a short bus commute rather than a walk, the savings on rent and daily essentials make Longsight a highly practical option for second- or third-year students looking outside the main student hubs.
Hulme
Hulme is the premier affordable option for students seeking a modern lifestyle with zero transport costs, featuring an average rent of £170–£240 per week. Situated immediately southwest of Oxford Road, Hulme’s primary advantage is unbeatable proximity: it hosts MMU’s Birley Campus directly within the neighbourhood and sits within a short 10-to-15-minute walk or cycle from the University of Manchester. By walking to lectures every day, students can save over £300 per year on bus passes.
Beyond housing, Hulme offers exceptional daily convenience and neighbourhood perks. The local Hulme Retail Park houses a giant ASDA Superstore, B&M Bargains, and Argos, allowing students to buy groceries and household essentials at suburban discount prices rather than paying inflated city-centre rates. For recreation, the 13-acre Hulme Park provides spacious green lawns, outdoor sports facilities, and walking trails right on your doorstep, while cultural spots like Z-arts and diverse international eateries add a lively community feel. Dominated by modern, regenerated apartments and purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs)—which frequently feature all-inclusive utility bills—Hulme is perfect for students who want a walkable, quiet, and fully equipped residential setting near campus.
Cheap Student Accommodation in Manchester
Moss Court, Dwell Weston Court, Manchester Student Village, Dwell The Grafton and Victoria Point are cheap student accommodation in Manchester, starting from £145 per week. These properties offer non-en-suite rooms, en-suite rooms and studios, alongside facilities such as gyms, study spaces, communal kitchens and laundry rooms. Located within easy reach of the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, they provide convenient access to campus while helping students keep accommodation costs down.
Moss Court
Moss Court is the cheapest student accommodation in Manchester, with rooms starting at £145 per week. Located at 422 Moss Lane East, near Oxford Road, it is approximately a 10-minute walk from Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Northern College of Music, and a 13-minute walk from the University of Manchester. Students can choose between non-en-suite rooms in four-bedroom flats and en-suite rooms with private bathrooms, making it easier to balance rent and privacy. Each room includes a bed, study desk, chair and wardrobe, while shared kitchens are equipped with cooking appliances, a fridge, a freezer and a washing machine. Additional facilities include free Wi-Fi, CCTV, secure fob entry, bicycle storage and on-site maintenance support. With electricity, water, Wi-Fi and contents insurance included in the rent, Moss Court is a practical option for students seeking affordable accommodation within walking distance of Manchester’s major universities.
Dwell Weston Court
Dwell Weston Court is affordable student accommodation in Manchester, with rooms starting at £160 per week. Located in Fallowfield, it offers shared rooms and communal kitchen facilities for students looking to keep their rent low. The University of Manchester is approximately a 12-minute bus ride away, while Manchester Metropolitan University is around 16 minutes by bus. On-site amenities include laundry facilities, bicycle storage, Wi-Fi and outdoor social spaces. With bills included and supermarkets nearby, Weston Court is a practical choice for students seeking budget-friendly accommodation with convenient access to campus.
Manchester Student Village (MSV)
Manchester Student Village (MSV) is a cheap student accommodation in Manchester, with rooms starting at £160 per week. Situated on Lower Chatham Street in the city centre, it is approximately a six-minute walk from Manchester Metropolitan University and a 13-minute walk from the University of Manchester. Students can choose from non-en-suite rooms, en-suite rooms and studios to suit different budgets and privacy preferences. Facilities include a gym, study room, games area, communal lounges, an outdoor terrace and laundry facilities. Its central location, variety of room types and included utility bills make MSV a convenient option for students seeking value for money.
Dwell The Grafton
Dwell The Grafton offers student rooms in Manchester from £160 per week, making it a budget-conscious option for students who want to live close to campus. Located on Grafton Street near Oxford Road, it is approximately a 10-minute walk from the University of Manchester and a 15-minute walk from Manchester Metropolitan University. The property mainly offers shared non-en-suite rooms, allowing residents to split living costs while sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities. On-site amenities include furnished rooms, shared kitchens, a gym, laundry facilities and bicycle storage, alongside CCTV and secure entry. With university campuses, supermarkets and local restaurants nearby, The Grafton combines a convenient location with practical facilities for students looking to manage their weekly rent.
Victoria Point
Victoria Point offers budget-friendly rooms in Manchester from £164 per week, with non-en-suite rooms, en-suite rooms and studios available. Located on Hathersage Road, it is approximately a 13-minute walk from the University of Manchester, while Manchester Metropolitan University is around a 17-minute bus ride away. On-site facilities include a gym, cinema room, games room, study spaces, laundry facilities and bicycle storage. With supermarkets and green spaces nearby, Victoria Point is a practical choice for students who want flexible room options and leisure facilities close to campus.
Where to Find Cheap Student Housing in Manchester?
uhomes.com offers student accommodation across Manchester, with options starting from £145 per week to suit different budgets and living preferences. From the city centre to residential neighbourhoods, students can explore properties in areas close to major universities, local amenities and public transport links.
Fallowfield and Rusholme are popular areas for University of Manchester accommodation, offering access to campus and a range of student-friendly amenities. Oxford Road and Manchester city centre are also convenient locations for student accommodation near MMU, with many properties within walking distance of Manchester Metropolitan University. Students attending the University of Salford can explore options in Salford and nearby areas for convenient access to campus.
uhomes.com offers shared rooms, en-suite rooms, studios, student and bedroom apartments, with all-inclusive. Many properties include utility bills and Wi-Fi, while eligible students may benefit from early-bird discounts, group booking offers and cashback deals. Property photos, virtual tours, student reviews and one-to-one booking support also help students make informed decisions when booking from overseas.
FAQs
Withington is one of the cheapest areas for students in Manchester, ranging from £150–£180 per week.
Student accommodation in Manchester typically costs around £145–£240 per week, depending on the property, room type and location. Shared rooms are generally more affordable than en-suite rooms and studios. accommodation budget.
Rusholme, Fallowfield and Withington are popular areas for University of Manchester accommodation.
