The Four Corners
ARCH ON P SE
E 6! AG
WOR D
Advice from
ou Guid t Un Lif i Manchester
Top Tips
Advice And More!
1.
introduction to 4 Corners (Alexandra)
2.
Introduction to 4 Corners (Ellie)
3.
Introduction to 4 Corners (Skyla)
4.
Introduction to 4 Corners (Analise)
5.
Introduction to 4 Corners (Jia)
6.
Word Search
7.
Student Accomodation
8.
Life outside of drinking
9.
Decoding Transport
10.
A guide to food culture
issue # 1
ALEXANDRA
I AM A MEMBER OF 4 CORNERS FROM LONDON, SPECIFICALLY NORTH LONDON, WOOD GREEN! I HAVE LIVED IN THE AREA MY ENTIRE LIFE SURROUNDED BY THE BUSTLING HIGH STREET IN A MULTICULTURAL HOTSPOT. MY GRANDPARENTS MOVED FROM JAMAICA TO WOOD GREEN IN THE 1950'S CHANGING THE TRAJECTORY OF OUR BLOODLINE.
I MOVED TO MANCHESTER TO PURSUE A PHILOSOPHY DEGREE IN 2023 AND HAVE BEEN COMPARING THE DIFFERENCES AND SIMARLARITIES BETWEEN HOW 'LONDON OF THE NORTH' OPERATES IN COMPARISON TO THE ORIGINAL 'BIG SMOKE.'
WOOD GREEN IS WHERE CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND COMMERCE COME TOGETHER
I WILL BE DISCUSSING THE CHALLENGES FACED EXPERIENCING DIFFERENT FORMS OF TRANSPORT, THE COLDER WEATHER, OPPORTUNITIES GETTING JOBS AND THE POSITIVES MEETING NEW PEOPLE, DISCOVERING INDEPENDANCE AND APPRICIATING HOME.
Haringey Council (2024) Shaping Wood Green. Available at: https://haringey.gov.uk (Accessed: 12 May 2026).
Ellie
I am from the Forest Of Dean, Gloucestershire !
I am a member of the four corners from the Forest Of Dean,Southwest England. I lived there until i was 18, when i then made the move to Manchester. I have lived here for two years now to study my degree in Politics. Seeing the difference in atmosphere from my small hometown compared to the bustling city of Manchester has been eye opening for me.
I will be discussing the challenges some people may encounter when facing the move from a sleepy town to a city that never sleeps and the transport, social and mental factors that people should be aware of!
I am a member of the four Corners from Liverpool. I lived in the city from the age of 4 to 18 after moving from Coventry. Liverpool is full of art, creativity, good food and in some ways it reminds me of Manchester. I moved to Manchester after living in Jersey for a gap year. I wanted a change of scenery and as a history student I was always drawn to the industrial revolution Esq. vibe that Manchester has. I'm going to be talking about all things accommodation, the dos and the don’t s. Whilst also sharing my experience to guide you on making informative decisions
LIVERPOOL
Skyla
Analise I am a member of the Four Corners from Wednesfield, a village in Wolverhampton. I moved to Manchester in 2024 to study an English with Spanish degree. I was very nervous prior to moving as I come from a very close family and in comparison to Wolverhampton, Manchester is huge. As a non-drinker, it took me a while to find things to do that don't necessarily involve drinking. I will be discussing things to do, places to go and how to navigate not drinking as a student. From books, museums and musicals, I will be telling you how I've gone from crying in my halls bedroom to thriving.
Jia ABOUT ME I am a member of the Four Corners from Leicester
An incredibly multicultural city in the Midlands. I moved to Manchester to pursue an English degree and was very excited about the prospect of moving to a major city.
I will be exploring and looking at student food culture. I believe that in a city as big as and as diverse as Manchester has a lot to offer when it comes to food.
But this can be overwhelming and it can seem difficult to stick to your budget. So hopefully this will give you some tips on how to eat well but also stay affordable.
Manchester
Have a go at this Manchester themed word search Add your heading
Where Community Begins: Student Accommodation in Manchester: How tudent housing hapes belonging in Manchester
Finding Belonging In A City We Didn't Grow Up In: Coming to university in a new city can often feel overwhelming. Everything is unfamiliar, from navigating campus to understanding how the city around you works. The place where we spend much of our time, and where we first begin to form a sense of belonging, is our accommodation. Before lecture halls, libraries, or city centres feel familiar, it is our living space that becomes our base.
In my first year, I lived in shared accommodation and found the experience difficult. The constant presence of others, shared spaces, and pressure to socialise made it hard to relax or feel at home. Rather than helping me settle into university life, this environment increased my anxiety and made the city feel more difficult to engage with. Instead of forming a sense of belonging, I felt disconnected from both my living space and the wider city. Accommodation plays a quiet but important role in shaping how students relate to Manchester. When students feel comfortable at home, they are more likely to engage positively with the city around them. Feeling at home is often the first step towards caring about a city, contributing to it, and seeing it as more than just a temporary place to study.
