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Just secured a place at one of the two huge universities in Manchester? Firstly, congrats! Second of all, we got you, here at OHS we know that moving to a new city for the first time can be intimidating, to say the least.
Rest assured, there are plenty of good reasons to come and study here, not least the nightlife, Mancunians being a very friendly bunch of people who like to go out and party - HARD! And with one of the biggest student populations in Europe, it is no wonder there are student nights almost every night of the week.
To help stretch that student loan and save you some time, we have rounded up 7 of the best bars and clubs for a big night out in the town centre. This guide is certainly not exhaustive but these are all great places to start whilst you settle into the city!
Black Dog
Found in the centre of Manchester’s Northern Quarter underneath the iconic Affleck’s Palace, Black Dog is a New York-style bar that serves fabulous cocktails, inspired by “The Big Apple” and other various USA cities/states, until at least 4 am every day of the week.
The late-night venue also has a pool hall that consists of 4, you guessed it, American pool tables. Do not miss out on their ‘Free pool Wednesdays’ where you get a whole hour of play for free when you grab a drink! If you drop by during peak time, this will end up costing you £9 which you could instead use to buy a couple of drinks or even one of our luxurious bedding sets…
Thank us later for saving you from those inevitable awkward silences when you instantaneously break the ice with your new flatmates whilst breaking the balls!
Twenty Twenty Two
Images: Jack Kirwin
Similar to Black Dog, Twenty Twenty Two is situated in the Northern Quarter and offers more than just the standard bar experience with their ping pong room that includes around 10 tables.
It is another late one too, serving both balls and booze until 4 am on the weekend, and has amazing offers available throughout the week. If you consider yourself good at ping pong, head down there on a Thursday after 8 pm to have a go at beating the bartender to win a free round for you and your mates!
Anticipate asking “your place or mine?” as well as “your serve or mine?”? Do not forget to pick up our NEW ‘Back To Mine’ uni bundle so that your room is fully decked out ready to invite over a crush or your new clique at a moment’s notice...
YES
YES is a rather recent addition to the city but in the short time it has been here, the venue has definitely impressed, and it is no surprise when they bring a bit of everything to Charles Street. The spot occupies a former auctioneers’ house and is spread out across four floors that are dedicated to putting on all kinds of live music, from local acts to big names.
There is a large social dining area serving street food on the ground floor, a club in the basement, and a bright pink warehouse-style room used for gigs on the first floor. Make sure to head all the way up to the top to find the lovely rooftop terrace!
Do not blame us if you get major beer fear the next day after spending your eve here since the pints, in particular, are a proper bargain…
Ark Manchester
Looking for somewhere more stylish, sassy, and sophisticated to go out in Manchester? Well, look no further than ARK, one of the most popular venues on Deansgate Locks. Each night here offers a completely different experience, whether you are looking for a high-energy night out with top DJs, stilt walkers, and fire breathers, or a chilled candlelit evening looking out onto the canal!
The bar takes advantage of its cool industrial plot, with bare brick walls inside, and features ultra-modern booth seating that can fit the whole gang. If you are feeling super spendy, you can always get the full-star treatment in their exclusive VIP area.
Show up on a Wednesday during their 'Playroom' night to get £1.50 drinks all night or even on a ‘Karma’ Friday to swig £2 drinks all night! You know what they say, what goes around comes around...
Fifth Nightclub
Formerly known as 5th Avenue, Fifth is one of the longest-running and most successful nightclubs in Manchester so you can count on them knowing how to throw a good night. With two rooms of great music, the arena blasting commercial and indie tunes whilst the bunker pumps out hip hop and R&B bangers, there is something for everyone to enjoy...
As with most places, they also host weekly events, the most notable being “Manchester’s BIGGEST student night” aka their ‘Made In the 90s’ party, which is every Tuesday, where they serve 90p, yes 90p, drinks all night!
Keep it casual when deciding what to wear here as things can get messy quite quickly with the cheap alcohol available, especially when they host their infamous foam parties...
FAC251
FAC251 is not just a club but it is in fact 3 clubs in one, having 3 different dance floors and delivering a range of hits from different musical genres! Located on the site of the famous Factory Records, this student-fave is another to offer super cheap drinks and host popular student nights during the week.
Entry and drinks are as little as £1 on a Monday for “Manchester’s BIGGEST Monday night” aka their ‘Quids In’ night. If going out on a school night is not for you, check out their ‘The Big Weekender’ night on Saturdays where you can get £3 entry with your student card all night!
Bring a tipple with you for queueing up at FAC251 as the lines can usually get pretty long but trust us, they are more than worth it…
42s
42s is perhaps Manchester’s favourite indie nightclub, the venue being completely devoted to playing alternative music with a nod to Manchester’s past (think The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Oasis, etc.) as well as an ear to the future. Be warned, chart lovers!
Previously known as George Best’s legendary Slack Alice's club in the 1960s, 42s has a real history to it and there is an especially friendly atmosphere that can be found here which also sets the club apart from its competition. Amongst the crowd, you will find plenty of other students soaking up the good vibes and the inexpensive drinks.
Whatever your budget, 42’s iconic ‘SKINT’ night every Thursday will certainly have you covered, and with £1 Bakewell bombs, £1.50 vodka mixers, and £1.50 bottles, what more could you want? Exactly, see you on the dancefloor!