I had always wanted to study abroad, so when I received the acceptance letter from the University of Manchester, I was super excited for the opportunity to learn in one of the best universities in the world.
Given that I had never been to this city before, I was a little afraid the culture and the people might be too different from what I was used to back home. Turns out, Manchester has been amazing. Not only are the people friendly and welcoming but you also get to live in a city filled with activities for every taste.
My favourite part so far has been meeting people from all over the world. I've always been interested in knowing the particularities of how people live in different countries, and now I live in a multicultural city where I can learn from people everywhere.
I have been very lucky to be classmates with people that are open-minded and always eager to hear about your own experiences. I believe that the key is to always be respectful and understanding of other people's background… and always keep an open mind.
Another great thing about Manchester has been the availability of numberless places to eat. As a foodie myself, I am always looking for new places to eat and this city has delivered. Believe me when I tell you that you will be able to find restaurants that you'll be obsessed with and love forever.
Also, there are tons of discounts for students in restaurants and stores. My favourite app so far has been UNiDAYS, it has all kinds of discounts for trains, hotels, electronics, CLOTHES, you name it. As soon as you get here make sure you get it and subscribe. Also, you can subscribe to Amazon prime for students with your university mail and you will get amazon prime free for 6 months with discounts on books (which is great if you need to buy books for your classes).
I hope this helps you get a little sense of the experience you'll live once you move in here. So far, it's been great for me.