In second year, I chose to live in a studio. This decision allowed me to prioritise privacy and independence, and it completely changed how I experienced university and Manchester. Having a space that felt fully my own created a sense of stability and comfort. From this secure base, I found it easier to explore the city, establish routines, and engage with local spaces on my own terms.
This experience challenged the idea that community is formed in only one way. For some students, shared kitchens and constant interaction create meaningful connections.
For others, community is built externally. From neighbourhood walks, cafés, libraries, gyms or simply becoming familiar with the streets around them. Civic pride grows not from how many people you live with, but from how supported and settled you feel in a place.
Finding What Works: Advice For Students • Choose accommodation for you, not what you think you should do. Shared living is often encouraged, but it is not right for everyone. If you need privacy or quiet to feel settled, that is a valid choice.
• Invest in solid kitchen essentials. Good cookware, utensils, and basics can make everyday routines easier and more enjoyable, especially if cooking becomes part of your independence.
• Make your space feel homey. Decorating your room even in small ways can make a huge difference. Posters, photos, lighting, and bedding help turn a temporary space into something personal. • Your accommodation is your base. Feeling comfortable where you live gives you the confidence to grow, explore, and engage with the city beyond it.
• Be practical: Don't just choose an accommodation that looks nice or fancy. It's smart to think about living costs and choosing a cheaper accommodation to afford other areas of student life. I chose my first year accommodation because it had cool amenities, not once did i use them and it left me extra broke
Manchester: More Than a Night Out A non-drinkers guide to student city life
It’s taken me nearly two years to settle into my own version of university life. Many students arrive in pursuit the classic “uni experience,” often defined by nightlife and heavy drinking. That idealised version made me feel insecure, especially in my first year and because I don’t drink alcohol, I often felt left out of plans and ultimately became very isolated. I lived in Cavendish Hall with thirteen other students. I made some amazing friends and memories, but honestly, I mainly looked forward to the weekends I could go home. If I couldn’t, I would spend whole days in my room reading. Now, halfway through my second year, my uni experience may not look like everyone else’s, but I’ve found ways to cope by keeping myself busy.
There’s still so much of Manchester I’ve yet to explore, but here are some of my favourite things to do when I need to get out of the house. My favourite pastime is reading. In first year, I read around 63 books! I take my Kindle everywhere, so on days when I need some fresh air, sitting in a park with a good book always helps. All Saint’s Park became my go to spot since it was right outside my accommodation; close enough that I didn’t have to travel far, but still a break from my room. Whitworth Park is another great option, especially with the adjacent art gallery, which I’m planning to visit. And if you enjoy art, the Manchester Art Gallery is wonderful. I’ve spent hours getting lost in the paintings, and they regularly host new exhibitions. If museums are more your thing, I urge you to visit The Manchester Museum. From Egyptian mummies to dinosaurs, it genuinely has something for everyone. The Imperial War Museum and The People’s History Museum have incredible reviews too, and I’m desperate to visit them when I get the chance. Another way I fill my time is by going to the theatre. I’m love to see ballet and musicals, so I treat myself by booking shows I’ve been wanting to see. I recently went on a solo trip to see Mean Girls and in November I took a friend to see Miss Saigon, and it was amazing. If you keep an eye on prices, you can often get affordable tickets, making it easier to see more shows over time. Cinema, bowling and mini golf some more of my favourite Manchester past times, with Junkyard Golf being a particular highlight! If you're into swimming, I highly recommend you take advantage of the MMU free sports time table and use the Aquatic Centre! I try to go as often as I can as the facilities are amazing and swimming is so good for your physical and mental health. For those facing looming deadlines and desperate to escape the their bedroom desks, The Grove is a brilliant place to work. It’s in the Grosvenor East building and has dedicated student seating and a calm atmosphere. I also love the Marks and Spencer café on Market Street mostly because I sometimes get free drinks vouchers, but mostly because it’s such a lovely place to work and people watch. The Central Library is another huge favorite of mine; the building alone is inspiring, and the range of books available is unmatched. If you’re in need of a study break, Federal is the perfect brunch spot. The queue is always worth it and their avocado bagel is to die for. Lastly, I have to recommend Haus in Fallowfield. Whether you’re having a drink with friends or grabbing a pizza, it has a great atmosphere and a lovely upstairs seating area for the warmer months. With a tight student budget, free activities are a must and just simply walking around the centre or Oxford Road is one of my favorite things to do. I love to look at the architecture around the city and imagine what buildings used to be or the people who once used them were like. Finally, I urge you to take advantage of the events going on in Manchester! Last July, my boyfriend and I sat in Heaton Park and essentially saw Oasis for free amongst other fans who had struggled to get tickets! This was a highlight of my first year experience!
