Ten iconic sights and sounds you’ll only recognise as a Manchester student

As anyone local may tell you, we do things differently in Manchester. That may well be true, there’s nowhere else that you can find genuine insanity every time you leave the house. From local legends, to campus drama – there’s something special about the capital of the north.

We’ve selected our top ten iconic sights and sounds that only students would recognise. Bonus points given if you can name every sensory overload on the much despised Market Street.  

1.The tram toot

If ever you need a spark of joy, look no further than Piccadilly Gardens – controversial, we know. Whilst the trams usually only let their warning cry out when someone is risking being mowed down on the tracks, it’s a pretty sweet little sound. It’s definitely not confined to Piccadilly but, let’s be honest, you don’t find toot-inspiring stupidity in many other places.

2. The Fallowfield bus queue 

I guarantee there are bus queues in other places in the country, but you’d be fooled into thinking the 142 was a Beyonce concert with the way students line up around Owens Park. If ever there was a suggestion that bus services might need expanding, it’s the hundred man queue. Granted, it never lasts far into the first semester. 

3. Allens 

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There’s no place like home: It’s the arms you’ll always fall back into, the place you’ll make memories and maybe even meet the love of your life (cheesy chips). I won’t hear that every uni has their special takeaway, Allens is unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s also the only place open after the clubs close.

4. Boom Box Barry 

@the.manc

Boombox Barry = poetry in motion. Is this the most Manc scene imaginable? 🤣 #manchester #mcr #themanc #boomboxbarry

♬ original sound – The Manc

A local legend, Boom Box Barry might be one of the unsung heroes of Manchester. You’ll be having the worst day of the semester, standing in the rain waiting for your (packed) bus to finally arrive, when suddenly he whizzes past.

Blaring songs you’ll never really hear, his bike carries him around the streets like our own musical Santa. The MEN reported that he is infact called Barry (Barrington), so at least part of his myth can be cleared up. 

5. DJ Billy 

Warehouse Project move over, this guy has got it all. Gracing The Vic every Friday night, you’d struggle to get in if you arrive after nine. He can be identified by his iconic uniform: A suit, a trilby hat, and a CD-case full of 80s bangers.

He’s a star, and there’s no better way to kick off your weekend.

6. Magic bus lady 

@kavisthemaincharacter

#fallow #fallowfield #143 #manchester #mmu #uom #143bus

♬ original sound – Kaveenash

This woman is an icon and a gem, and can be frequently spotted on the 142 giving lectures and handing out flyers. Jagkanchana Singh has been roaming student areas for years (ask a third year), with her famous blue eyeshadow and sometimes unintelligible speeches. She’s also arguably the friendliest person in the city, and I won’t hear a bad word about her.

7. Market Street 

Does anyone enjoy shopping here? Truly, no. But is it one of the most defining parts of the city? Definitely.

You can’t walk two steps toward the Aldi without being accosted, shoved into, or enticed by some street performance. It captures the true essence of a market (dread), and the true creative (insane) spirit of Manchester. 

8. Didsbury Dozeners 

Manchester’s answer to the Otley Run, you’ll know things are about to get messy when you see a group of costume-clad drinkers. It attracts all sorts: Toga parties, Hen dos, Ou Est Le Poulet.

Whether they’re playing a touch of pub golf or just generally causing a raucous, you’ll know them when you see them. 

9. The true spirit of Rah

Exeter move along, Manchester is the official home of the Rah. Characterised by a love of vintahge and getting “sooo mashed lahst night!”, they’re just like us but posher. You can’t get a bus home without overhearing them, and they stalk Fallowfield like it’s a home county. Uni wouldn’t be the same without them.

10. Massive St Peter’s Santa 

This may only appear in mid-November, but you will absolutely know when it does. The monstrosity is usually accompanied by the dreaded markets, and a bunch of people trying to take a photo with him.

If it sparks any festive joy, it’s that for heading home for the Christmas holidays.