Life in Manchester
Manchester’s creative heritage is second to none. Home of the ‘Madchester’ movement of the late 80s, which birthed an impressive list of bands, including Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, and The Smiths, it was also the home of the legendary club, The Haçienda, which fuelled the rise of acid house music and rave culture in the city.
Manchester’s cultural calendar reveals a city with world-leading arts events everywhere, from huge venues like Aviva Studios to more intimate independent spots tucked away from the city centre.
It’s safe to say that Manchester does the arts like no other city.
Manchester is a highly creative city with a diverse cultural scene and a wealth of theatres, galleries, live music, and cinemas.
There are beautiful galleries to inspire and delight you. Manchester Museum, The Whitworth Gallery, MOSI and Castlefield Gallery are not to be missed. HOME hosts a variety of installations, dance shows and independent film festivals. Also, The Everyman Cinema is a must-visit for all film fans if you want to catch a blockbuster with the added luxury of a comfy sofa and a cold beer. Backyard Cinema also offers themed experiences on the roof of Depot Mayfield. Not to be missed.
But, don’t just take our word for it. Hear from Martha and her five reasons to live in Manchester.
With four universities, Manchester has a huge student population, and there are plenty of student club nights and events throughout the year to suit all tastes.
The Warehouse Project attracts some of the world’s biggest DJs. Manchester’s Gay Village caters for a vibrant LGBTQI+ scene. There is a vast number of venues in Manchester, from the spacious to the bijou (and many in between). Some of the most popular music venues and hangouts include O2 Ritz, The Deaf Institute, O2 Apollo, AO Arena, Jimmy’s, The Castle Hotel and Band on the Wall.
Classic indie heads will love The Venue, 42nd Street and Factory. YES has a good variety of nights at its basement venue attracting plenty of famous names. For metal and rock, gigs tend to be at the Manchester Academy up Oxford Road. Try Satan’s Hollow for a late one.
You can experience your favourite vibe at smaller, more intimate places like The Peer Hat, Night & Day, Gulliver’s and The Fitzgerald. Bigger venues include Castlefield Bowl, Victoria Warehouse, Albert Hall, and Gorilla. If you’re after something a little classier, try The Lowry, Palace Theatre, Manchester Opera House, or Bridgewater Hall.
Manchester Festivals
Mancunians love a festival. And in Manchester, big names flock to play at the likes of Parklife and Psych Fest.
Be sure to visit ‘The Curry Mile’ in Rusholme (past the universities up Oxford Road) for affordable, good-quality Indian food. China Town (just off Portland Street) has many Asian cuisines to suit any budget, including legendary spot Pho Cue. If it’s breakfast you’re after, you mustn’t miss Gooey, serving delightful breakfasts for all tastes. Suki Suki is also a must-visit.
In the Northern Quarter, check out Sugar Junction for a quaint vintage tearoom. Almost Famous have deliciously dirty burgers, or if you’re on a budget, Wolf at the Door do amazing £1 bao buns and tacos – which are not to be missed! Loaf Mcr is a must-visit if you’re after a sweet treat.
Manchester Arndale is the main shopping centre hosting all the big names in the middle of town. For top-end brands, try King Street; for more vintage tastes, try the Northern Quarter. The Trafford Centre, a short bus ride to Old Trafford, opens at 10am and has many shops and restaurants. Chapter One Books offers a lovely selection of fiction and a decent flat white (the perfect combo, in our book!).
Manchester has plenty of open spaces and green areas to grab a break and enjoy the fresh air.
Just a short walk from our Bank Chambers building, you’ll find Piccadilly Gardens – a nice spot to hang out in the sunshine between lectures. A bit further south, just off Canal Street, you’ll discover Sackville Park, home to the Alan Turing memorial statue.
Look a little further afield, and you’ll find Manchester and its surrounding areas teeming with numerous wide-open spaces like Heaton Park, Alexandra Park, Platt Fields and more.
BIMM Music Institute Manchester is well connected to the rest of the city via public transport.
Bike
Manchester is very cyclist-friendly, with accessible cycle lanes. If you live a short distance from the college, it might be the most cost-effective way to travel. Find out more about cycling in Manchester at cycling.tfgm.com
Bus
The closest bus stops to Great Marlborough Street, on the main student route, are located on Oxford Road, by the Dancehouse coming into the city centre, and by the Palace Hotel to leave the city centre. Bank Chambers is a few minutes from the central bus station at Piccadilly Gardens. Buses at these stops frequently run between Manchester City Centre and popular student areas such as Rusholme, Fallowfield and Withington.
Manchester has the busiest bus route in Europe due to the number of universities on the Oxford Road corridor. As a result, you will rarely have to wait more than a few minutes for a bus during the day. Most buses on this route go from Piccadilly Gardens to South Manchester straight down Oxford Road.
- 142 or 42 – Piccadilly Gardens – Universities– Rusholme – Fallowfield – Withington – Didsbury Village – East Didsbury
- 143 – Piccadilly Gardens – Universities –Rusholme – Fallowfield – Withington – West Didsbury
- 43 – Piccadilly Gardens to Manchester Airport
- 147 – Manchester Piccadilly Train Station – Universities – Manchester Royal Infirmary and other hospitals
Taxi
Manchester is well-serviced by taxi cabs, UBER and other minicab companies. Always make sure to pre-book your taxi from a fully licenced taxi firm.
Train
For those living outside of the city, BIMM is easily accessible from either Piccadilly or Oxford Road Station. Oxford Road Station is the closest to Great Marlborough Street, and Piccadilly Station is nearest to Bank Chambers.
Metrolink (Trams)
Manchester Metrolink has been expanding throughout the city and is a quick and easy way to travel across Greater Manchester. Metrolink runs on several lines, including Salford Quays/Media City and East Didsbury.
Plane
The nearest major airport is Manchester Airport (MAN / EGCC). This airport has international and domestic flights and is 13 miles (half-hour train journey) from the centre of Manchester.
Any Questions?
For any questions regarding Manchester student life or if you’d like more information on how to apply to BIMM Music Institute Manchester please contact our Enquiries Team on 01273 840 346 or email [email protected].
