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Setting up your life in the UK
Around Manchester
This interactive map below includes many of the key sites in Manchester, including the stations, entertainment venues and shops.
You can click on the icons to find out what they are and visit the websites if you wish. You can also use the map to explore other sites in Manchester yourself.
Proving you are a student
Starting life in the UK will include needing to get yourself organised with bank accounts, a phone and if you have not already done so, arranging accommodation. Often you may be asked to give proof that you are a student at Manchester Met. You can request a confirmation of enrolment using the link below when it is requested by a bank or for council tax exemption. (More details on these below!)
If you need to request a confirmation of enrolment letter, you can use the following link to submit your request. Click the ‘Create new letter request’ button.
Healthcare
The following link covers; registering with local GP and Dentist, key phone numbers, local hospitals, ‘walk in’ centres, sexual health, wellbeing and pregnancy.
The following link covers registering and costs
All things money related
Bank accounts
When you open a bank account in the UK, you’ll receive a bank card and access to a bank’s mobile app. Your bank card can be used for everyday transactions like shopping, withdrawing cash from ATMs, and making online purchases.
To use the mobile app, download it from your bank’s website or app store, then log in with your account details. The app lets you check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and manage your finances on the go. It’s a convenient way to keep track of your spending and stay on top of your finances while studying at Manchester Met.
Additional information can also be found on the Manchester Met website via this link.
Paying Bills
If you have accommodation with the university, then ignore this section as all of your bills will included in the cost of your rent.
As a student, unless you chose an accommodation that explicitly states that bills are included, you will have to pay bills. The best way to go about this is by dividing up the responsibility of bills between the people that you live with. (However, if you are planning to live with a lot of people, it will definitely be easier to choose a place that includes the bills within the price.)
Splitting the bills between everyone not only gives everyone equal responsibility over the household but it also provides everyone with proof of address which is needed for a lot of things that you will be setting up during your stay in Manchester and the UK. This is really important – so make sure at least one bill is in your name.
Some of the bills that you will have to keep in mind are below. Click on each to reveal more information:
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Cost of living
Moving to a different country is a big adjustment including exchanging currency. We know that as students budgeting can be hard to do so we have provided some tips and tricks by other students on how you can make your money last longer or how you can decrease on some expenses.
General Cost Overview
Bellow you will find a general cost overview of what you will need to pay for during your stay in Manchester and the UK. This is just a general list and not everyone will have the same expenses so keep this in mind while reading the information.
Click on the sections to reveal more information:
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Budget Planning Tips
Understanding costs, planning your budget and managing your finances means that you have money for both the essentials and anything else that you want to buy for yourself! A good tip to know is that it is always worth asking in shops if they offer a student discount. Here are some more tips from others on budgeting and expenses that you might not have considered…
Sim cards
When you arrive in the UK, getting a SIM card and phone plan is one of the first steps for staying connected. You can purchase a SIM card from various providers at mobile shops, supermarkets, or online. Choose a plan that works for you, whether it’s pay-as-you-go or a monthly contract. Pay-as-you-go plans offer more flexibility, allowing you to top up your credit as needed, while monthly contracts often include more data and benefits.
Most plans come with data allowances for internet use, so you can browse, stream, and stay in touch with friends and family. Make sure to compare different providers to find the best deal for your usage, the main providers are listed below.
EE O2 Three Vodafone Known for its extensive coverage, EE offers a wide range of plans and is often praised for its fast 4G and 5G networks Offers various plans and perks, including access to O2 Priority, which provides early access to tickets and special offers Known for its competitive pricing and unlimited data plans, Three is a popular choice among students Offers a variety of plans and additional benefits like entertainment packages with Spotify, YouTube Premium, and Amazon Prime Video National Insurance Number (NIN)
Information about applying for a national insurance number can be found on the GOV.UK website via this link.
Council Tax
Information and frequently asked questions about council tax are covered in the following link.
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Getting around Manchester
Travel and transport information
Travelling is a big part of student life in Manchester, and there are several ways to get around the city. The Bee Network is an integrated transport system in Greater Manchester, managed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). It makes travelling easier by connecting buses, trams, trains, cycling, and walking routes into one smooth system. It can feel a little overwhelming at first, so here’s some information and helpful tips to help you travel with confidence.
Trains
Trains require you to buy a ticket before travel, either online or at the station. Ticket types vary depending on travel times and flexibility (see section) for details). Some stations have barriers you must pass through before boarding by scanning your ticket (paper or electronic QR code).
Check you’re on the right platform and train. The Trainline app is useful for buying tickets and checking live updates.
Buses
Buses accept contactless payments and offer various ticket options, including single, return, and day passes. You can also use the mobile app for purchasing tickets.
Trams
The tram system offers single, return, and day tickets. You can buy tickets at tram stops or use contactless cards or mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
If you have a pre-paid ticket, you can board directly. Otherwise, use the “tap on, tap off” system at the station or buy a ticket from the machines. Remember to tap off at your destination with the same card you used to tap on. If a ticket inspector checks, show the card you paid with. The more zones you travel through, the more it costs, so a pre-paid ticket might be cheaper if you travel often.
Travelcards
A System One Travelcard gives unlimited travel on any bus, or combinations of bus, train and tram all over Greater Manchester. Available for 1, 7 and 28 days with an annual option also available.
Click the link to visit the Bee Network website and plan a journey.
You can also find some additional transport information on the Manchester Met website.
Travel habits
- Punctuality: Public transport generally runs on time, so it’s important to be punctual.
- Queueing: It’s customary to queue at bus stops and tram stations.
- Politeness: Be courteous to fellow passengers and offer seats to those who need them, such as elderly or disabled individuals.
- Safety: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Staying Safe and Emergency Numbers
In emergencies, call 999 for police, ambulance, or fire services, or 101 for non-urgent police assistance.
Surrounding areas of Manchester
The areas surrounding Manchester offer plenty of opportunities to explore, find new experiences, and enjoy your time outside of university. Click the icons below to learn more about some key places which are all easily accessible via public transport.
Food
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This self study pack has been created by some of our fellow university students on where to shop for South Asian food. However, it has great information about supermarkets, where to buy spices and lots of other information that is useful to all our international students!
Where to find or eat your favourite food…
Below we have created a padlet for you to add your favourite food shops or places to eat. Please add your recommendations so other students can enjoy these too.
Use this padlet space to share your own advice and tips for ‘where to’ find specific services in Manchester.
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