Oxford Road Corridor

Culture

Oxford road spans a 2 mile stretch from St Peters Square in the city centre right up to the edge of the famous “Curry Mile” in Rusholme, and along its length you’ll find a whole host of activity that comes alive from sunrise till sunset. If its culture you’re after you’ve come to the right place; The Palace Theatre, The Royal National College of Music, The Dancehouse and Manchester Academy are just a few examples of the theatres and music venues that show off the highlights of Manchester’s vibrant arts scene. Contact Theatre, tucked away within the University of Manchester’s campus, is the city’s home of contemporary theatre and spoken word performance, showcasing the best young talent the city had to offer. If Art is what you’re after, The Manchester School of Art, housed within the Manchester Metropolitan University’s campus, is the home of the Holden Gallery which hosts interesting exhibitions and events open to the public. Plus a short distance away is a new addition to Manchester’s cultural delights - the £25m arts complex HOME, containing contemporary art exhibitions, theatre performances and cinema viewings and offers some great student deals. It’s definitely one not to be missed.

Food

If you’re feeling hungry, you don’t need to go far to find options to cater for any taste. From the budget end, Archie’s Fast Food and Shakes is a firm favourite with the student population, and Kukoos offers great lunchtime deals with their delicious mishmash of Indian, Moroccan and Lebanese street food. And if you’re after a vegetarian option, veggie cooperative Eighth Day offers fresh veggie and vegan food in their basement café, with an organic health food shop sitting above.  Another student-friendly option is Changos Burritos which offers up, you guessed it, the best burritos in town. And something a little more special, Zouk Tea Bar and Grill cooks up authentic Indian and Pakistani dishes in a luxurious setting just off the Oxford Road corridor.

Nighlife

Oxford Road can’t be mentioned without talking about its nightlife; whatever day of the week you’ll always be able to find something to do! Indie bars like Kro, Black Dog Ballroom and Big Hands are perfect for a pre-gig warm-up or post-lecture drinks, and quirky bar The Temple – a former underground public toilet turned rock and roll bar- is a great way to kick off a Manchester night out. If you’re looking for everything all in one place, The Deaf Institute is an unmissable venue housed in a stunning Grade-II listed building, which offers independent bands and music events, club nights and a bar & kitchen. And if clubbing is what you’re after, there are plenty of nightclubs along the Oxford Road corridor that are perfect for a student night out. Factory 251, Fifth Avenue, 42’s and Joshua Brooks are just a few examples where you can party all night long!

Other places worth noting are the Central Manchester University Hospitals and The University of Manchester Dental Hospital which are located near the borders of Rusholme, as well as the Manchester Aquatics Centre and Sugden Sports Centre which lie between the MMU and University of Manchester campuses.