Every fact below carries the date it was checked and where it came from. That’s not decoration. Most freshers guides get written once and never touched again. This one records what was true when we checked it and links to the source.
First: your welcome week isn’t the same as everyone else’s. Salford’s starts 7 September 2026, Manchester and RNCM’s start 21 September, and Manchester Met’s starts 28 September. Sources: University of Salford, University of Manchester, RNCM and Manchester Metropolitan University, all checked 20 August 2026.
Here’s what to actually do in your first seven days, in order.
1. Register with a GP the day you know your address
Do this before you need it, not after. You can register for local medical services as soon as you know your address (University of Manchester, checked 20 August 2026).
If you’re a University of Manchester student or staff member, the Robert Darbishire Practice says you can register with its University GP Service no matter where you live. The service is on the fourth floor of Crawford House, Booth Street East. Register through the practice’s online route. Sources: Robert Darbishire Practice eligibility page and official University GP Service leaflet, checked 20 August 2026.
For local GP registration, the University says you will need proof of address. Students in University of Manchester accommodation can use the confirmation of registration letter sent to their University email address. If you prefer another practice, use the NHS’s Find a GP service. If you are entitled to NHS treatment, most local and family doctor services are free of charge (University of Manchester, checked 20 August 2026).
2. Get set up on the Bee Network before you need a bus at 2am
Manchester’s buses and trams both run under the Bee Network now. The adult single bus hopper fare is £2, and another Bee Network bus within 60 minutes costs no extra (TfGM, checked 20 August 2026). Greater Manchester’s bus and tram fares, including the £2 adult bus single, are frozen to the end of 2026 (Salford City Council, checked 20 August 2026). Trams are priced by zone, and combined bus-and-tram products are available.
The Bee Network app is one way to buy tickets and provides live departure information. TfGM also accepts other methods, including contactless tap and go, cash and card (TfGM ways to pay and Bee Network app, checked 20 August 2026). TfGM’s 24-hour pilot page says the V1 and 36 run all night every day, except the listed Christmas and New Year exclusions, while the 17 and 135 run all night on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Check the current timetable before travelling (TfGM night-bus list and 24-hour pilot, checked 20 August 2026).
More detail on this, including which routes actually run late, is in our Bee Network student guide.
3. Save these numbers now, not the night you need them
- 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger.
- 101 for police non-emergencies. Calls to both numbers are free (GOV.UK, checked 20 August 2026).
- Safe taxi scheme (University of Manchester and Manchester Met students): call StreetCars on 0161 228 7878 and quote “Manchester SU Safe Taxi Scheme.” Give the driver your student ID and ask for a receipt; after 12pm the following day, collect the ID from the Students’ Union reception when you pay the fare (StreetCars, checked 20 August 2026).
- SafeZone app: any student can use SafeZone for help on University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Salford campuses, as well as Fallowfield and Victoria Park. The app connects the user to the safety or security team for that area (University of Manchester, checked 20 August 2026).
4. Laundry: ask before you assume
University of Manchester halls provide washing machines and dryers through Circuit Laundry, paid separately online. Manchester Met also directs halls residents to Circuit Laundry. Sources: University of Manchester accommodation and Manchester Met moving-in guidance, checked 20 August 2026. If you live elsewhere, use your own provider’s instructions.
5. Where to actually eat on a student budget
We’ve verified a working list of places that are genuinely open at lunchtime, checked against what the businesses themselves publish, not what a directory says. It is in our checked Manchester food guide for students, and every entry carries the date it was checked.
6. Where to go at night
We’re not writing you another static list of “best bars for freshers.” Use the Plan a Night Out tool instead: tell it how many of you there are and it builds a route across venues for the night.
Why we’re doing it this way
Nothing above is here because it sounded impressive. Every number, address and claim has a source and a date next to it. If something here changes, tell us so we can recheck and correct it.
Corrections
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