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Revealing The Manchester Student Bars You Need To Visit in 2024

Sep 30th 2024

If you’re a student who’s just moved to the vibrant city of Manchester and you’re looking for the best spots to head for some post-lecture drinks, then you need to check out our full comprehensive list. 

In this blog post, we will be revealing the top Manchester student bars which you need to visit this academic year, with venues to suit everyone’s budgets and preferences. 

The best part is, whilst living with X1, you can benefit from exclusive deals and discounts with our Loyalty Card. So, let’s dive in and explore all of Manchester’s best venues for students! 

manchester student bars to visit

Gorilla 

Situated in the heart of Manchester City Centre, Gorilla is a prime location for students, offering a wide mix of club nights and events 7 nights a week. 

But it isn’t all partying, they also have a grill menu and gin parlor, so if you’re looking to catch up with your flatmates over some food and drink, this is the place. 

From Tuesday through to Thursday, X1 tenants can take advantage of 20% off your food and drinks, so make sure to take a visit whilst studying in Manchester! 

 

 

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YES Manchester 

We couldn’t compile a list of the best student bars in Manchester, without including YES on the list, could we? 

Spread over floor fours, YES is a funky venue which hosts student friendly events and club nights, showcasing the best up and coming music in the city. 

If that wasn’t enough to convince you, they offer 2-for-1 cocktails from 12pm until 6pm every day, and their leafy roof terrace is the perfect suntrap. 

Open from 12pm 7 days a week, this is for sure somewhere you need to check out, whatever kind of night you’re after. 

 

 

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Soup Kitchen

If you want to have a drink, a dance and make the most of Manchester’s student scene, Soup Kitchen should be your first port of call. 

This multi award winning nightclub and live music venue is located in the centre of the Northern Quarter, and is one of the most sought-after venues for students. 

With a buzzing atmosphere and queues out the door, Soup Kitchen is a bar you can’t shy away from. 

Plus, they also have a delicious lunch menu so if you’re fancying a catch up with friends we’d highly recommend popping in. 

 

 

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Courtyard

No guide to the best Manchester student bars would be complete without giving a mention to Courtyard

Courtyard has built up a reputation as one of the cheapest bars in Manchester, making it ideal for your student budget, with drinks costing as little as £2.50. 

This bar is the ultimate social spot, with football and rugby shown on the big screen along with table football, pool and a jukebox to take advantage of. 

There’s even a huge beer garden, which is the best for soaking up the sun rays during the summer months. 

 

 

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Escape To Freight Island 

Not only is Escape To Freight Island one of the best bars in Manchester, it’s arguably one of the best bars in the country, and for good reason! 

Whether you’re wanting to grab a pint and watch some live sporting events, catch up over some cocktails, or make your way to the dance floor, this place is unforgettable. 

Fancying some tasty food and drinks? There’s a whole host of things on offer here, with vendors serving up New York style pizzas, Indian street food, Sunday roasts and more. 

Trust us when we say, your student years in Manchester won’t be complete without a visit to Freight Island. 

 

 

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The Blues Kitchen Manchester 

Next up within our guide is The Blues Kitchen, an American-inspired bar and restaurant hosting blues, soul and funk music every night of the week. 

If you’re looking for something a little different, this buzzing venue serves up dishes inspired by Southern US states, alongside a range of American inspired whiskies and bourbons, along with a wide range of other drinks. 

The best part? They even do a bottomless brunch deal on Saturday’s, so make sure to head here and see what it’s all about! 

 

Night & Day Cafe 

Your student years in Manchester wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a night out  at Night & Day Cafe.

Located on Oldham Street, Night & Day Café is one of the city’s most legendary venues, and has been bringing in crowds since 1990. 

A staple of the Manchester nightlife scene, this place is your go-to for live music, fresh food, DJ sets and affordable bevvies. 

Their event programme caters for any genre of music, so no matter what gets you grooving, you’re bound to have some unforgettable nights out here!  

 

 

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Ramona 

Specialising in Detroit style pizzas and margaritas, Ramona is a Northern Quarter favourite. 

Home to a campfire beer garden, a jam-packed programme of DJ sets and live music shows, and a fantastic tequila menu, you’re bound to love this place. 

This place does get super busy especially on the weekend, so we’d recommend booking a table in advance! 

 

 

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Pong & Puck 

Last but not least in our guide to Manchester’s top student bars is Pong & Puck.

Situated in the heart of Deansgate, Pong & Punk guarantees an unforgettable night with friends.

Whether you and your pals fancy a game of beer pong, shuffleboard, darts, table tennis, pool or even karaoke, this place has it all. 

Who doesn’t love a bit of old school anthems after a drink? This place plays the best tunes from the 80s, 90s and 00s, so grab your friends and party the night away. 

 

 

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With one of the biggest student populations in Europe, there’s no doubt that Manchester is filled with an electric mix of bars to suit every university go-er. 

We hope our blog post has provided you with some inspiration on where to head for your next night on the town!

If you’re yet to start your student life in Manchester, then make sure you take a look at our student accommodation options. 

With properties located across Manchester, offering all-inclusive bills and fantastic amenities, X1 is the ideal choice. 

Read next: Liverpool and Manchester Ranked Within The Best 20 Global Cities. 

 

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