Sandy's Impression of Manchester (Oct)

Manchester, UK (Oct)

Food

I started getting used to the food here. Most of the time I prepare my meals and I may eat out only at the weekends (but it's just take-away).

Living standard/cost

Things are not as expensive as I first thought, as I've found out where to get things at a lower price.

People

I seldom meet any unfriendly or wicked people here. Sometimes I think I seem to be living under protection within the campus. "THANK YOU" is the expression I frequently use and hear - whenever I open the gate to my residence and wait for any other people; pay in at the counter; get off the bus; my flatmates get a phone call for me, etc.

University

Surroundings

Entertainment

As there's more and more readings for my courses (that's why we've got a reading week!), entertainment in any form seems to be a luxury. Weekends are just days to relax myself by getting up a bit later and reading some magazines (though actually I sometimes do so during the weekdays). Going to the city centre on Sundays has been my habit.
The activities like tours held by those student associations are things that we can take part in. Fancy a trip to Paris for four days? Just 60 pounds only! Want a day trip to the Lake District? 20 pounds!
Hopefully I can travel to another city from time to time during the weekends. You know, travelling from one city to another is very convenient and cheap, just like taking an hour-bus trip.

Weather

Two words can conclude the general weather conditions here these days: EXTREMELY WINDY. Don't expect that your umbrella is still fine after it has protected you from strong wind and showers. Walking on the street without umbrellas is normal.
I can get frozen in less than 5 minutes on the street even when I keep on walking. I guess I'll be much stronger after this winter!
There's been hail these days, but it usually takes place at night when the temperature, I guess, is below 5 degree celcius...

Beggars

Sometimes some people approach you for some changes. We may encounter some people who try to sell magazine subscriptions, which is a government plan to help those poor people to get money, and i think that's a good idea.

Freebies

Ha, it's funny. I always go out early in the morning, even when I've got no classes, just for a free copy of newspaper (not later than 11 a.m.).
lots of surprising offers or freebies can be obtained during the freshers' week.
Just outside the Student Union Building, you'll always find some students distribute leaflets, which is in fact a popular part-time job for a few quids. Those leaflets are mostly about pubs and bars.
Never underestimate the value of those things you can on the street. You may get kind of discounts on something, like "Snapfax", with which you can buy a meal deal of burgers at a fast food chain shop at a lower price, for example.

Clubcards

You know what? I've already got three clubcards from a supermarket, a department store and a bookshop. Just for bonus points.

Being a student in the UK

Privileges:

Lots of discounts/special offers or free drinks in shops (boutiques, bars, pubs, discos, household shops), including those at the city centre.
Student cards - railcard and coach card, which save you a lot of money on transport
Banks - try to attract students, esp. those undergraduates, in such a fierce competition by giving, say, £50 cash or a CD player, a 4-year young person railcard.

BUT:

NOTE: I've started to like Manchester as I get used to my life here. (Maybe it's my character)

This part was last updated on 16th Nov, 2000.

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