Accommodation Advice

Student experience 27 November 2019

First year undergraduate student Alisa writes about her experience in obtaining university accommodation.

Hi! My name is Alisa. I am an international student from Bangkok, Thailand. I am currently studying Actuarial Science and Mathematics. Coming to university from a country that is pretty much on the other side of the world was just as daunting as it was exciting.

Unlike most students at the University of Manchester, I completed the IB Diploma and hence, I was fortunate to learn my results almost a month earlier than students who had taken the A-Levels. Because of this, I was amongst the first few to apply for accommodation, getting my first choice; Denmark Road.

How did you find out about your accommodation options?

Let me tell you a bit about the process I went through to choose my accommodation. Prior to arriving at the university, I was mailed a welcome booklet with a guide to choosing the most suitable accommodation for me depending on whether I preferred an ensuite, catered, or self-catered accommodation. Along with this booklet, the images on the university accommodation website also provided insight, especially as I had never visited the university before.

Why Denmark Road?

My criteria for my accommodation was simple; I NEEDED an ensuite room. Regardless of their location, all five of my options were ensuites. While I preferred a catered option, seeing Denmark Road’s proximity to the university, as well as its facilities, I was certain I would like living there. However, upon hearing the news that I would be residing in Denmark Road, I started hearing comments that Denmark Road isn’t as social because it is not in Fallowfield. However, let me tell you this is not at all true! While I prefer nights in, the Denmark Road group chat always has people planning pre-drinks for nights out. Basically, there will always be social people no matter where you are. Plus, living in Denmark Road gives you the perks of getting out of bed 40 minutes before a 9am lecture and still making it on time!

Any further advice on accommodation?

I have found friends who live in various university accommodations and I would say that each of these accommodations have their own perks. While an ensuite room may have less empty space, I personally prefer it. If space were a priority, then maybe an accommodation with shared bathroom would be ideal for you. Bottom line is, there will be pros and cons in each accommodation but once you have adjusted, you will enjoy your time wherever you are staying.

By Alisa Khaninya