Welcome back to our series of making student life easy. Be it student accommodation in UK or comparing UK cities, there are tons of things for students to figure out. And today, we are going to answer questions related to Manchester vs Liverpool.

Getting accepted in universities of Manchester and Liverpool is quite a happy news. But at last it comes to the fact which one to pick, isn’t it? Both Manchester and Liverpool are excellent cities for students. The universities, culture, cafes, student attractions, etc, there is nothing that these cities don’t have to offer. Moreover, they are so amazing that one doesn’t even want to leave the city at all. 

Understanding the excitement, we have penned down everything regarding the Manchester vs Liverpool debate, so that you make an informed decision. From housing to cost of living, Uninist is here again to bring solutions to student living problems. So, without further ado, let’s get to business and find you the answers you are looking for!

Manchester vs Liverpool – How to find Student Accommodation in These Cities?

When you consider moving to a new city, the first and foremost thing you look for is the place to live. And, finding the right student accommodation in Manchester or Liverpool can be a headache sometimes. Here are a few things you should consider or know when you are looking for a place to live:

• Make a Non-Negotiable List: Set a limit on aspects like budget, proximity to university, etc while exploring student apartments. This will allow you to bifurcate the listings well and you will not cross the line in terms of budget, rooms and more. Plus, set a monthly budget and try to not cross it. The whole concept of setting a non-negotiable list is to make a list of items on which you will not compromise. This can help in speeding up the search process as you clearly know what you are looking for in your student accommodation.
• Select the Right Type: There are many types of student accommodation offered in the UK like university halls, ensuite rooms, private rooms, student apartments, etc. So, decide which kind of student accommodation you want. Pro tip: if you are a first year student opt for university halls and then in later years pick private or sharing houses.
• Apply to University Halls First: Many universities in the UK guarantee or prioritize first-years and international students for their university halls. Check application window, deadlines and priority rules of universities in Manchester and Liverpool.
• Search Trusted Platforms and Set Alerts: The rental market is growing so is the trust in students. There are many reliable platforms such as Uninist, etc that offer many facilities to find the right match. You can use filters like price, distance, ensuite, bills, etc, don’t forget to enable email alerts so you can apply first.
• Check the Student Accommodation in Person: If you are in Manchester or Liverpool, go yourself to check the student accommodation in person as it will give you a clear idea about the place. Look at gas safety certificates, heat and electricity, fire exits, cleanliness, surveillance cameras.
• Read the Tenancy Agreement Carefully: Know exact tenancy dates, notice periods and whatever landlord can ask for a guarantor. Deposits are legally capped so check the tenant fees/deposit rules. You can even check for UK Tenant Rights to have a better idea while figuring out lease agreements.
• Where and How Deposits are Protected: Ask for which government-approved deposit scheme holds your money and get a receipt. Make sure to not to pay any large sums in cash or to a private account before signing.
• Confirm What’s Included: Clarify everything what is included in the rent and what not. Explore details about utilities such as electricity, gas, water, broadband, etc.
• Red Flags you Should Avoid: There are few red flags you should know about like rent being too low, landlord won’t meet you, requests for transfer before viewing, or listings copied across multiple sites. Insist on an in-person viewing, verify the listing on multiple platforms, and pay via traceable bank transfer.
• Move in and Keep Records: The last step is to move into your student accommodation which you have selected, but we advise before you unpack, take a photo of the room. Do not forget to keep records like the signed copy of tenancy and receipts.

So, whether you are looking for student accommodation in Liverpool or Manchester, make sure to follow the tips mentioned above. This will certainly help you during the search for your next home in UK.

Manchester vs Liverpool – Cost of Living in Both the Cities

The United Kingdom as a country is quite expensive. However, not every city is. When it comes to Manchester and Liverpool, they are expensive. Here is the in-detail guide on the cost of living along with comparison:

In the end, we can understand that Manchester is slightly more expensive than Liverpool. 

Manchester vs Liverpool – Student Life in Both the Cities

Both the cities offer a tremendous lifestyle for students. With a complete guide for fresher students in UK, here are some points to compare both the cities:

There, but here are some points to compare the student life of both the cities:

• City and Atmosphere

1. Manchester: This city offers a bigger, busier lifestyle with a cosmopolitan feel and diverse international student community.
2. Liverpool: On the contrary, this city offers a smaller, friendly atmosphere, with a strong sense of local culture and a close-knit student vibe.

• Nightlife and Entertainment 

1. Manchester: The city is famous for its huge nightlife scene- clubs, bars, live music in areas like Deansgate, Northern Quarter.
2. Liverpool: As for the nightlife aspect of Liverpool it is more compact but lively, famous for live music, pub culture, and affordable night outs.

• Campus and Facilities

1. Manchester: Large universities like University of Manchester, along with extensive research faculties and modern libraries.
2. Liverpool: Liverpool also has famous universities like University of Liverpool. They have well-maintained campuses and good student support with everything closer together.

• Transport and Connectivity

1. Manchester: Manchester has a larger tram, train, bus network; connected to other major UK cities.
2. Liverpool: Smaller transport network but walkable city centre and good bus/ferry links.

Conclusion

Choosing the next few years of your student life can be a big decision. When it comes to the debate Manchester vs Liverpool, we understand both cities are tempting but you have to be practical. Just like comparisons such as Birmingham vs Manchester & others, you have to understand what you want and how.

Our guide has been specifically designed to meet your requirements in terms of student housing in UK, cost of living and much more. So, explore the city you are living in, visit museums and cultural spots of Manchester or cafes in Liverpool for a better experience. And, to get the right student accommodation, get on Uninist today!

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