Manchester is fast becoming recognised as England's second city. It is the birthplace of the industrial revolution and a major centre of learning, with three universities and two colleges of music. The Greater Manchester area has a population of around 2.5 million and the student population has been estimated at 88,000 – which explains why Manchester is known as “the ultimate student city”!
Excel College is in the heart of Manchester – 2 minutes walk from Piccadilly Train Station and less than five minutes walk from Piccadilly Gardens bus depot – we are easy to get to and a great starting point to explore this fun city.
EXCEL COLLEGE STUDENTS
We asked our students what they liked most about Manchester; here is a sample of their comments:
“I like Manchester because it is a cosmopolitan city, but not too big…”
“…everything is close and you can walk to most places…”
“…cheaper than London for living…”
“…different people, different cultures… the people are very kind…”
“…a cultured city – libraries and museums – beautiful old buildings…”
“…changeable weather brings four seasons every year…”
“…night clubs and football stadiums….”
“…Manchester is a quiet city, it is good for study and no pollution…”
“…Excel College.”
FOCUS ON MANCHESTER
Food
Manchester boasts over 500 bars, restaurants, bistros, cafes and coffee shops in the city centre alone, serving food from Britain, France & Italy to South America & the Middle East.
China Town
Salford Quays
Curry Mile
Chinatown offers a dazzling array of East Asian foods while the famous Curry Mile houses a dizzying selection of Indian, Pakistani & Bangladeshi restaurants.
Sport
The Commonwealth Games showed off the City of Manchester Stadium, National Squash Centre, the Aquatics Centre and Velodrome as well as its numerous indoor and outdoor sport centres.
Old Trafford
Aquatics Centre
City of Manchester Stadium
Everyone knows about Manchester United but they are only 1 of 8 football teams in the city, not to mention world-class cricket, rugby and ice hockey teams.
Shopping
The city has become North West England’s centre of shopping – offering everything from designer names to independent boutiques in the Arndale Centre, the Northern Quarter and St. Ann’s Square.
Market Street
Affleck’s Palace
Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre is the largest shopping mall in the UK and second largest in Europe.
Entertainment
Manchester has over 80 free museums and galleries, 13 theatres, 5 cinema multiplexes and 3 classical orchestras – so there’s no reason to be bored when you’ve completed your study!
Contact Theatre
Printworks
Lowry Theatre
Excel College arranges educational trips throughout the region and regularly hosts social events for students to meet local people and practise speaking English.
Travel
Manchester has the UK’s busiest international airport outside London, flying to over 200 worldwide destinations: www.manchesterairport.co.uk
Stagecoach
Metrolink
Peak District
Manchester has an extensive bus network plus high-frequency tram and rail service The city also provides easy access to some of the UK’s most beautiful national parks, such as the Peak District, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.
