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Twelve services you (probably) never knew about

Published on 26 September 13

Here's our guide to services you might have missed...

1. The University has its own opticians who offer free eye examinations, performed by supervised final year students, along with 20% discounts on glasses. To book an appointment call 0161 306 3860.

2. The Armitage and Sugden centres both offer drop-in keep fit classes everyday of the week, including Zumba and Kickboxing costing only £3.30 for students.

3. Be Active - from SPORT on campus - offers various eight-week courses from Yoga to Pilates, as well as women only sessions for as little as £3 a session.

4. Students Union’s academic advice centre can help support you when you are changing courses and or if you need to apply for mitigating circumstances.

5. Biko Bikes is a student run project which refurbishes and repairs reclaimed bikes found on campus, you can either apply to rent a bike during your time at university or get involved in the project and learn bike maintenance.

Dont' forget that many of these services can help you Make the most of Manchester

6. The counselling service isn’t just there for counselling appointments; they also offer workshops which can help with things like confidence and speaking out in groups, both brilliant for university life.

If you’re returning from a break in studies, then there’s a brand new workshop designed just for you in consultation with current students.

7. You may think that once you are at university it’s really difficult to get diagnosed as dyslexic or dyspraxic, but all you need to do is email the Disability Support office at dso@manchester.ac.uk, to ensure you get all the support you need.

8. Nightline is a confidential listening and information service run for students by students. It offers you an anonymous, non-judgemental and non-directive support regardless of the situation. Call between 8pm and 8am every night of term, or email nightmail@. The number can be found on the back of your library card.

9. The Students Union accommodation services can help you with dodgy landlords and the neighbours from hell offering you advice on your rights and what you can do if your housing isn’t up to scratch.  

10. The library has subject guides making it much easier to locate specific texts and journals for your course.

11. Manchester Student Homes is a University approved housing website, where you can find private housing for when you move out of halls, helping you to avoid poor housing and nightmare landlords. As well as providing a search for accredited accommodation, they also have free legal advice on all kinds of housing related issues.

12. Box of Broadcasts allows you to watch television programmes which can be recorded by you or others. Allegedly for those using television for “research”, anyone with a student ID can use the service to catch up with the latest series, as well as those from the past. It is totally legal and allows you to share your favourite shows with your friends.