Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
CONTENTS
Things to do in Manchester - Hidden gems
Making friends in Manchester during Covid
Health and wellbeing activities in Manchester
Manchester influencers - Who to watch
Manchester is one of the UK’s largest cities, brimming with creativity and a vibrant culture. Students can discover tucked away street art in the city centre, dabble in the independent food scene and admire the mix of historical and contemporary buildings.
If you’d prefer to indulge in sport, Manchester will suit you just fine. It plays home to Manchester United and Manchester City, who are two of world sport’s most recognised sports clubs.
Students in Manchester typically study at either the University of Manchester or Manchester Metropolitan University. Both offer many courses to choose from.
Things to do in Manchester - Hidden gems
Make sure you’re aware of the current guidelines around what you can do in lockdown. If safe to do so, uncover these hidden gems:
- Ancoats Peepholes: keep an eye out for these tiny brass-ringed holes throughout the Ancoats area in the northern city centre. You’ll see hidden artwork when you take a peep.
- Out House: a vibrant street art gallery in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Two talented artists Tasha Whittle and Ben Harrison decided to turn these forgotten bathrooms into a real treasure.
- Manchester’s street art: alongside the Out House, Manchester boasts breathtaking street art by its local artists scattered throughout the city.
- Castlefield: take a stroll along the canal to break the monotony of lockdown. When restrictions ease check out the various bars, eateries and museums.
Eat in Manchester
Places to eat in Manchester
Many restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars may be closed during lockdown, but you’re not out of options. These places are still delivering, so you know what to do...
- Viet Shack: located in the Arndale Food Market, trust these guys to put a smile on your face with their delicious menu of Vietnamese goodness. They're delivering to those within and near the city centre.
- Fig + Sparrow: whether you’re after a carefully-crafted coffee, a moreish slice or muesli, mosey on down to Oldham Street at the weekend.
- This & That: still delivering during lockdown, this affordable curry house tucked in the back alley of Soap Street is ideal on those chilly nights.
- Northern Soul Grilled Cheese: this eatery is delivering out of their Tib Street store. These guys will appease your cheese toastie craving.
Local Manchester food
These are some of the local favourites that any Manchester student must try:
- Lancashire Hotpot: perfect to warm the stomach during winter, this iconic Mancunian dish is made of lamb or mutton, mixed with onions, stock, and topped with sliced potatoes.
- Rag pudding: consisting of minced beef and gravy encased in a suet pastry, cooked in a muslin cloth, you’ll find this at many Manchester pubs.
- Manchester tart: although recipes slightly differ, the classic Manchester tart includes a shortcrust pastry casing, filled with jam and custard, with a sprinkle of coconut and a cherry to finish.
- Black peas: traditionally paired with a night around a bonfire, this Mancunian snack is made of carin peas, soaked overnight, simmered to a mushy state and then served with vinegar.
Coronavirus test - Manchester
Students in Manchester currently have access to two types of Covid testing: symptomatic testing and asymptomatic testing.
If you or someone in your household is showing Coronavirus symptoms, you can get a free Covid test through the NHS or phone 119. You'll have the options of attending a drive-through or a walk-in test centre.
Asymptomatic testing is for those who don't have Coronavirus symptoms, with results available in approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This is currently being prioritised for frontline workers, and operates across six testing sites in the city until March. You'll be told whether you're eligible for one of these tests.
You can find further details and the test centre locations on when you book a test through the NHS.
Students at the University of Manchester have access to asymptomatic Coronavirus testing on campus, with details on the university’s Coronavirus advice page. At the moment students returning to campus must take two asymptomatic tests. The university is advising that students remain at their current location during lockdown.
Students at Manchester Metropolitan University also have access to asymptomatic Coronavirus testing on campus. Those living in halls or coming on campus to use the university's facilities should take a test twice weekly while the UK is in lockdown. The testing centre is in the Brooks Building at 53 Bonsall Street.
Making friends in Manchester during Covid
You can still make friends during this period although stuck inside with your household and support bubble.
Be savvy with your digital resources. Keep an eye out for any virtual events from your university. Check your student email, the university’s website and their social media pages for what’s coming up. It’s worth also keeping an eye out for any announcements from your students’ union.
Take a look at Meetup. Here, you can connect virtually with like-minded people for talks, seminars and discussions.
Manchester events
Virtual events
With virtual events temporarily taking the place of in-person events, you have the opportunity to enjoy them from the comfort of your own home.
For virtual events outside of your university, check out Visit Manchester and HOME. Over the coming months you can explore the Manchester Museum from Home, toe-tap to the NQ Jazz Festival or get up close with the animals at the Virtual Zoo Day at Chester Zoo.
Outdoor events
Although no outdoor events are taking place in lockdown, they’re planned for once restrictions ease.
Both Visit Manchester and HOME will keep you informed about what’s on the horizon. As lockdown eases there a host of events to look forward to come summer, including Manchester Day in June, the Manchester International Festival in July, Creamfields 2021 in August and the Rugby League World Cup 2021 finals in November
Health and wellbeing activities in Manchester
Being inside has forced us all to rethink how we incorporate exercise into daily routine. With gyms closed and outdoor exercise limited, live workouts on our bedroom floor have become the norm.
Getting daily exercise is vital for wellbeing. If you need some inspiration, take a look at Samantha McGowan (@samsays_pt), Hero Training Club (@herotrainingclubs) or India Hewitt (@indiajyoga). These Manchester-based trainers are all providing different live workouts to follow indoors.
Manchester mental health support
Looking after your mind is just as important as looking after your body in lockdown. If you need support, tips on wellbeing or general advice on how to stay mentally healthy, try the following resources:
- Greater Manchester Student Mental Health Service: designed by the NHS, students can use this service for mental health support and intervention. It's accessed by referral through your university.
- Student Minds: the UK’s leading mental health charity for students, Student Minds help students with their mental health, providing endless resources whether for yourself, a friend, a parent or more specifically for getting through COVID.
Manchester influencers - Who to watch
Manchester plays home to some outrageously talented creators. During lockdown, we suggest you follow:
- Feel Good Club: set up by Kiera and Aimie with a mission to make us all feel good, the Feel Good Club run a wellbeing coffee house and bar in the Northern Quarter, have their own clothing line and deliver daily doses of wellbeing content across their Instagram.
- Akse (@akse_p19): one of the best street artists the UK has to offer, Akse’s pieces can be found across the city, from the now-famous David Bowie mural to the NHS nurse angel.
- Hungry Healthy Happy: having amassed over 40K followers on Instagram, Dannii shares her healthy, easy-to-follow recipes that anyone can give a go.
- Manchester’s Finest (@mcrfinest): if you want to keep on top of what’s happening in Manchester, this is the spot. The page covers food, drink, arts, music, culture and much more.
Header image: Photo by Mangopear Creative on Unsplash
