Name: Matt Train
Degree: MA Translation Studies
From: Horsham, West Sussex

Why postgraduate study?

There is so much in Manchester, in the University and in the city, that even with a small amount of effort you can find yourself some fantastic and unique opportunities. It's a great place to study, and an even better place to live.

My typical day

I'll normally start by heading for the Arts Building and the Centre for Graduate Studies where I check my emails. Then I head over to the library to get down to some work. I am involved in three main projects at the moment; an essay, a long translation, and my section of a lecture to be given by our group. We meet once a week to discuss the topic and anything relevant over coffee and biscuits. It's always good fun.

I usually meet friends and go to the University refectory for lunch, which is brilliant for the student on a budget. I sometimes go swimming at the Aquatics Centre, which is right next to campus. It is where the swimming events took place in the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

In the evenings, I'll catch up with my housemates and doing some reading or head out to a bar to meet friends. I play the guitar and the saxophone in a band, and we often play in bars or cafes in the evenings. It's a great way to relax and meet people. Manchester's independent music scene means it's never hard to get a gig or to get to see one.

Accommodation

I live in Rusholme - an area just down the road from campus - in a house I rent with three friends. It only takes me twenty minutes to walk in, through one of the most culturally diverse areas in the city.

Our house is a good mix; Piers is from South London, Rob from Leeds, Ian from Nottingham, and I'm from Horsham, West Sussex. There are numerous butchers and grocers near my house. I've never eaten as healthily as I have since moving to Rusholme and it's cheap, which helps!

Going out

As well as the quality of the University, what really attracted me here was Manchester's vibrant entertainment scene. There are hundreds of venues for live music, hosting internationally renowned artists as well as local talent.

There are loads of sporting events, comedy venues, theatre venues and club nights that cater for everyone. There's no better incentive to studying hard in the week than the thought of a good night out at the weekend!