Are you a student who just got accepted into universities in both Birmingham and Manchester, UK? We understand you might be amid big confusion to choose what, isn’t it? Don’t worry, we have brought you the exact student-specific guide to figure out the debate Birmingham vs Manchester. 

When it comes to choosing one out of the two, there are multiple factors to consider. Both cities are great for studies, student accommodation in UK, lifestyle and much more. This is why we at Uninist have penned down the exact reasons for each city for you to make an informed decision. Whether it is about comparison between cities or finding student housing in UK, Uninist is here. So, without any more delay let’s get into the business!

Birmingham Vs Manchester – How to Find Student Accommodation?

Be it Birmingham or Manchester, finding affordable and flexible student accommodation in the UK is quite a task. Here are some top tips to find right accommodation in both cities: 

• Decide your Budget and Room Type: Every city in the United Kingdom brings a variety of student housing. Some of the top types include university halls, private halls, shared houses, and student apartments. In these kinds of housing, you can expect a weekly expense between £100 – £200 depending on the house, location, and facilities. 
• Check University Accommodation: Your search should start with on-campus accommodation first as they are nearest to the college. But when we speak of on-campus student  accommodation in Birmingham or Manchester, they fill up very fast. So, consider applying before the deadline as many universities guarantee student accommodation for first years only if you apply before the deadline. After this you can search on platforms like Uninist for finding suitable student accommodation in Manchester and Birmingham. 
• View properties and Inspect Carefully: We recommend you explore 3-4 properties first and then pick one. From amenities to security, check every factor before finalizing one. There are factors including utilities like heating, Wi-Fi, etc, room facilities, cleanliness, CCTV and more. Also, ask about utility maintenance, lease terms and rent before deciding, there are particular UK Tenant Rights that every tenant has. 
• Understand Contracts and Deposit Rules: When you start living alone, you have to be more aware of things. So, do not forget to read and understand the contract before signing it. Read the tenancy terms fully and confirm what’s included. Also, ensure your deposit is protected in a UK government scheme. 
• Finalise and Move in Safely: Sign only after receiving a written agreement and deposit protection details. Pro tip: Take photos of the room’s condition before unpacking and settling in and unpack.

Follow these steps and you are good to go. Make sure to find both long-term and short-term student accommodation in Manchester and Birmingham which are close to your college. As a result, you don’t have to travel a lot for your university. 

Birmingham vs Manchester – Cost of Living in Both the Cities

We already know that the whole United Kingdom is an expensive affair, but every city has a different cost of living. To make it more understandable and easy for our readers, here is a table for cost of living in both the cities: 

If we gave a final verdict on which city is expensive, it is obviously Birmingham, but that doesn’t mean Manchester is not expensive.

Birmingham vs Manchester – Academics, Colleges & Global Rankings

Both the city has exceptional universities, academic level, and great global rankings. Giving a tough competition to each other, there are plenty of things to consider before making a decision. Here is the important information you should know: 

Birmingham

• Top Universities: The city of Birmingham has some great universities like University of Birmingham, Aston University, Birmingham City University. These are definitely the best and top universities of Birmingham.
• Global Rankings: QS – 80th(2025), THE – 93rd(2025), and ARWU – 151-200.
• Special Strength: Over 25 subjects in UK Top 10, strong in research, sustainability rank – 38th globally, 14th in UK(QS). 
• Reputation: Known for excellent graduate employability and research collaborations worldwide. 

Now it’s time for Manchester, let’s have a look at it. 

Manchester

• Top Universities: Just like Birmingham, the city of Manchester also has many world class universities like University of Manchester, Alliance Manchester Business School. 
• Global Rankings: QS – 34th(2025), THE – 53rd(2024), and ARWU – 52nd(2024). These are the rankings the universities in Manchester received on a global level. 
• Special Strength: #1 in UK and Europe, #2 globally in THE impact rankings 2024; research rated 93% world-reading or internationally excellent 
• Reputation: Manchester is the largest single-site UK university, globally influential, highly targeted by top employers. 

Conclusion 

As we reach the end of the debate of Birmingham vs Manchester, we can say that both the cities are great for students. Whether it is about comparing cities such as Birmingham vs Liverpool, etc or exploring student housing in UK, there are multiple factors to consider before choosing one. While you decide which city to pick, don’t forget to explore other things as well such as cafes, museums and much more. 

In the end, we can say that both cities have something good to offer. So, get on Uninist to find answers to every student’s living question. And, don’t forget to enjoy your college-life to the fullest.

FAQ