Which Christmas film we’d give you based on your Uni of Manchester halls

What better way to start December than with a Christmas film? We thought it would be fun to pair each University of Manchester accommodation with an iconic Christmas movie that matches its vibe. Even if this post reminds you of how bad your accommodation is, hopefully, one of these films will help you get through those tough winter nights. And if not, at least you can dream of going home for Christmas, right?

1. Unsworth – A Christmas Carol  

Starting off strong with Unsworth, the University of Manchester’s priciest accommodation. Whilst you certainly won’t go cold in there this Christmas, you might encounter a Scrooge or two as the hall is filled with mostly private school people who might be too stingy to participate in Secret Santa.

After hearing from someone living there, who was asked to bank transfer £2 to a flat mate for what they thought was a free portion of spaghetti bolognese, I wouldn’t be trusting Unsworth to be sharing in the festive feeling. Bonus points for the accommodation having TVs in the kitchen – the spirit is kept alive when you can actually watch Christmas films together as a flat. 

2. Oak House – The Nightmare Before Christmas  

Yes, that’s right, Oak House truly is the nightmare before the Christmas holidays. With nightmare flat mates, constant hangovers, and cluttered kitchens, what more could make you appreciate the comfort of your parents’ house when you go home for Christmas?

Oak House permanently seems to be in the spirit of Halloween rather than Christmas… It’s not all bleak though, at least you can party your way through the winter deadlines.  

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3. Hulme Hall – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone  

Known for looking like Hogwarts, Hulme has the great benefit of having catered meals. If you’re staying over Christmas, you really can live out your Harry Potter fantasy, unless January exams are looming over your shoulder – in that case, Ashburne library is what you need.

Whilst the halls might not have flying candles and five star cuisine, at least you don’t have to suffer food shops in Rusholme’s Lidl or having to wash up in kitchens like Oak House.  

4. Ashburne Hall – Little Women  

Ashburne was the first hall founded for female students, making Little Women a fitting match for this accommodation. It still has mostly girls as students, with a few boys hidden in the corner. A feminist academic weapon’s dream – Jo March would study here if she went to Manchester. 

5. Weston Hall – Home Alone  

For being the furthest away from any other accommodation, we have to gift Weston Hall Home Alone. Whilst being ideally close to the city centre and not having to suffer going up and down the long stretch of Oxford Road (RIP to Fallowfield students), those in Weston Hall are nowhere near the social and infamous Fallowfield.

At least you’ll be close to the Christmas markets though, right?  

6. Richmond Park – Polar Express  

Just like the children in the Polar Express who are woken up by the noisy train, you too will probably be woken up by some sort of party, as Richmond is unfortunately near Unsworth and Oak House.

The only thing we’re adding on our Christmas list this year is some earbuds and some berocca…

7. Sheavyn House – Nativity!

Sheavyn’s kitchen tables are iconic for actually looking like a primary school dining table, and therefore Nativity! is awarded to Sheavyn. The song Sparkle and Shine will be the only thing in your head sitting in these kitchens. However, any Christmas spirit you did have will be reduced to a Mr Maddens-like grump when you find out the price of this accommodation. 

8. Dalton-Ellis – Arthur Christmas  

Having to pre in the halls due to its tiny kitchen size, Dalton Ellis does give the vibe of a year six disco. Hopefully they’ve not blown all their student loan on soft drinks as they’ll need the rest to buy Christmas gifts. 

9. Uttley House – The Snowman

 The Snowman is awarded to Uttley, as it is an older Christmas classic, just like the post-grads who live there. The Snowman is also a silent movie – pretty accurate in the fact that we’ve never heard anything from Uttley other than it doing a cracking pub quiz night every Thursday. Bonus points for the cosy conservatory. 

10. Woolton Hall, Brook Hall, Canterbury Court and George Kenyon Hall – Saving Christmas

A lesser known film for some lesser heard of Manchester accommodations. At least Victoria and City Campus’ quiet and less sociable accommodations will grant them a place on Santa’s good list this year.  

11. Whitworth Park – Krampus

Dimly lit corridors, shared bathrooms, sloping ceilings to hit your head on in the kitchens: A Christmas horror film seems appropriate for Whitworth Park, one of Manchester’s spookier accommodations.

12. Denmark Road and Rusholme Place – The Grinch  

If you live in these less social halls, you probably treat uni like university, and are more likely to be found in Ali G than at a Christmas social. There’s only one film for you: The Grinch.

Cover image edit via Google Maps, Prime Video