Welcome to belonging
Over 200 years of Manchester history, and now you’re part of it too.
Our Welcome site has all the information you need for your first few weeks with us, from registering as a student to using our services and finding support. We’ve also compiled a full schedule of Welcome events and activities designed to introduce you to Manchester and help you make friends.
Welcoming community
You're part of a community of students from 190 countries.
1 of world's best cities
Ranked 15th in Time Out’s 50 Best Cities In the World survey (2024).
President's welcome
President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Ivison welcomes you to The University of Manchester, and talks to recent graduates about their favourite memories and experiences.
Current students also share their tips on what to expect during your first weeks, and how to make the most of Welcome.
I'm Duncan Ivison. I'm the President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester. Welcome to our university. I know you might be feeling a bit anxious and unsure about what awaits you here at university if you're joining us for the first time. The most important thing to know is that you belong here and we want to see you succeed.
So my name’s Harry. I just finished my second year. Starting off at university is always going to be a huge experience. For most of us it involves moving hours away from home into a new city.
One or two top tips for new students coming to Manchester?
I don't think there's ever a student who's looked back at their first week of university and gone: ‘I did too much’.
For me, I think you have to be able to step out of your comfort zone and, like, just explore everything and meet new people.
I'd say, do a society. That's what made me the most friends.
I think be kind to yourself. You're always going to be a little bit behind where you want to be and that's a normal part of the process. And just celebrate all the little wins.
During Welcome Week, throw yourself into everything we offer you. Enjoy this amazing, beautiful campus. Explore all the different societies and clubs and make sure you avail yourself of all the services that we have available to support you.
I'm Oliver.
Oliver, nice to meet you.
Remember that there's a lot of support out there, but you need to ask for it.
We have amazing professors here and amazing people, so do use the resources well.
Everyone’s so amazing and great, and this was by far the best three years of my life.
But the most important thing is to remember that you're here to enjoy a fantastic experience, and we want you to succeed. I look forward to seeing you in September.
Key information
Register as a student
You'll be invited to complete your registration between 1 and 30 September.
Welcome events
Check out the events and activities we have planned for you during Welcome Week.
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Student services
Learn about the services that are here to support and help you get the most from your student experience.
Student life
Discover some of the things you can get involved with during your time as a Manchester student.
Student advice
Aurora's advice
"Don't put too much stress on yourself because it can be so overwhelming in the first week when you see over 400 societies and so many activities going on every day. If you want to, you can try everything, but that doesn't mean you have to participate in every event arranged by your societies. You'll figure out what you like the most in the end."
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Irene
"Don't be afraid to ask questions. That's what the AskMe Ambassadors are there for. Ask questions if you're stuck and they'll be happy to help."
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Jacob
"Start good habits early. For me, that was making sure that everything was in my calendar. For others it might be making sure they make their bed or leave home at a certain time."
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Maansi
"Go out as much as you can. You might feel homesick and just want to stay in, but I promise if you keep yourself a bit busy and try to make new friends, it will get so much better."
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Ella
"Say yes to everything. When your flatmates ask you to go out and do something, go – even if it's not exactly your thing, it's good to get out of your room and try new things."
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Supporting you
Help and support services
We provide lots of help and support to make the process of becoming a student more straightforward.
If you find yourself confused or in need of some help, we're here for you. We’ve compiled guidance on tuition fees, registration, Disability Advisory and Support Services, Right to Study, and much more.
Teaching and learning
Your course has its own unique blend of activities to provide you with a great learning experience and plenty of choice and flexibility. Find out more about how you'll learn at Manchester, and how we’ll support you throughout your studies.
Stay up to date
Keep up with the University’s news and announcements on Student News – your go-to for all things related to student life. You’ll also find advice, support, events and content created by our students.
Next steps
What next
Follow the steps below to make the most of your first weeks at Manchester.
Prepare for your studies by completing our pre-arrival support module. We’ve worked with our students and colleagues to round up the best advice we can offer to help get you ready for university, and you’ll find it all here.
Once you receive your email to register as a student, make sure to complete all ten steps by the end of September – you’ll need your IT account username and password for this (the one you set up when you activated your IT account).
We’ve created several online resources to help you make a successful start with your teaching and learning here at Manchester. You can also discover tips for managing your money and banking in the UK, or listen to our podcast episode to hear our students discuss how they afford University life.
From Wednesday, 21 August, you can speak to our AskMe Ambassadors online and ask them any questions you have – no matter how small. They'll also be on campus when you arrive – just look for the AskMe badge.
There are a range of services designed to support and help you get the most out of university life throughout your time with us.
Make sure to also check where on campus your School’s Student Support Hub is located and how to get in touch. Whether you need career advice, wellbeing support or help with course information, the Hubs team will be able to point you in the right direction.
Starting university can be daunting, but we have plenty of resources available to help you prioritise your wellbeing.
If you've previously been diagnosed with a mental health condition, let us know. It won’t have an impact on your application or your place at Manchester, but will allow us to signpost areas of support.
Whether you’re coming from full-time education, or you’re taking a career break to join us, university study can seem overwhelming.
Find out about teaching and learning at Manchester, and you can also brush up on your digital skills with our learning resource.
There’s a lot going on during your first week at university, from Freshers’ Fairs and campus tours to society showcases and social events. To make sure you don’t miss anything, plan your Welcome events schedule.
Don’t forget to add @OfficialUoM on Instagram and TikTok for exclusive content, things to do and advice from students during Welcome Week and beyond.
Manchester Students’ Union is home to societies, volunteering opportunities, student democracy, live events and plenty more.
The city of Manchester is probably a huge reason you chose to study here, and there’s plenty to love. Find out more about Manchester and how to make the most of living here. You could also try a few of our 100 things to do in Manchester.
Keep an eye out on Student News on the first day of every month for our monthly guide to what’s on in Manchester.