Free things to do
Low-cost and free things to do around the city.
Manchester's parks are free - Heaton Park and Philips Park are large, accessible, and good for a walk or group hangout. The city centre squares - Piccadilly, St Ann's - have seating and are social spaces. Many museums and galleries offer free admission or free hours - worth checking before paying. The library is free and open to students; it's a good study space or just a place to spend time indoors. Live music happens regularly at free or pay-what-you-can venues across the city.
Walking tours of the city or neighbourhoods don't need to cost money - you can explore at your own pace and learn as you go. The city's street art and architecture are worth looking at. University societies often run free events - talks, social gatherings, competitions. The students' union has event listings. Joining a sports or activity club through the university is often cheaper than commercial alternatives and builds friendships within your cohort.
Hanging out with friends, cooking together, watching films, discussing coursework - much of student life doesn't cost money. The expensive parts are housing, food you buy, and nights out. Balancing time spent on things that cost nothing with time spent on things you enjoy paying for is part of managing student life. Some of the best experiences are free or nearly free - they just require you and other people with time.