HELLO -
I’m a first year PhD student but I did my undergrad degree at Manchester so I know the city well. If you enjoy a good night out then Manchester has plenty to offer in the evenings, either in town at the weekend or around campus on weeknights. Highlights are definitely the Warehouse Project and smaller nights at the Roadhouse, but there is something for everyone.
As for places to live; I’ve lived in Rusholme for the last two years, which lies parallel to the curry mile. There are obvious benefits to living there, with the added bonus of my house being equidistant from both curry and jerk chicken. Platt Fields Park, the home of Parklife Festival, is also on my doorstep. If you want to live somewhere lively then getting a house in Fallowfield or Withington is the best option. Both areas have plenty of bars in the centre and Fallowfield in particular is buzzing most nights when undergrads are around. If you prefer life a little quieter, then Didsbury and Chorlton are good places to live – if a little more expensive and further out.
Pete