Manchester Accommodation FAQ + Accommodation Choices Thread Mark III

Not here to ask or swap but it is interesting to see that the accomodation allocation process seems to have left a large number of people unhappy, whether it’s getting a room that’s completely beyond people’s choices or rooms that do not fit the budgets of the students forcing them to swap or pay more than they can (i.e the expensive ones like Unsworth or catered options). My friend applied very early on (I understand that this is not allocated on a first come first serve basis which is in itself peculiar), for all en-suite options as she is anxious and is slowly recovering from an eating disorder; now she’s in shared bathroom accomodation without a basin. This has also further stressed her parents out who were already worried enough about her.

I know that it’s an extremely difficult task for the uni and I appreciate their efforts. It’s hard to assign a choice that EVERYONE is satisfied with especially for the people who are wanting things like “better social scene” etc. but you would think the bare minimum is that more people would get their preferred choices of catered/non & en-suite/shared.

And I know there are many others like my friend who haven’t even entered any of the swap threads as she didn’t want to bother anyone else; it’s more than the couple hundred we see on these threads who are unhappy.

Seeing my friend go through this has made me reconsider this uni for next year; not because I’m picky about accomodation, but if the uni can’t even sort out a good system for something as basic as accomodation, it goes to show what the uni really is all about when it comes to caring for their students.

But good luck to everyone this year and be kind to each other.

But there are around 7500 students for this accommodation - it would be impossible to keep every single person happy! They will use a system which makes the most people happy.

Not here to ask or swap but it is interesting to see that the accomodation allocation process seems to have left a large number of people unhappy, whether it’s getting a room that’s completely beyond people’s choices or rooms that do not fit the budgets of the students forcing them to swap or pay more than they can (i.e the expensive ones like Unsworth or catered options). My friend applied very early on (I understand that this is not allocated on a first come first serve basis which is in itself peculiar), for all en-suite options as she is anxious and is slowly recovering from an eating disorder; now she’s in shared bathroom accomodation without a basin. This has also further stressed her parents out who were already worried enough about her.

I know that it’s an extremely difficult task for the uni and I appreciate their efforts. It’s hard to assign a choice that EVERYONE is satisfied with especially for the people who are wanting things like “better social scene” etc. but you would think the bare minimum is that more people would get their preferred choices of catered/non & en-suite/shared.

And I know there are many others like my friend who haven’t even entered any of the swap threads as she didn’t want to bother anyone else; it’s more than the couple hundred we see on these threads who are unhappy.

Seeing my friend go through this has made me reconsider this uni for next year; not because I’m picky about accomodation, but if the uni can’t even sort out a good system for something as basic as accomodation, it goes to show what the uni really is all about when it comes to caring for their students.

But good luck to everyone this year and be kind to each other.

I appreciate your response and as I have already acknowledged I have the common sense to understand that this system is not perfect and it’s hard to satisfy everyone. But the root of the problem really isn’t that...it’s more that the allocation system doesn’t take into context a student’s health, budget or religious reasons if relevant. For example, many who have been offered cheaper accomodation seem to be implying (in the swap thread) that they do not mind spending more money for an en-suite or catered option etc, compared to many who have been allocated very expensive accomodation cannot pay the price and thus are looking for a swap. Would it not have made more sense to have take into account budget limits when considering accommodation applications before allocation? This post could be a lot longer with many more examples but I think I’ve made my point enough.
Thank you again for trying to explain though.

I am only arriving at campus next year . In this case, how do I proceed with accommodation application? Will the uni still offer one or I have to look else where? If the uni does offer, when do I start application ?

I got Owens Park in Tree Court. My mate on my CS course tells me it is called Ket Towers. Is this true?

Hi guys, I got Whitworth Park
Location: City Campus
Room Type: Standard Bedroom
Self Catered: Yes


I want Oak House because this accommodation costs more than my disability benefits and definitely won't fit into my budget; whereas Oak House can in a pinch! Anyone kind enough to help me out, even if it's just to get closer to the labs and nightclubs, would be hugely appreciated xx

I suggest you reach out to the accommodation office to ask for a swap based on your disability

Great news! I applied to transfer a few days ago and, though I was doubtful, I was successful today! Thanks so much for the advice