While this option isn’t accessible to everyone given the current job market, getting a job in an area I’m passionate about has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. In first year, I worked remotely, which was great, no commute and lots of flexibility. But this year, I decided to take on a second job and return to my gymnastics roots as a coach in Altrincham. It’s genuinely been the best thing for me. I’ve made amazing friends, earning notable qualifications and discovered more of Manchester during my commute. If a job doesn’t feel possible, joining societies or clubs around the city is a great alternative, anything that brings you together with like minded people.
Lastly, I want to touch on the topic of not drinking as a student. I was really nervous about it before coming to university, and my early experiences often heightened that insecurity. Like I mentioned, I did get left out of plans because I didn’t drink. But it’s entirely your choice whether you drink or not, or whether you just enjoy a drink occasionally. Don’t let anyone pressure you just for the sake of fitting in. There is absolutely nothing wrong with drinking, that isn’t the focus of this article, but I want to ensure those who aren’t heavy drinkers or don’t drink at all that university life is what you make it and if alcohol isn’t a part of it, that’s completely fine. I’m still yet to find my “people” at uni, and maybe I never fully will. But I have a small group of friends who accept my choices without question, and for now, that’s enough.
Mind the Gap to Mind the Tram
Navigating the city is your cheat code to survival Before coming to Manchester I hadn't really acknowledged how dependent I was with both the bus and underground using TFL. I used it to meet friends/ family, travel to and from school as well as work - at times commuting 7 miles and back. I deemed waiting longer than 5 minutes absurd, and have gained a profound appreciation for the invention of a second door on the bus. Manchester also being a huge city has a large transport system including; buses, trams and trains known as the 'Bee Network'. Initially i struggled navigating it despite growing up in London. First year I worked in Altrincham (about 7 miles from where I lived) and learnt the hard way, when not going to town, missing a bus will ruin any chance of being on time. Leading to my first tip: 1. Download the Bee Network App. This next tip is for my fellow students who do not have £330 to get a term time student ticket. Of course if you're able to I recommend investing in one, you will save a substantial amount of money, however those who can't, take advantage of the opportunity to pay cash. (Something London no longer accepts)
In Manchester there is a 'Free Bus!' This is a zero fare, accessible service connecting major train stations (Piccadilly, Victoria, Oxford Road, Deansgate and Salford Central). Usually operating 7 days a week between 7am and 7pm provides excellent opportunities to explore the city. 4. Try out the Free Bus
Pretty much all transport runs till Midnight with some often times still servicing till 4am! This makes super convenient and budget-friendly navigating the entire city at almost all times! GO ENJOY THE FUN AND INTRIGUING PLACES AND ACTIVITIES MENTIONED THROUGHOUT OUR MAGAZINE 5. Go outside, the city is calling you Unfortunately most buses do not care if you're running and 10 seconds from reaching the door. Save yourself the humiliation and breath by accepting that you're not getting on. Sometimes its just not meant to be.
2. Use tips & change to cover fares because as I like to believe if it doesn't change your bank balance it's not real money! (£2 -single) (£5 - day pass)
6. Do not run for the buses, they will drive off as soon as you get there :(
I personally find Manchester transportation to be a little less reliable when it comes to following schedules whether it be buses not turning up, coming late or leaving early - I've found the past 2 1/2 years hit or miss. Additionally, multiple of your buses will arrive and leave at the same time causing you to wait for the next bundle. However due to the lower prices, Uber will be your saving grace - especially when splitting with a friend. All my Londoners know Uber is a luxury !
If you're from down south, don't forget your umbrella - the rain is not a joke, carry headphones romanticise the journey and most importantly thank your bus/uber drivers, they are genuinely the glue that holds everything together!!!
3. Never thought I'd say it but get an Uber One membership- it'll come in handy with food too!
References n/a,(n.d), Bee Network Logo, Available at: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tfgm. beenetwork n/a, (n.d), TFL Image - London Underground Roundel.png, Available at: https://tfl-newsroom.prgloo.com/resources/tfl-image-lon don-underground-roundel-2
A guide t o food culture
nt a w s y a lw a t ' n o d ot p f We o ff o g n i v i l e b to noodles Budgeting is important and you should set aside money for the month to spend on food • Food culture is one of the first ways young people connect to Manchester and through it they develop a sense of belonging, identity, and pride in the city. • Shopping at supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl are a great budget friendly alternative • Studying at cafés is very popular so try going to Black Sheep Coffee on Monday where they do £2 drinks for students.
• Vapiano (Corn Exchange): 50% off everything for students. • Yard & Coop (Northern Quarter): 20% off bill (Sun-Thu) • Tampopo (Corn Exchange): 20% off the bill (Mon-Thu). • The Real Greek (Corn Exchange): 25% off main menu (Sun-Thu). • Pho (Corn Exchange): 15% off food with student ID.
TOP TIP:
M a ke s u r e t o d o w n l o a d U N i D A Y S f o r some great student deals! !