There are many, many reasons to love Manchester. The city is filled with excitement. Loads of people flock to this city every year because it is teeming with life and bursting with things to do, places to see and a life to live. So here are the places I love in Manchester (beside the University, obviously.)

One of my favourite places in Manchester is the Manchester Arena. Even though Lady Gaga just cancelled on me… I’m still recovering.

But in all seriousness, I love the Manchester Arena. I am so glad it exists because without it, I wouldn’t have been able to see all the amazing artists that I have. That’s one of the greatest things about Manchester. We are famous. We are on the world map. We are always a tour stop. Which makes me happy, because I love music.

Another one of my favourite places in Manchester is Oxford Road. I know this may be slightly biased since my University is on this road, so I automatically spend a lot of time here. But, I don’t know, it just feels like a city on this road. All the people, all the buses and all the businesses. It just makes me feel so small. Which sounds bad, but to me it just reminds me how there is a big world out there and I’m just a little piece that needs to find his place. It gives me hope.

One of Manchester’s most famous spots is Canal Street. For good reason. That street is where true freedom exists. Which is why, it is also one of my favourite spots. Despite the fact I’m gay and that’s where it’s safest for me to be myself, Canal Street is just where it is safest to be yourself – no matter who you are. Wear your rubber and your leather and your chains. Perform your drag, get drunk and dance like no one’s watching. It’s a completely different world and it’s all crammed into one magnificent street.

Oh my god and the FOOD. There are so many fantastic places to feast but my favourite is definitely Almost Famous. Their burgers are ahead of the game. Every time I bite into one of their burgers I am shocked by how amazing they taste and oh my GOD their Mac & Cheese Balls. Honestly, they’re iconic.

 Finally, my ultimate favourite place? Anywhere with coffee. Starbucks? I’m there. Costa? Catch me in the corner taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi. Café Nero, Tim Hortons and all the little indie coffee shops where they try and offer me my latte in an avocado. No matter where the coffee is, I’ll happily sit there and read, write and watch as I bathe in the aroma of the beans.

People find my obsession with coffee crazy because instead of sleeping in like most students I’d rather get up early and sit in a coffee shop waiting for my lecture. But what can I say? I just love it. It makes me happy and motivates me to get out of bed. Which, if we’re honest, is something all students need.

Maybe it’s time for you to visit Manchester and find your favourite place.