Our location

Salford students in Chinatown

Our students love our location for many reasons. We’re based just minutes from Manchester, which was voted the second-friendliest city in the world by Timeout (2022).

From the diversity of cultures and friendly people to the exciting food, music, art, shopping, and sport...there’s so much to love! 

Watch the video below to hear more from our international students about our fantastic location. 

Living in Salford and Manchester

Where is the University of Salford located?

We’re located in Salford, a city in Greater Manchester which is in the Northwest of England. Our main campus is just minutes away from Manchester city centre. 

Travelling to and from Manchester city centre, or anywhere in the UK and abroad is super easy. Manchester airport is only a 30-minute train ride away, and from there you can fly to hundreds of countries across the world. 

You can use buses, trams, taxis, trains, e-scooters, or you could just walk. We even have a train station right here on campus, and a free bus that connects our Peel Park campus with our MediaCity campus.

Check out the video below to discover more about Salford and the surrounding areas. 

Where is Salford? text in white and red font on a dark turquoise background

Everyone is welcome

Students and pastors at the Faith Centre at Salford

Greater Manchester celebrates people from all religions, beliefs, and backgrounds. Over 200 different languages are spoken here, and people are very friendly. 

You can find many places of worship and different religious communities in Greater Manchester and surrounding areas. We also have a faith centre right here on campus, where you can find religious support, or friendship, no matter what you believe in.

The University is located close to Manchester, which is one of the biggest cities in the United Kingdom. I’ve had the chance to meet and make friends with more people as well as improve my English. Manchester attracts many people from many different countries to visit and study, so I can learn from different cultures.

Ho Thanh Que Anh, Vietnam

MSc Marketing

      

Exciting international food

Salford students shopping in a world food market in Rusholme

Manchester has a thriving food scene with many different and exciting restaurants, shops and markets that cater to all tastes and diets. Head to the famous “Curry Mile” in Rusholme to find South Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants, cafes, and world food markets.  

Salford students drinking Boba Tea in Chinatown

Or visit the second-largest Chinatown in the UK, which has cafes, restaurants and shops selling food and goods from China, Nepal, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. 

Even the main supermarkets have a world food section, so finding goods that remind you of home couldn’t be easier. 

When I looked at different cities in the UK, I found that Manchester is just as exciting as London, but is much more affordable.

Seyedbehshad Mousavi, Iran

MSc Digital Marketing

    

Shopping for all budgets

There are many shops and malls in Salford and Manchester where you can purchase items to suit your budget. From designer brands to high street stores, vintage, or second-hand shops. The Trafford Centre is one of Europe’s biggest shopping malls, where you can also find arcades, crazy golf, and international restaurants. 

Some of the finest nature in the country

RHS Garden Bridgewater taken by RHS/Neil Hepworth

Besides the beautiful Peel Park and river on campus, there’s plenty to enjoy nearby. From Heaton Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe to the newly opened RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford; one of the largest gardening projects in Europe.

Or why not take a day trip to some of the most picturesque regions in the country? The Lake District, Peak District or the Yorkshire Dales can be reached within a couple of hours by car or train. 

Plenty of job opportunities

Two students talking

If you need some extra cash to help you pay for your studies, you can find many part-time jobs available. Our on-campus recruitment agency Unitemps can help you find something suitable to fit around your studies and to comply with the terms of your visa.  

As Manchester is one of the largest economies in England, there are lots of opportunities for part time work, internships, placements, voluntary work, and careers after you graduate. 

For the first time in my life, I lived with one of the most open-minded and warm international communities at the University of Salford. I also really enjoyed the facilities on and off-campus.

Krupa Raval, India

MSc Project Management

  

Everything you need on campus

Two swimmers in the University of Salford Sports Centre swimming pool

You can find everything you need right here on campus. There are 100 different activity groups and sports teams to join through the Students Union, excellent sporting facilities, low-cost meals, and shops. The International Cafe is popular, as it offers a great way to meet people from all different cultures and enjoy fun activities.

Oh, and don’t forget the support services and doctor’s surgery to keep you safe, well and feeling good.  

You can even find the Salford Museum and Art Gallery which has a replica street from the 1800s and much more.

Frequently asked questions

I have children, what activities/support can I expect?

If you’ve got children, you will find many exciting family activities to enjoy. You can visit museums, activity centres, historic buildings, farms with animals, art galleries and a lot more. 

The UK has lots of resources to support families, including special areas for baby changing in public toilets and support services for families to access through education/health/voluntary organisations in your local area.

We also have a nursery right here on our campus called Busy Bees, so you can get the support you need whilst you study. 

Find out more about support for students with families.

Where is Salford Quays?

Salford Quays is a waterfront area in Salford, with world-class businesses, shopping, culture, and housing. MediaCity is where our campus is based, right next to the BBC, ITV and over 250 other media, creative and digital businesses, as well as restaurants, shops, the Imperial War Museum, and other leisure facilities.  

Students can get the free bus X50 to take them from our Peel Park campus to MediaCity. 

 

What multinational companies have an office in Manchester?

Some of the largest companies around the world and other large international brands have an office in Greater Manchester. This includes: 

  • Amazon 
  • Adidas 
  • Arup 
  • Booking.com 
  • BBC 
  • Bosch 
  • Deloitte 
  • ITV 
  • Microsoft 
  • Kellogg’s 
  • Klarna 
  • Siemens 
  • The Co-operative Group 
  • United Utilities 

What healthcare support can I get?

In the UK we have a National Health Service. International students can access the NHS when they pay an immigration health surcharge as part of their Student Visa application. The services provided include:

  • GP (doctor) services
  • Walk-in clinics
  • Accident and Emergency (A&E) services
  • Treatment for infectious diseases

We have a doctor's surgery on our Peel Park campus that students can register with as soon as they arrive to access the health services. 

You should register separately for the dentist and you may need to pay for dental treatment as well as any medication that you are prescribed by a doctor. Find more information about health services.