Navigating a new city as a student can be a tricky task if you don’t already know where you’re going. Luckily, Manchester has several clubs situated within an arm’s reach of the universities and student areas. Attending second-rate events doesn't have to be a part of the student experience, at least not once you know the right places to frequent. These are our suggestions for making the very first weekends exploring your urban campus as worthwhile as the last.

Deaf Institute

135 Grosvenor St, Manchester M1 7HE

The Deaf Institute is best known for its unique interior design. Ascending the venue's floors on a night out, you'll find each room brings a different energy and aesthetic. Upon entering the dance floor, for instance, an array of monitors plasters the entire right-side bar. On the top floor you can find gigs and live bands while the lower level offers house and R&B edits from local electronic student collectives.

Kable Club

5NE, Wakefield House, 11-13 New Wakefield St, Manchester M1 5NP

Established in 2022, Kable Club is the new venue on the block, kitted out with a Funktion One sound system that packs a serious punch. Students can let loose to house, techno, garage, bass and everything in between as no genre is off limits. Kable Club is defined by its intimate basement setting with dynamic lighting and visuals for a multi-sensory clubbing experience.

YES

38 Charles St, Manchester M1 7DB

YES is a multi-functional bar, club and entertainment space that’s conveniently located 5 minutes away from Student Village. They pride themselves on the level of detail that goes into their programming, and rightly so. Alternative electronic artists and live performers regularly perform there, alongside local and international DJs. Their well known and popular Pink Room, which looks exactly how it sounds, provides a fun and carefree atmosphere that has become incredibly popular among students.

XLR

455 Wilmslow Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 4AN

Situated in the heart of Withington is XLR—a 200-capacity venue that has become a melting pot for the student population within Manchester. This is due to the venue being the only of its kind within this hugely student populated area of Manchester. Here, students can debut their events and either cut their teeth as artists and promoters or cut some shapes on the dance floor. Get on down to XLR if you enjoy garage, grime, techno or drum & bass.