Why Learn English In Manchester? Or There's More To Britain Than London!

Our capital city is often the limit of most English as a foreign language students' experience of the UK. London is often the only British city that they have heard of and so they fly there and then spend all their time (and a lot of their money!) living in Greater London whilst studying in the city centre. London is a superb location and a brilliant and exhilarating place to live. But, the cost of living is higher and the quality of life lower. Even the BBC are relocating to Manchester from London! This article will encourage potential students to consider Manchester as a far better UK city study location. There are lots of reasons why Manchester will allow you to enjoy your English language stay better. Below are just some of the more obvious ones:

1 The First Industrial Society

By the late 18th Centrury and early 19th Century, Manchester had already established itself as the first industrial society. The many reasons for this historic phenomenon are still in evidence when living in the city today. Manchester had more than its fair share of the right people to make this happen: industrialist entrepreneurs who had the necessary capital and vision / scientists and engineers with cutting edge technical know-how / a ready supply of material in the raw cotton being imported from the USA to nearby Liverpool and the coal from the Lancashire mines / the infrastructure to ensure its quick and easy transportation by canal and train / a large supply of cheap labour from the surrounding towns as well as the Irish immigrants. Even the rainy climate meant that the newly spun cotton thread was less likely to break in the humid atmosphere! The excitement of the explosive growth that the city experienced during the early decades of the nineteenth century can still befelt now in the busy and dynamic city centre.

2 A Unique Culture And People

Manchester people are culturally diverse having welcomed wave after wave of incoming foreign immigrant labour. First there were the Irish escaping famine, followed by the Chinese, West Indians with the Asian communities springing up after that. Every one of these immigrant waves have given Manchester so much more culturally and you can still see the results of this in the city today. Manchester is now preparing to celebrate Irish week, an annual city wide festival that coincides with Irish St Patrick's Day national holiday in Ireland itself. Last month the city's China Town celebrated the advent of the Chinese New Year with many delicious delights available in the many Chinese restaurants in this city centre enclave. Travelling beyond the university on Oxford Road, through the inner city residential area of Rusholme you will find "The Curry Mile". An area full of Indian, Pakistani, Bengali and Bangladeshi restaurants offering delicious meals at very reasonable prices.

3 National And Historical Centre Of Sport

Everybody has heard of Manchester United. The latest statistics show that 5% of the world's total population support this football club! However, within 30 kilometres of Manchester there are another seven English Premeier League clubs: Manchester City, Liverpool, Everton, Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, Wigan Athletic and Burnley. All historic north west English football clubs and founder members of the English football league. The National Football Museum will soon be located inside of Urbis, the city centre museum of urban life. Manchester is also the home of the state of the art "Velodrome" that hosted the cycling events in the Commonwealth games, as well as being the location of the English Sporting Institute.

4 Large Student Population With 3 Universities

The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford are all world class universities offering a wide range of undergraduate degree programmes covering all disciplines including medicine, dentistry and law as well post graduate taught programmes like MBAs and post graduate research degrees. It is estimated that the total student population in Manchester is in the region of 90 000 with the various university departments attracting students from all over the world as well as the UK. When it comes to student entertainment, accommodation and cheap eating, Manchester can provide. In a word, Manchester is "top!"!

5 Efficient And Cheap Public Transport

With a widespread network of buses, trams and trains, all converging on Piccadilly Gardens, Victoria or Picadilly train stations, it's never been easier to get around Manchester city centre and the extremities of Greater Manchester beyond. There are all kinds of daily, weekly and monthly saver tickets available that allow even those on a limited budget to travel around the city for less.

6 You Get A Warmer Welcome Up North

Many visiting foreign students report that they find it easier to make friends and conversation with the local people in the north of England. Although based only upon anecdotal evidence, there would seem to be enough of it to suggest that there is some truth in this belief. On the Underground in London everyone avoids each other's gaze whilst keeping busy with a book or magazine. You can start a conversation in Manchester with anyone, anywhere at anytime! If you were to try this in any other major city, the other person would most probably call the Police!

So the message is clear. Get out of your comfort zone and discover the undiscovered jewel in the British crown. There are so many people who have got there ahead of you, but don't worry, there's room for more in Manchester, where everybody is welcome!