How to find Housing for Exchange Students in Manchester, UK

Manchester is an amazing destination for higher education, boasting world-class institutions such as the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Despite its appeal, exchange students frequently encounter obstacles when searching for housing. Many property owners hesitate to sign short-term leases, preferring long-term tenants instead. Furthermore, searching for a place remotely opens up the risk of online rental scams that target incoming international students. However, housing difficulties should not deter you from enjoying everything the city has to offer!

Essential advice for locating exchange accommodation in Manchester

1. University resources: (University if Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University) Start by navigating the official portals of host institutions like the University of Manchester or Manchester Metropolitan University. Their accommodation services provide tailored advice, lists of recommended providers, and support services—even if your official enrolment is still processing.
2. Municipal outlet of your host city Manchester.eview public city council resources and local guidance pages, which often publish reports and updates on housing availability and tenant rights in Greater Manchester.
3. Scam prevention & verification: Social media groups are widely used by students seeking rooms, but they carry a high risk of fraudulent listings. Avoid transferring money or security deposits before verifying a property's legitimacy. Cross-referencing listings with official student housing teams or using verified platforms helps secure safe arrangements.
4. Specialised platforms: Standard rental websites rarely cater to short-duration stays. Exchange Rooms addresses this specific need by listing short-term sublets offered by verified fellow exchange students. Every user on Exchange Rooms is verified using their official student email address.

Local guide to studying and living in Manchester

Popular Student Neighbourhoods

Understanding Manchester's main residential pockets makes it easier to target the right location for your needs:

• Fallowfield: Considered the primary student hub of Manchester, located south of the main university campuses. It features a high density of student housing, social venues, and frequent bus routes along Wilmslow Road.
• Rusholme: Situated between Fallowfield and the university campuses, famous for the "Curry Mile". It offers budget-friendly food options and convenient access to lectures by foot or bike.
• Withington: Located further south past Fallowfield, offering a slightly quieter, community-oriented atmosphere with lower average rents while remaining well connected by transport.
• Hulme & Victoria Park: Sitting right on the edge of the main university campuses, these areas are ideal for students wanting a short walk to classes while staying close to the city centre.
• City Centre & Oxford Road Corridor: Feature modern Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and studio developments. While higher in price, they offer close proximity to amenities and academic buildings.

Estimated Cost of Living & Housing Expenses

Living costs vary depending on personal lifestyle choices and the choice of accommodation, but students typically budget between £900 and £1,350 per month in total:

• Student Housing Costs:
• Shared Houses / Sublets: Roughly £450 to £700 per month (often excluding shared utilities).
• Purpose-Built Accommodation / En-suite Rooms: Approximately £650 to £950 per month (usually including water, electricity, heating, and Wi-Fi).
• Groceries & Essentials: Expect to spend around £150 to £250 per month by shopping at local supermarkets.
• Utilities & Bills (if unbundled): Roughly £50 to £90 per month for gas, electricity, and broadband. Full-time international students are generally exempt from UK Council Tax.

Transportation Options

Getting around Manchester is straightforward due to its integrated public transport network:

• Buses: Wilmslow Road and Oxford Road form one of the busiest bus corridors in Europe, offering continuous service between student areas and the universities. Standard single bus fares across Greater Manchester are capped, keeping daily travel affordable.
• Metrolink Tram Network: Manchester’s light rail system connects the city centre with surrounding boroughs, key train stations, and MediaCityUK.
• Cycling & Walking: The city is relatively flat, and dedicated cycle lanes along the main university corridors make walking or cycling to campus a practical, cost-free alternative.

Strategic tip: leverage your own room at home!

A useful approach to finding a room is to list your own current room before leaving. By posting your accommodation on Exchange Rooms and sharing the details with the international office at your host institution in Manchester, local students heading abroad to your home university can rent your space. This exchange model helps generate matching listings directly in your destination city.

If you do not have a room to sublet, you can still set up an account to browse available spaces. Sharing the platform with both your home and host universities helps expand the peer-to-peer network, improving accommodation options for everyone involved.

Exchange Rooms

Exchange Rooms supports incoming students by streamlining the housing search in Manchester. Search for rooms in the area or learn more and make an account!

Good luck finding housing, we’re rooting for you!