10 night out lessons every Manchester student learns by their final year

Manchester nights out…where to begin? Everyone you meet at Uni has their own stories about Manchester’s nightlife, from the unforgettable to the downright regrettable, or somewhere in-between. Navigating Manchester’s nightlife is practically a degree on its own, with lessons in street smarts, stamina, and serious budgeting. It takes more than a few nights out to master the scene and, as my graduation edges ever closer, it’s time to pass on the torch of wisdom. Here’s a crash course in what every student learns by the end of their Mancunian adventure to give you a head start on the journey.

1. House parties > clubs

By final year, it becomes clear that house parties are the best (and cheapest) bet for a good night out. No entry fees, no queues, no sweaty strangers and no hour-long wait for vomit-covered toilets.

2. Dress to impress or stay dry?

Planning to wear that mini skirt? Plan again. Manchester’s unpredictable downpours have their own agenda that, more often than not, will leave you shivering on the bus at 2 a.m. The seasoned student knows better than to wait for someone to take pity and lend a coat, but comes prepared with a dedicated ‘night out but rain-ready’ wardrobe.

3. Pre-drinks/journey juice

Let’s face it, those £12 Northern Quarter cocktails aren’t happening on a student budget. By final year, you’ll have perfected the art of pre-drinking so that you don’t feel the cold and maybe sneaking a can or two onto the bus so you don’t arrive at the club stone-cold sober.

4. Meal prep (kind of)

Most Read

Exposed: The six MAFS UK 2024 cast members who already have new partners since the show

Another MAFS UK 2024 groom has posted a new girlfriend since the show and I can’t keep up

The Love Is Blind cast members who have turned to OnlyFans after failing in the pods

This might be a loose interpretation of the term, but your drunken self will thank you for the leftover pizza waiting in the fridge after a night out.  A bit of planning can go a long way to satisfy those late-night cravings, while saving your bank account from yet another pricey takeaway.

5. Invest in a digital camera

Perfect for capturing moments you won’t remember the morning after. Plus, the aesthetic vintage blur is a lot more forgiving on drunken eyes than your iPhone’s brutal HD lens. Pre-warning: You will be bombarded in the morning by people asking for the pictures. With great power comes great responsibility.

6. You’re not getting on that 143

There is nothing more humbling than waiting in the rain as every Stagecoach headed home at 3 a.m. flashes the dreaded ‘bus full’ sign. Eventually, you’ll have to bite the bullet and call for an overpriced Uber (which no one will pay you back for).

7. When the Beryl bikes call your name, don’t listen

Leading on from lesson 6, I understand the temptation of hopping on a £1.50 Beryl bike when the bus situation is looking hopeless after a night out. However, after a few drinks, the dream of riding through the streets like you’re in a 2000s rom-com will quickly land you wobbling into a ditch.

8. Mix it up

Ground-breaking news: There is more to life than Factory 251. Venture out further into Manchester’s nightlife to check out what NQ and Deansgate have to offer. By final year, it might be time to leave the sticky disco floors behind.

9. Shoes should be functional, not fashionable

I know those cute heels you treated yourself to for a special occasion are begging to be taken for a spin, but let’s be real – they will never see the light of day. Avoid the barefoot walk of shame down Oxford Road by opting instead for your trusty battered trainers.

10. Treasure every moment

Nights out as a final-year student can be somewhat bittersweet. After all, once you enter the working world, it’s probably not socially acceptable to turn up in the morning with last night’s makeup and mistakes on.  So on that note… wear that tiny top, make silly drunken memories and cherish every moment of it!