The University of Manchester
speciality: Anthropology

The University of Manchester exceeded my expectations. It actually ranks among the best institutions of higher learning in the United Kingdom. Its academic staff comprises of professors with lots of experience in their subject areas. They were very supportive and helpful

Manchester is without a doubt one of the best university cities. It has an undeniable vibrancy that’s hard to match, with a creative heart running through it. There’s always something new to discover from music to art to culture. The city’s deep roots in creativity continue to draw people in. That unique charm makes living and studying here not only exciting but also a truly inspiring and propelling experience.

In terms of the University of Manchester as an institution, I studied Social Anthropology and had an excellent academic experience. The teaching was strong, and UoM’s reputation for research and academic excellence is well deserved. The fact that I was able to study Social Anthropology as a single honours degree is also testament to the wide range of courses the university offers at the time, I could only find this option at Manchester, Edinburgh, and London. UoM also provides a wealth of opportunities for dual honours and degree combinations, as well as placements and study abroad programmes. For example, I spent a year studying in Australia as part of my social science degree, a rare and invaluable opportunity that not many universities make available.

The Students’ Union at Manchester is fantastic. There’s a huge variety of activities to get involved in. Whether you’re interested in sports, politics, or the arts, there truly is something for everyone.

The only downside I’d mention is convenience. Manchester is a big city, and if you’re coming from a smaller place with short commutes (like I was), be prepared to spend more time on the bus. Unless you cycle or drive, the bus is the most practical way to get around. The route from Fallowfield (where most students live) to the university is straightforward: about a 30-minute walk, while getting into town takes a bit longer. But honestly, this would be my only negative about Manchester: bigger cities naturally mean longer commutes compared to smaller ones. It’s a minor inconvenience, and Manchester is absolutely worth it.

Overall, Manchester provides the perfect canvas for an incredible student experience. With four universities in the city, the atmosphere is young, vibrant, and full of energy. It’s the ideal place to experiment, learn, and enjoy the quality of life that comes with a big city, but without being so large that it feels overwhelming. Friendly, exciting, and full of opportunities, Manchester strikes a unique balance that makes it a great place to study and live.

I graduated with a Bachelors in Social Anthropology from this university, which is one of the best programs in the world for this subject. The teaching was incredible, the lecturers prepare the course material which so much care that you are expanding your knowledge to the best of their abilities. However, attending this university during the pandemic really showed me how little they cared about the students welfare. From unanswered emails to cancelled classes to lack of resources for students in these circumstances. Keep that in mind when you’re applying to this university