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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

Manchester or York?

15 replies

exgov · 11/04/2013 17:14

Given that it seems hard to make a decision based on the course content, which is better to live in, particularly when it comes to finding a house in the second year? My DS is a pretty quiet, non-clubbing sort of person, but liked both cities...

OP posts:
boomting · 11/04/2013 18:57

Don't know about York, but in the case of Manchester

  • there's a massive oversupply of student accommodation (both uni halls and shared houses). I left it late this year (March) and still managed to cut a deal with the agent.
  • whilst there is a lot of nightlife in Manchester, and I would very much encourage him to go out at least in freshers week (if he's still living at home and not quite / only just 18 then I wouldn't expect him to really know if he likes clubbing yet or not) there are plenty of societies available for him to get involved in
www.sport.manchester.ac.uk/athletic-union manchesterstudentsunion.com/groups#club-society#academic

You don't give us a huge amount to go on in terms of what he's looking for, but generally IMHO Manchester has something for everyone, so long as you don't want a beach or countryside very nearby.

kritur · 12/04/2013 08:35

They are two very different cities and campuses. Manchester is very much your big city university campus although the student areas around fallowfield feel more villagey. York is campus bases and outside of the city so things are much more campus or college based.

Easy to find a house in 2nd year in Manchester, I'm not sure about York. From what you say about your son I would say York is a better fit but his personality could change a great deal over the coming months.

Original poster
exgov · 14/04/2013 14:28

Thanks, boomting and kritur - York does seem a better fit at present, but I agree that things could change. My current feeling is that he could be happy at either, so perhaps it's not too much of a problem.

OP posts:
BeckAndCall · 15/04/2013 15:47

I was at York in the middle of the last century and more I portray DD is in her second year there now.

The two cities Are just not comparable - it really is about what feels right for you, but you must know that already.

Accommodation wise, my DD lives in a house with friends from her first year hall of residence, and it's about 150 yards from the edge if campus. Hr house next year is about 1/4 mile away in a very studenty area where all her friends are in 3 houses in the same street. So there is nothing to worry about from the accommodation point of view.
They do go clubbing a fair bit - but less than they did in the first year and there is way more to be involved in than clubbing. What is your DS into? Or what would he like to get into?

BeckAndCall · 15/04/2013 15:49

more importantly obviously tusk did. I learn nothing there?

Original poster
exgov · 16/04/2013 20:02

You're right, beckandcall they're not very comparable! I think he's coming down on the side of York. I'm glad your DD is happy there.

OP posts:
mummyofteens · 19/04/2013 14:32

My son is a second year student at York, studying maths. He is very happy and settled at York. It was his insurance offer, he missed his grade for Warwick by 1 ums! so felt it was very much his second choice but he has made some great friends, enjoys his course and is very happy with how things have worked out :)

Original poster
exgov · 19/04/2013 16:28

That's interesting, mummyofteens, as my DS is also hoping for Warwick as first choice! Does he belong to many societies?

OP posts:
AntoinetteCosway · 19/04/2013 16:54

York is brilliant. It's 'outside' the city only by about a half hour walk or 10 minute bus ride, and that's to the city centre. It's a beautiful place and the university is great. Can you tell I went there Grin there's plenty of nightlife but loads of other things to do too. I wasn't much of a clubber but still had huge amounts of fun.

mummyofteens · 21/04/2013 22:28

He hasn't really joined many societies, he enjoys going to Chess club, he has a gym membership and did take self defence classes and dancing classes in his first year! He goes to the 'Maths' events, lectures etc and also to some sort of career development/advice sessions. As he said, there are societies/clubs for anything you can think of!

AngelaBrady · 03/02/2025 10:08

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EwwSprouts · 06/02/2025 22:32

There was an article at the weekend about physical space per student. I'm pretty sure Manchester came out as crammed, second only to one of the London universities.

Dearover · 07/02/2025 19:02

DD is studying for her MA at York after initially studying at Oxford. It's a beautiful city, good halls, good transport links and a lovely campus.

What does your DS want to study?

Catstare · 14/02/2025 12:41

I live near Manchester. Great student city .. lots going on but it rains all the bloody time here. York is really pretty and there is less rain and bigger skies. I say York 😁

indigoemerald · 14/02/2025 15:24

This thread is 12 years old! Think the OP has long since graduated 😂

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