Private renting vs shared student… | Manchester Apartments
06 May 2022

Private renting versus shared student accommodation in Manchester – which is best?

When it comes to getting your accommodation sorted for university, the age-old question always pops up – should I go into the student accommodation, or should I find something myself? At Manchester Apartments, we know how difficult it can be to weigh up your options, so we wanted to help you out by answering some of the most common questions we hear being asked.

  • HOW much are the bills?!

Moving into a new place can be a real reality check if you haven’t dealt with bills before. When it comes to shared accommodation, as you can be sharing with up to 9 other people, even if you’re savvy with your utility usage there’s no guarantee that everyone else you’re living with is. Especially with prices on the rise, it’s easier than ever to lose control of your usage and end up with a hefty bill that makes your eyes water.

All our apartments have a utilities package in place, meaning your water, electricity, and Wi-Fi are tied together in one easy package. You can more easily control your usage, and because our apartments are designed to be as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible, it doesn’t take as much energy to keep your apartment warm, meaning no big, scary bill at the end of the year – that sounds like a win to us!

  • Whose dirty plates are these?

Student kitchens are infamous for the mess that can build up in them, and it’s no big surprise as to why it happens so often. With so many people sharing one space, it doesn’t take long to become dirty, and more often than not, there will be one or two flatmates that have never even seen a sponge before, let alone a washing up bowl. This can quickly end up in nasty smells, mould, and a level of stress that none of us needs to experience.

Living on your own, or sharing with a friend or two, massively limits the amount of washing up that can appear in the kitchen at any one time – and while we can’t guarantee that your kitchen will be spotless all year round, you’re much more likely to be able to keep on top of it and not have to go on an expedition for a teaspoon every time you fancy a cuppa.

  • Wait, I’ve got to move out already?

Student accommodation is just that – for students throughout the academic year. Often running from September until May/June, you don’t get a full year in your accommodation, and more often than not, you only get that year before new students come in and take your place resulting in you looking for somewhere else. Not to mention that you’re expected to go home during the term breaks! When you’ve found somewhere you love, you want to be able to stay there for as long as possible - which is where we come in.

Our accommodation is student-friendly, but is also suitable for young professionals, meaning you can live in your apartment from day one at university all the way past graduation, and into the start of your career if you choose to stay in Manchester, and explore all the incredible options this city has to offer. We can also offer a variety of flexible tenancies, letting you pick what fits your lifestyle best and giving you more options than the typical student accommodation.

  • Extra perks always win

Moving to university often means your finances change, and whether you’re working to support your studies or just being more careful on what you spend and when, there are certain extras that will make all the difference. Most of the time, moving into student accommodation doesn’t offer you anything extra, however, a student discount card can always help here and there.


With Manchester Apartments, some of our buildings come with amenities included, offering you a range of exciting and luxurious options without ever having to leave the building. For example, our newest building, Ancoats Gardens, offers its tenants exclusive access to a state-of-the-art gym, rooftop gardens, coffee roastery, and co-working and residents’ lounges – at no extra cost. We know. Result. This allows you to save on your gym membership and Starbucks visits, without sacrificing these luxuries so you can spend it elsewhere. You don’t see THAT in your typical student digs!

If you have more questions about which accommodation you should go for, get in touch today and ask! We’re on hand to give you all the advice you need and help you make the right decision for you.