With exam season over and deadlines finally submitted, I found myself with more free time than I’ve ever had since moving to Manchester.

Call me biased, but I really do believe that this is the best city in the country. Maybe even in Europe.

One of my favourite parts of Manchester? The amazing nightlife scene.

So, I decided…

What better way to experience my final few weeks before moving home than to try out some of the hidden gems throughout the city?

That’s exactly what I did. I guess you could call it primary research. That’s how I justified it, anyway.

Here’s my list of the best student nights out in Manchester, and the places I’ll definitely be revisiting when I’m back in September.

The Blues Kitchen

I’m a simple girl. Give me some live music and space to dance, and I’m a very happy bunny.

If you’ve done any research into nightlife in Manchester, you’ll almost certainly heard of The Blues Kitchen.

With gorgeous aesthetics, live jazz performances from local artists and incredible food and drinks, Blues is the ultimate spot for girls’ night. It’s pretty much sacred grounds in our group now.

Their cocktails are unmatched, especially the margaritas. They also offer food and drinks discounts throughout the week, perfect for budget-conscious students like me.

My friends and I love a late-night Blues night, when the upstairs area turns more into a club. Their rotation of R&B, jazz and afrobeats always hits.

Plus, it’s only a 15-minute walk away from House of Social, making it the perfect night out.

The Courtyard

The Courtyard is the best student bar in town. Yep, I said it. My friends and I would even argue that it’s way better than any of the Student Union’s.

Students from all of Manchester’s three universities regularly go to Courtyard, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to always meet new people. The drinks and food are super cheap, the music is great and there’s a big beer garden which is perfect for evenings at the start of the year.

They even show live sports and have specific nights for different league events and boxing matches.

Everyone is really friendly and the atmosphere is great. It’s only across the road from House of Social, which is even better.

Old Wellington

My favourite proper pub in Manchester city centre has to be The Old Wellington.

This place is the perfect all-rounder. It’s cosy, comfortable and right in the city centre. If you’re looking for somewhere to have a drink before a meal or a mandatory beer garden afternoon in the sun, this is your spot.

With a varied food and drinks menu, Wellie suits everyone. Although it’s a bit further away from House of Social, it’s more than worth the walk.

There’s also a tram directly from Deansgate-Castelfield to Exchange Square, dropping you off right outside the pub.

House of Social Food Hall

Yep, I’m saving the best ‘til last.

As a House of Social student, the main selling point for me was the Food Hall. And honestly, it’s really exceeded my expectations.

I’ve spent so much time in the Food Hall with my friends, whether that was for afternoon study sessions, the pub quiz, and especially the live music nights. The menus are so varied, which is perfect for a larger groups as there really is something for everyone.

I love how the Food Hall is divided into two: dining hall downstairs and the social area upstairs. The second bar, pool tables and photobooth area are our typical haunts.

My boyfriend is obsessed with pool, and has insisted that we go downstairs for a game nearly every night this week. The vibe (and the spicy margs) more than make up for my terrible performance.

The best thing about the Food Hall is how social it is. It makes it so easy to meet new people.

I’ve also made so many friends through House of Social’s monthly Pizza and Pints social, which is completely free and exclusive to residents.

I really feel part of the community. Not just in the building, but in my new city too.

House of Social as the perfect student base

Living in House of Social has truly given me the best experience as a fresher. I’d recommend it to any new student currently looking for accommodation in Manchester.

Its central location is so close to all the student pubs, clubs and bars, which makes it perfect. Even if I was coming back late, I always felt safe knowing I was only a five-minute walk from home. Being able to say “yes” to last-minute plans made my social life even better.

These are just a few of my favourite places for student nights out in Manchester.

I’m so excited to move back in September and discover even more incredible student nights out spots.