Welcome to Manchester


And so freshers week begins.

12 years ago (MY GOD) I packed up my room and headed the short distance from South Manchester to Owens Park Halls of Residence at the Uni of Manchester in Fallowfield.

I am in quite a unique situation as I have actually been to two out of three Manchester Universities.. I did my undergrad degree at Uni of Manchester and my post grad diploma at MMU. So really what I am trying to tell you is that I know my sh!t... haha!

I was absolutely terrified about moving away from home even despite the very short commute back to my parents house. Being let loose in the big wide world seemed incredibly daunting and I will be honest I was slightly apprehensive, even after a couple of weeks living in halls!

I look back now though and I am so fond of my time at uni, I think you feel such a pressure to feel settled and I really wouldn't worry how long that takes for you to feel that way.. just throw yourself into things and you will be reet.

My first worry was such a #middleclassproblem and sounds so much worse than it actually is. I was baffled by the thought of getting on the bus. I didn't know what you ask for and it made me feel all kinds of useless. To explain, I am not averse to using public transport and had regularly got the train but from where I lived with my parents there just wasn't any buses that I could get on? So just incase any of you are in the same position as me, there are really on a few things to know - if you live in Fallowfield then really there are SO many buses you can jump on to get yourself into town. It's a £1 standard fare so none of this.. umm I am not really sure where I am going malarkey! Wilmslow Road - Rusholme - Oxford Road is supposedly the busiest bus route in Europe so you shouldn't be hanging around for too long.

Next up is some helpful tips and hints;
  • Go to the freshers fair - I got loads of random freebies that seemed really weird and out of place but trust me the free can of beans and washing up liquid came in handy!
  • ALWAYS ALWAYS keep and emergency loo roll in your room. Yes you will all merrily agree to take it in turns to purchase but there will be times when annoyingly the person whose turn it is forgets and it ain't gonna wipe itself. Also, even in halls, some of the more immature boys will no doubt come along and wreak havoc with the toilet roll. It just happens.
  • You are very lucky if you don't have at least one 9am lecture the day after a popular night out or club night. My tip for this is to think ahead, have a pizza upon your return and have some emergency snacks ready for when you tackle the trip into uni. Tracksuits are your friend.
  • Everyone resents spending the student loan on seriously mundane household supplies. There are two huge pound shops in Manchester City Centre and a Quality Save - buy that boring stuff there so you don't have to waste your dollar on none fun stuff!
  • Yes Rusholme curry houses are open until the early hours and yes I have been for a curry at 2am before. 
  • Make use of all the student lock in and discount nights - normally you will get extra discount on top of the normal student discount so it's worth it!
  • Pasta and pesto is a food group.
  • You will most likely end up with a photo key ring in your bag after a night out.
  • Be prepared to get dressed up. In any costume and most likely on a week night. Strength in numbers is the key. Being a lone french maid or pirate is not the one.
  • Try and eat some fruit and vegetables at least once a day.
  • You will become intolerant to at least one form of alcohol from overuse.
I could go on but you will have to learn some lessons on your own :)

Enjoy every minute, the next few years will fly by and you will love Manchester, we welcome newbies with open arms!

No comments

Thanks for your comments, I will try and respond to every one so please check back! :o)